International students the focus of celebrations at Southern Cross University

International students will mark the completion of their courses tomorrow, Friday July 31 at Southern Cross University’s Riverside campus in Brett Street, Tweed Heads.

Monica Nagpal from New Delhi in India will be one of 14 international students celebrating the end of her studies after finishing a double Master in Professional Accounting and Master in Business Administration.

Monica arrived in the region to begin her studies two years ago and is accompanied by her two children, who attend school on the Gold Coast, and her husband, who divides his time between Australia and India.

“The course was hard work but in the end I really feel I have benefited a lot because the skills I have learned are so applicable to the real world,” said Monica.

“We have found everyone to be really friendly here – often going out of their way to help us, and the children have enjoyed taking part in all the different sports at school, from surfing and basketball to AFL and cricket.

“We’ve loved spending time here and now that I’ve finished my studies my husband and I plan to explore the possibility of staying permanently. I want to pursue a career in accounting and one day we may even set up our own business here.”

International Office student support officer Sarah Rogers said the course completion ceremonies were an important part of life at the University.

“Because of visa constraints many international students have to return home before the formal graduation ceremony, so the completion ceremony gives them to opportunity to celebrate with their fellow students,” said Miss Rogers

“It’s also a great way for the University to show them that they are valued with a formal farewell and also hopefully give them some fond memories of their time here.”

The students taking part in the course completion ceremony are completing courses in: Master of Business Administration, Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Business Administration in Hotel and Tourism Management, Bachelor of Business, Master of Tourism and Hotel Management, Master International Tourism and Hotel Management and Graduate Diploma in International Tourism and Hotel Management.

The official address will be given by Ulrike Baker, manager, International Student Support Services, and Monica Nagpal will give a speech at the ceremony. Professor Ian Eddie, director of the Graduate College of Management will present students with their completion certificates.

Media are invited to attend tomorrow, Friday July 31, at 1.15pm as international students celebrate after the course completion ceremony in the courtyard between the civic centre and Southern Cross University, Tweed Gold Coast campus, Brett Street.

International students and staff will be available for photographs and interview.

Photo: Monica Nagpal (high resolution image available on request)