International students prepare to take their skills to the world

Anja Veitengruber is preparing to head to the Big Apple to put into practice the skills she has learned as part of her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Southern Cross University.

German-born Anja, who will begin an internship with an investment bank in New York next month, is one of 28 international students from Southern Cross University who will celebrate the end of their studies at a ceremony this Friday, April 16.

“I have a short internship in New York starting in May, and then in August I begin a job with the confectionary company Fererro in Frankfurt in Germany, so there are plenty of opportunities,” said Anja.

“I’ve really enjoyed studying at SCU - the lecturers don’t just give you a book and test you on it, they really take the time to explain and give you an understanding of what you have to do. Plus the University is really up to date IT-wise – for example, classes are recorded and can be watched online any time.

“I’ve loved living near the beach and I’ve been working on my surfing skills! I’ve met lots of friends – both Australian and international - and I’ve had the chance to travel around the country and do things like explore the outback and go deep sea fishing, which has been great.

“Because of a cooperative agreement between my university in Germany, the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences and Southern Cross University, I was able to get extra credits points for my German Masters degree in International Business Administration, which meant I could finish my studies here more quickly.

“Since I arrived I’ve been the contact person for other students in Germany who might be considering coming here in the future. I send them photos and all kinds of information about SCU and the local area to tell them about the great experience I have had.”

The course completion ceremony, which will take place at the University’s Lakeside teaching facility in Caloola Drive, Tweed Heads, is being held to give international students who have to leave the country before the official graduation the chance to mark the end of their studies.

International Office director, Jo Asquith said the course completion ceremonies were an important part of university life.

“Many international students have to leave before the graduation ceremony because of visa constraints, so this is an opportunity for us to give them an official farewell and wish them all the very best for the future,” said Ms Asquith.

“It’s also a chance for the students to formally celebrate their achievements with friends and family.”

The students taking part in the course completion ceremony are completing courses in: Doctor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Convention and Event Management, Master of International Tourism and Hotel Management, (Diploma of Sport Management (Surfing Studies), Bachelor Business in Convention and Event Management, Master of Tourism and Hotel Management.

Media are invited to attend tomorrow Friday April 16 at 1pm as international students celebrate after the course completion ceremony on the deck overlooking the lake at SCU Lakeside in Caloola Drive, Tweed Heads.

Photo: Anja Veitengruber(high resolution image available on request)