International students get connected

VICTORIA’S first region specific international student association will be launched in Geelong this week — connecting the city’s 2500 overseas students studying at multiple education providers.

The State Governmentbacked Geelong International Student Association (GISA) aims to create a tight-knit international community and support network across the region.

Geelong-based Macedonian nursing student Mladen Bozhinovski has been studying in Geelong for close to 12 months and plans to live in Geelong for a further two years. He is one of a small group of founding members who believe GISA will become a unifying force for the international student community.

“We can always rely on GISA, regardless of the type of information we are after they are always here for us,” Mr Bozhinovski said.

“We are going to have a couple of events, a free training session and a job networking session which will help us meet new people and gain new skills.” GISA executive director Jacinta Smith said the association would be officially launched on Thursday during a festive launch with more than 150 students from a variety of backgrounds and countries.

“With over 150 guests expected to attend, it will be the perfect opportunity for international students to come and network with students that are sharing a similar experience to themselves,” Ms Smith said.

“With the support of several of the region’s education providers such as The Gordon Institute of TAFE, Deakin University, and AGB Training to name a few, GISA is setting its sights on preventing feelings of isolation and separation among international students across the region,” Ms Smith said.

“We want to provide them with a strong social network that will help to integrate them into the Geelong community,” Ms Smith said.

For more information search for GISA on Facebook or eventbrite.com.au.