Monash alumni share Australian life

A program helping international students adapt to Australian life has received an overwhelming response from the Monash community.

Since the launch of the International Student Friendship Program (ISFP) in August, over 100 Monash community, university staff, alumni members and international students have signed up in the first two months with more than 30 volunteers on a waiting list.

Monash alumna Mrs Dianna Lorenz-Daniel was matched with Ms Mai Xuan Le from Vietnam.

Mrs Lorenz-Daniel herself has tutored international students at secondary level. She has seen first-hand the needs of international students as they adapt to life in a different country.

“It’s hard for international students to meet local people. The program makes it easy,” she says.

In the past two months, the pair have taken turns to visit each other. Mrs Lorenz-Daniel was invited to celebrate the recent Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival with Ms Le and Ms Le joined Mrs Lorenz-Daniel’s family for her son’s birthday and an barbecue on AFL Grand Final day.

“We’re a very good match,” says Mrs Lorenz-Daniel, “My family and I have gained a new friend in Mai.”

Ms Le, who is studying a Master of Education at the Monash University Clayton campus, plans to start a course on Australian culture when she returns to Vietnam, specifically for Vietnamese students planning to study in Australia.

“When you know more about something, you feel safe.”

She also recognises the value of the student experience. “Besides study life and lectures, social experience is important.”    

The program, organised by the Monash University Community Services, aims to enhance the international student experience and help them adapt to life in Australia with everyday activities.

“The feedback from international students and volunteers so far been definitely positive,” says ISFP Project Manager, Ms Jennifer Weber.

“We’re looking for volunteers who want to share an insight into Australian community and the Australian ‘way of life’ with an international student.”

“What we need is their enthusiasm and willingness to build cross cultural friendships through regular activities. Whether through their family or community networks, there is opportunity for mutual cultural sharing.”