New student ambassadors to showcase the Sunshine Coast to the world
Nine new Study Sunshine Coast student ambassadors representing countries including Sweden, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brazil and Australia have officially started their job of showcasing the Sunshine Coast to the world.
Nine new Study Sunshine Coast student ambassadors representing countries including Sweden, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brazil and Australia have officially started their job of showcasing the Sunshine Coast to the world.
Tasked with highlighting the benefits of studying on the Sunshine Coast to both domestic and international audiences, the ambassadors were welcomed to the region today (March 8) by Sunshine Coast Council.
Study Sunshine Coast, an initiative of council and Education Sunshine Coast Inc., supplies students studying on the Sunshine Coast, or thinking about studying here, with information on everything they need to know to study, live, work and play in the region.
The new ambassadors are studying across a range of education institutions on the Sunshine Coast including the University of the Sunshine Coast, CQUniversity, TAFE Queensland and local schools.
Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Stephen Robinson said the students would be fantastic new advocates for our region.
“Like our previous ambassadors, they will help showcase the diversity of the Sunshine Coast, the range of education and training providers and the enviable lifestyle offering we have,” Cr Robinson said.
“The Study Sunshine Coast program is producing economic benefits for the region because not only are we attracting more students, they are often visited by friends and relatives while they are here.
“Research shows that up to four friends and family visit for every student, which significantly contributes to the economic growth and tourism visitation for our region.
“Education and Research has been identified as one of our High-Value Industries as part of the Regional Economic Development Strategy and contributes significantly to our economy.
“The Study Sunshine Coast program is a key tool to growing the education industry which employs more than 11,000 people in the region.”
Study Sunshine Coast coordinator Kim Baldwin said international students were highly motivated by the student experience.
“More than 85% of prospective students seeking to study abroad indicate they use social media to research study opportunities,” Ms Baldwin said.
“Encouraging student ambassadors to share their positive experiences of the Sunshine Coast, through social media, is a crucial part of our strategy for international student attraction and to showcase our wonderful region.”
New student ambassador, Blade Manders, who is studying a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of the Sunshine Coast said he chose to become a student ambassador because he is so passionate about the region as it’s a beautiful place, the beaches are amazing and the people are incredible.
“I’m a bit of an Instagram person and I love my social media so I’m hoping to do some amazing things, take some photos and make sure everyone knows how great it is to live on the Sunshine Coast.”
The Study Sunshine Coast Student Ambassador Program was established in 2016 and is open to both domestic and international students currently studying on the Sunshine Coast.
Any inquiries in relation to the Study Sunshine Coast 2018 Student Ambassador Program can be directed to the Study Sunshine Coast Coordinator on 07 5458 8833 or by email to [email protected] or visit www.studysunshinecoast.com.au.