International students welcomed to Canberra

Today I welcomed 45 international school students to Canberra today as part of the Summer School Program.

The Summer School program is designed to assist new international students become accustomed to Australian culture, values and customs. It also prepares students for a smooth transition as they begin their studies in our high schools and colleges.

There are nearly 500 international students undertaking their education in our public schools each year. Within the private fee paying student category we welcome students from 38 countries including China, South Korea, Vietnam and Hong Kong. The consistent number of students coming to Canberra from counties in our region reflects the excellent reputation of the ACT public school sector in these countries.

A vital part of the international education program includes Homestay - the scheme where local families host international students and provide them a home during their stay in Canberra. Many of our loyal 124 host families have been providing accommodation for international students for over 15 years. We always welcome applications from ACT residents looking to become a ‘homestay' host family. Details are available from the Education and Training Directorate website: www.det.act.gov.au

While in Canberra international students gain a rich understanding of Australian culture and customs and further their secondary education as a student in our excellent public high schools and colleges.

I wish all of students participating in the Summer School Program the best with their studies in the ACT.