30 Emirati students in Australia for summer

Thirty Emirati students will share their eagerness to learn with peers from around the world as they joined the "Summer Abroad Programme" in Australia. The programme is held in partnership between the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) and Bendigo Tafe (technical and further education), an entity under Australia's Victorian Government, that provides education, training and assessment services. This is the second year that Bendigo Tafe, with support from the Victorian Government Business Office in Dubai, is welcoming students from the UAE. Bendigo is a a regional city located two hours away from Melbourne. Students from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, who left for Bendigo on July 1, will be staying with Australian families to get a genuine taste of Australian culture and experience the local lifestyle in Bendigo. Article continues below "This programme is designed to enrich two-way cultural experiences and provide a forum for the students to share knowledge. This is a strong community cultural exchange where students will learn while participating in many fun activities in the community during their time in Australia," John Butler, Commissioner for the Victorian Government Business Office, said. Language skills The students will visit the La Trobe University Bendigo campus to learn more about the courses being offered. They will also attend English classes at Bendigo Tafe to improve their English language skills. Multiple workshops that include computer and IT skills, design and cooking will be offered. The students will also be exposed to the social settings and Australian lifestyle. "They will attend an Australian Football League (AFL) match at Etihad Stadium and participate in a football game with the players from All Star Strathdale Soccer Club," Butler said. "They will learn how to make, decorate and throw boomerangs," he added. The programme includes a visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park to learn about a wide range of Australian native animals, and even participate in interactive shows with some of the animals. A visit to the Australian Sheep and Wool Show is arranged, where students will learn about Australia's wool growers and prime lamb producers and why this event attracts thousands of fans of woollen fashion, food and fibre.