[CDU eNews] CDU STUDENT SPREADS THE WORD OVERSEAS

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

Student spreads the CDU word overseas

Amber Favis has high hopes for her future - so much so that she left her
home country, the Philippines, last March to begin studying Engineering at
Charles Darwin University.

Now, enthused by her first few months, she's going back home on Friday for
the semester break to promote the University, the Engineering and
international courses to her peers in a bid to recruit more international
students.

"Charles Darwin has a lot to offer and the Philippines has a lot to give,"
she said today.

Amber, 25, gained a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at the University of The
Philippines in Manila in 2002. She then worked for an engineering
construction company, before joining the IDP Education Australia Office in
Manila - which is where she found out about Charles Darwin University.

"Ultimately, I want to get into an engineering management role in the
construction industry," she said. "The courses sounded perfect."

Amber applied and was accepted for a scholarship position in the Masters of
Engineering Management course at the CDU and began her studies three months
ago.

"When I first arrived in Australia I knew no one," she said. "I had no
family or friends here and I was unbelievably homesick, but everyone was so
friendly and nice that it didn't take long to settle in."

Amber lives on campus with other students from overseas in North Flinders
International House.
"There is such a mix of people here," she said. "I now have friends from
all over the world, not only from Australia. So many international students
come to study here, it's such a great experience."

Amber also has high praise for her lecturers and the 'fantastic' support
she has received. "There is a lot of student-teacher interaction and
support in Australia and everyone is enthusiastic and friendly. Students
here aren't afraid to speak up, whereas in the Philippines the relationship
between the student and teacher is more traditional.

"In Australia I can actually talk to my lecturer as an equal. Classes are
more practical in Australia, compared to home where they are theory-based.
Here, you get to apply what you have learnt."

Head of the School of Engineering Dr Friso De Boer said: "Engineering at
Charles Darwin University is entering into an exciting phase of growth.
Many large-scale engineering projects are currently under way in the
Northern Territory, underpinning the strong demand for engineering
graduates from Charles Darwin University. We would like our international
engineering students to become part of this exciting development."

There are many pathways and options into study at Charles Darwin University
for prospective international students.

Director of International, Mr Dennis Meehan said: "Charles Darwin
University is an excellent study destination for students from the
Philippines. The university offers quality programs with excellent student
facilities. There is a supportive local community that welcomes students
and the tropical weather is an added bonus."



Amber Favis, Friso De Boer and Dennis Meehan are available for interview

Media release issued by Kasey Brunt, Communications Assistant (08) 8946
7086


Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K