Study Sunshine Coast has welcomed 10 students from Europe, Asia, South America and Australia to represent the region as 2019 Student Ambassadors.
The ambassador program, now in its fourth year, plays a vital role in boosting the Sunshine Coast’s profile as a study destination to international and domestic students looking to study, live and work on the Sunshine Coast.
This year’s ambassadors will share their experience through social media, blog posts and YouTube videos with prospective students and friends and family back home.
Ambassadors will also participate in regular group activities – such as the new TreeTop Challenge at The Big Pineapple – to showcase all the region has to offer outside the classroom.
The 2019 ambassadors were officially appointed by Study Sunshine Coast on Thursday 28 March and are from the Philippines, Sweden, Canada, Spain, India, Argentina and Australia, studying at either the University of the Sunshine Coast, CQUniversity, TAFE Qld or Lexis English.
Study Sunshine Coast manager Kim Baldwin said the Sunshine Coast was becoming an increasingly popular choice for students looking to study abroad, and ambassadors played an important role in ensuring this trend continued.
“Students choose to study on the Sunshine Coast for a number of reasons, but our world-class institutions coupled with the Coast’s safe and enviable lifestyle is what sets us apart as a destination,” she said.
“Ambassadors not only promote the region, but they are provided with a number of networking and career opportunities aimed at enhancing their employability.
“Creating these opportunities and a sense of community for our ambassadors is paramount, and we look forward to working together with our ambassadors in 2019.”
University of the Sunshine Coast student Ajinkya ‘AJ’ Kotepatil is taking part in this year’s ambassador program, having moved to the Sunshine Coast from India to study a Bachelor of Nursing.
AJ said he was excited to study on the Sunshine Coast and represent the region as an ambassador.
“The idea of meeting new people and making new friends is what motivated me the most to get involved,” he said.
“The overall atmosphere and the beautiful scenic places around the Sunshine Coast are breathtaking. My family would absolutely love to visit the Sunshine Coast.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the Study Sunshine Coast student ambassador program is a great initiative for showcasing the region on a global stage.
“Having ten ambassadors from seven countries is a great local to global connection for the region and one that will help to attract future students to study and potentially live and work on the Sunshine Coast,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Potential students listen to and relate to, other students and their experiences.
“Having these student ambassadors on board and communicating through their networks is a major marketing tool to help increase our region’s profile and generate greater international student numbers well into the future.
“On behalf of our Council, I would like to extend our congratulations to all of our new student ambassadors. I am sure you will do the Sunshine Coast proud.”
To learn more about Study Sunshine Coast, visit www.studysunshinecoast.com.au.
MEET THE 2019 STUDY SUNSHINE COAST STUDENT AMBASSADORS!
- Irene Tamarong, Philippines, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Aristotle ‘Harry’ Paguyo, Philippines, TAFE Qld
- Sara Kusar, Sweden, TAFE Qld
- Nathan Shim, Canada, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Lauren Zeglio, Australia, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Ajinkya ‘AJ’ Kotepatil, India, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Dana Botto, Argentina, Lexis English
- Jasmine Mitchell, Australia, CQUniversity
- Kalvin Mitchell, Australia, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Cristina Ayllon Llamas, Spain, Lexis English
Study Sunshine Coast is the official student destination brand for the Sunshine Coast. Study Sunshine Coast is an initiative of the Sunshine Coast Council and forms part of Visit Sunshine Coast, the Regional Tourism Organisation.