March 20, 2018

International students receive vibrant welcome to city

Annual event celebrates UOW’s diversity of cultures and students

It was a sea of colour and cultures on Thursday night (15 March) as hundreds of students received a vibrant welcome to their new home.

The annual Welcome to Wollongong event is a celebration of the international and interstate students who have moved to Wollongong to undertake their studies.

Bringing together the University of Wollongong (UOW) with the local community, Welcome to Wollongong featured a Pakistani cultural dance, a Bollywood Xclusive, a traditional dress parade, and an introduction from Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery.

More than 450 international students, staff, and members of the local community attended the event, which is now in its 11th year.

Students, representing more than 35 nationalities, have the chance to learn more about the city and engage with their new community.

UOW Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) Professor Julia Coyle, who delivered the Welcome Speech on behalf of the University, said the event was a symbolic welcome to the myriad international students who will make Wollongong their home.

“International students are part of the diverse fabric of student life here at UOW,” Professor Coyle said. “This event is an important first step in helping international students feel welcome to UOW and to our local community. The evening provides a lovely opportunity for students to share a little of their cultures, meet community members and make connections that will help them to be successful in their studies.”

Welcome to Wollongong is run by a small team of UOW staff, who are supported by more than 40 international students and members of the local community.