About the Program

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Applications for the semester one 2024 program are now closed. Express interest in participating in the semester two program below.

Express your interest

Since 2009, more than 1,160 hosts have volunteered to become hosts and helped over 1,930 students feel at home at Melbourne. Alumni have extended their friendship and been the important link in cultural exchanges. In the beginning, alumni invited international students into their homes and cooked a meal for them. Now they help the students have a ‘Melbourne experience’ by taking them to places of interest.

It can be hard being a newcomer, but the kindness and friendship shown by alumni, their willingness to meet people and to offer a smile or be that helpful voice at the other end of the phone, has helped change lives.

The students learned from our alumni, but alumni also learned from them. Alumni discovered what it was like to come from a different cultural background and experience a new city with fresh eyes. Some even made life-long friends, though there is no ongoing obligation.

Perhaps you have been thinking about taking part in the program but have not yet made that step, or maybe you are a long-time host. We invite you to express your interest in taking part in the program.

The program involves:

  • Attending our evening launch event on Thursday 15 February 2024. This is where hosts and students meet.
  • Undertaking one activity with the student you have been matched with before the end of the semester. There is no obligation to continue the connection past one activity/meeting.

Why get involved?

  • Connections with the local community and culture enrich students both personally and academically.
  • The Welcome to Melbourne program can lead to lasting friendships.
  • The program forms great connections between Australia and the broader international community

Questions?

Contact the Alumni Relations team.

The Australia Awards Scholarships

These prestigious international scholarships are funded by the Australian Government, and aim to contribute to the long term development needs of partner countries. Most students are postgraduate students, come from developing countries and many are accompanied by their families.

IMAGE GALLERY FROM PAST EVENTS