Ambassadorial role

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As a condition of student exchange, you may be asked to make a presentation about QUT and Australia to other students at your host university.

When preparing your presentation, ask yourself what you would like others to know about this country. You will undoubtedly recognise that other students have pre-conceived notions or stereotypes about Australia and Australians just as you may have about your hosts prior to arrival. Here is your opportunity to change some of these misconceptions.

Giving a presentation is not appropriate at every host institution. As an alternative, you may be asked to assist the International Relations Unit to promote the Student Exchange Program in other ways, such as talking at an information session or helping us welcome inbound exchange students.

Remember that you will always be viewed as a reflection of your homeland. All of your interactions with others can help to put a good face on Australia! To this end, here are two useful pieces of advice:

Bring along a few memories from home

In addition to cheering yourself up from time to time, photos and other items from your family, hometown, and Australia in general are a great way to tell and show others about where you come from.

Read the news

Don't be surprised if you're questioned about your political views or about current events in your host country or other parts of the world. Read the local and national newspapers in your country to be in touch with what is happening.

Whether you like or not, you will also be considered an "expert" on all things Australian - from the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru to the Crocodile Hunter and Foster's - so it is always helpful to have a sense of the history and current goings-on from your own backyard.

Check out some of the major Australian news websites while you're overseas they made provide with you much-needed conversation preparation:

The Courier-Mail
The Australian
Sydney Morning Herald