Ralph Teodoro
Brisbane International Student Ambassador, Study Brisbane
Student Success Adviser - Queensland University of Technology
Bachelor of Nursing - Queensland University of Technology
I was recently invited to attend the Queensland International Student Leaders' Forum - the 2-day conference that brought Queensland's best international student representatives to tackle issues, give insight and discuss the current situation of international students in Queensland. I met with key stakeholders, industry representatives, members of parliament, governmental officials and awesome fellow student leaders. The recent events that Study Queensland organised included the International Student Leaders Forum and the International Students Meet Parliament event.
These events resonated well with me and what I stand for as an international student leader. I was able to learn about the numerous ideas and strategies that would encourage a more positive environment amongst international students, as well as the issues surrounding international students. The forum gave me a valuable opportunity to network with established professionals, fellow students and parliament members. Being able to network meant being able to meet like-minded individuals that shared the same passion when it came to international education and international students. It also meant learning more about each others' background and building a diverse professional relationship despite the difference in areas/industries of work. This, along with the short workshops and group discussions that were held were amongst the most interesting and fruitful segments of the occasion.
In regards to the importance of these events amongst international students, the student leaders were all given opportunities to discuss topics that could potentially influence the way international students are viewed and treated. The international student leaders embodied the voice of international students in Queensland which was well and truly heard and understood by Trade and Investment Queensland's representatives.
My new role as a member of the CISA Public Relations team enables me to broadcast important information to other international students and to reach out to as many international students as I can, so that they know that there is someone there listening if there's a problem, so that their voices are heard and so that their student experience is positively impacted. I also try and bridge the gap between potential key stakeholders and potential members of CISA by providing information about the organisation and gauging their interest and explaining the benefits that a connection with CISA can bring.
Brisbane International Student Ambassador, Study Brisbane
Student Success Adviser - Queensland University of Technology
Bachelor of Nursing - Queensland University of Technology