South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt will be transformed into a global village today as thousands of international students converge for Study Brisbane’s annual City Welcome Festival.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said that City Welcome Festival would be an introduction to life in Brisbane for more than 5000 new international students who were expected to attend.
“Each year Brisbane has over 75,000 international student enrolments that add to the vibrant cosmopolitan feel of Brisbane. We want our international students to feel welcome here, which is what the City Welcome Festival is all about,” said Cr Quirk.
“The Festival will give the students from all corners of the globe including China, South Korea, India, Italy, Brazil, the US, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Japan their first taste of life in Brisbane.
“Students can interact with 60 exhibitors and participate in workshops offering information about education institutions, public transport services, banking, student accommodation and community groups. Attendees will also be able to get their hands on the 2014 Brisbane International Student Guide.
“City Welcome Festival will feature some unique activities including a samba class from professional dance troupe Sambaliscious, an AFC Asian Cup-themed international student soccer match and a UnionPay Skype booth for students to phone home.”
The festival begins with a breakfast and the Lord Mayor’s International Student Friendship Ceremony at 10am and will be followed by a day of food, music and workshops.
Cr Quirk said that international student enrolments in Brisbane annually generated $3.77 billion in course fees and other spending, making international education the city’s biggest export market.
“With the G20 Leaders Summit being held here in November, the eyes of the world will be on Brisbane. City Welcome Festival will further cement our international reputation as Australia’s new world city,” said Cr Quirk.
Katherine Feeney – a Brisbane journalist, social commentator and university student – will MC the event and share some of her own student experiences.
More information about the festival is available at studybrisbane.com/festival.