QUEENSLAND CELEBRATES EDUCATION LEADERS: PREMIER

EMBARGO: 6PM THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2007

Leaders from Queensland’s international education and training institutions are being applauded at a ceremony at Parliament House tonight (Thursday) for their outstanding contribution to the industry.

The annual Celebrating International Education and Training Industry Showcase publicly recognises innovative programs developed in the Smart State for international students, industry staff and for Queenslanders studying overseas.

Premier and Minister for Trade Peter Beattie said the awards were presented in seven categories and the winners were shining examples that others can learn from.

Mr Beattie said this year’s showcase was a testament to the industry’s achievements over the coming year and highlighted its commitment to building its reputation around the world.

“International education and training is Queensland’s third largest services export industry and brings an estimated $1.469 billion per annum to the State economy,” Mr Beattie said.

“In 2006, more than 61,000 international students chose to study in Queensland and this event shows why – because Smart State institutions and individuals are leaders at creating a really positive learning experience,” he said.

“The benefits that flow on are not just economic either. International students make an important academic and cultural contribution to our multicultural State and Queenslanders and Queensland are all the richer for it.”

Minister for Education and Training Rod Welford said the success of Queensland’s international education and training sector was the result of long-term planning by the State Government and a very talented local industry.

“Sustaining this success into the future will depend on our ability to understand, improve and promote the student experience so the role of the awards showcase is all the more important,” Mr Welford said.

“The awards also highlight what can be achieved when the industry and government work together, delivering outcomes that result in improving the international reputation of our knowledge industries.”

The University of the Sunshine Coast was awarded the accolade for Internationalisation for its Global Opportunities – GO Program which supports and encourages Queensland students to study overseas.

The Premier said strong outward mobility programs such as Global Opportunities were fundamental to building Queensland’s reputation as the Smart State.

“An international education experience builds skills and experience that are recognised globally and are invaluable to workers in the knowledge economy of the future,” he said.

Also recognised tonight was International Education Services for developing a Diploma of International Education, the first accredited vocational qualification in Australia for staff in the industry.

Mr Welford said the Diploma was an excellent example of the industry’s initiative in professional development to build on Queensland reputation for quality educational outcomes for international students.

“I join with the Premier in congratulating all of tonight’s winners and nominees in the 2007 Celebrating International Education and Training Industry Showcase and we encourage the industry to continue striving for excellence and innovation as they work with students from around the world.”

For information about studying in Queensland, please see the Study Queensland web site www.studyqueensland.qld.edu.au

Media Contact: Minister Welford’s Office 32371000, 0419 734 985


CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INDUSTRY SHOWCASE 2007 WINNERS AND HIGHLY COMMENDED


Internationalisation
Recognising best practice demonstrated through initiatives or projects that promote internationalisation within institutions.

Winner: University of the Sunshine Coast, Global Opportunities – GO Program
Highly Commended: Nudgee International College, Celebrating Internationalism
Highly Commended: Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Queensland, The Rotary Centre for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution

International Support Services and Pastoral Care
Recognising best practice in providing support services to international students studying in Queensland institutions in Queensland.

Winner: St. James College, Engaging Internationally at St. James
Highly Commended: Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Queensland, Program Khusus – The University of Queensland/University of Indonesia Linked Program in Psychology


Innovation and Creativity in the Learning Environment
Recognising best practice in developing and implementing innovative and creative student centred approaches to the design and/or delivery of international education and training services.

Winner: Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE


Taking Queensland to the World
Recognising best practice in activities that promote and enhance Queensland’s reputation as a quality study destination in international markets.

Winner: Education Queensland International


Partnerships for Positive Outcomes
Recognising best practice in working in international partnership to bring mutually beneficial economic and/or cultural outcomes through international education and training activities.

Winner: International Education Services, Professional International Education Resources (PIER)
Highly Commended: The Bremer Institute of TAFE and East Coast Apprenticeships, “Powerful Partnerships” The Nauru Training Scheme


Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Industry
Recognising the outstanding contributions made by an individual to the development and sustainability of Queensland’s international education and training industry.

Winner: Ms Mella Beaumont


Outstanding Achievement by an International Student
Recognising outstanding achievement in international academic and extra-curricula activities and a demonstrated commitment to enhancing Queensland’s international profile.

Winner: Mr Edison Jin (Kawana Waters State College)