Ten students from Curtin University in Australia are in the country learning about Fijian industries through their internationalisation programme with the University of Fiji.

The group, whose ages vary between 21 and 26-years-old, arrived on February 11 and are expected to return home tomorrow.

The students are from the School of Science and Engineering are mainly in programmes that include Chemical Engineering, Bachelor of Science – Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Mechatronic Engineering.

Thomas Smedley, a chemical engineering student, said he was overwhelmed with their experiences during their visit.

He said that the curriculum taught at UniFiji was similar to that of their own University.

“I think it is very cool and it is very interesting to learn about how other countries and cultures teach their students. Very surprising how similar it is to our current syllabus,” Mr Smedley said.

Another student, Marko Petrovic, said: “The communal atmosphere makes learning here pleasure as classes are smaller and more interactive and I wish I didn’t have to leave.”

The group usually attend classes half day, then have a field excursion to various industries such as the Sugar Research Station, Paradise Beverages Factory (Fiji Rum), the Essence of Fiji factory, Fiji Airways- Engineering Department, Fiji Meteorological Services, and Viseisei Village in Vuda.

The student group is the second one to visit UniFiji. The Dean for School of Science and Technology, Professor Shawkat Ali, initiated this programme last year with Curtin University.

He said getting a memorandum of understanding between the two universities would be the next step.

Marketing and public relations officer at University of Fiji Shirley Prasad, said UniFiji focuses in building international networks.

She added that international study experiences assisted students from both visiting and hosting universities in building international networks, increases cross-cultural competency, and encourages the students to step outside of their comfort zones.

“For UniFiji, hosting international visitors can lead to greater international outlook and intercultural understanding,”said Ms Prasad.

“Also, UniFiji students can apply for New Colombo Plan Scholarships and study at an Australian University.”

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback:  waisean@fijisun.com.fj