10 October 2002

The Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education at UQ (ICTE-UQ) will launch the new Professional Internship Program in partnership with Australian Internships.

The program will be launched by Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield at Customs House on Monday, October 14 between 6.30pm and 8pm. It will offer unique opportunities for international students at UQ who are seeking specialised professional training and workplace experience in Australia.

ICTE-UQ Director Ms Christine Bundesen said the program would provide UQ international students with internship placements arranged by Australian Internships in many of Australia’s leading companies and government organisations.

“International students studying at UQ can now receive a unique value added benefit to their study experience through undertaking a fulltime professional internship during their semester breaks or on completion of their studies,” she said.

The opening will outline the advantages of the program for international students by demonstrating how their career opportunities can be enhanced.

Ms Bundesen said that through Australian Internships there had been a strong commitment from host employers in Australia in terms of providing students with professional training, which would include a work report and a reference.

“The program will provide training compatible with the employment and education background and career aspirations of international students,” she said.

Speakers at the launch event will include Ms Bundesen and Managing Director of Australian Internships Ms Diana Pilling.

For more information, contact Phillip Fredericks on (telephone 07 3365 7000, email: p.fredericks@icte.uq.edu.au) or UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 3367, email: communications@uq.edu.au).