What is Aussie Family Mates?

The Mates@UQ Aussie Family Mates program is designed to connect UQ students with local residents, to provide opportunities to experience the Australian way of life and to foster cultural exchange and global goodwill.

Aussie Family Mates is not a host program families do not provide accommodation. Families organise get togethers for students to participate in a broad range of activities such as BBQ's, dinners or even trips to local sporting events and landmarks. Mates@UQ will organise an initial "meet & greet" event for everyone to get to know each other and provide an opportunity for you to chat about times which are convenient for you both to meet. It is then up to you to decide how best to manage your new community network and you can elect to engage with between 1 and 3 students.

Take a look at a piece of real student feedback at the bottom of the page!

Why do the program?

Students, this is your opportunity to get to know a local family and learn about them, life in Brisbane and Australian Culture. We encourage all international students to broaden their Australian experience by reaching out to the greater Brisbane community and exploring everything the city and the South East Queensland lifestyle has to offer.

Families, this is your opportunity to meet people from all over the world and showcase our great Australian culture and lifestyle. International Students choose to study in Brisbane because of all the great things we have to offer in our local community. This includes meeting locals, experiencing our proud culture and finding out why the Aussie lifestyle is one of the best in the world. Help us by tying these students into our local community and in return, they will share their interesting culture and diverse background with you!

How do I register?

Student registrations for semester 1, 2013 are now open by clicking here.

Family registrations for semester 1, 2013 are now open by clicking here.

Registrations close on Tuesday the 28th of May when the matching process begins. The semester 1, 2013 Welcome Event will be held 6:30pm to 7:30 pm on Friday the 31st of May where you will meet your respective student or family. The event will be held on the UQ St Lucia campus and more information regarding the event will be sent to registered participants closer to the date.