UNE International Hub now open

7 November 2016

Date: 07 November 2016

On Saturday the 29th of October The University of New England (UNE) International, StudyNSW and Bupa as part of the Northern Tablelands International Community Partnership Project presented the grand opening of The International Hub in Armidale, NSW.

The project seeks to engage international students and their families with the local community in New England, and is focused on the health and wellbeing of new arrivals to the region.

The International Hub was officially opened with a giant cake cutting by Mr Adam john Marshall, MP for the Northern Tablelands. UNE Vice Chancellor and CEO Professor Annabelle Duncan, Pro Vice-Chancellor External Relations Mr Trevor Goldstone, TAFE New England Mr Jason Faulks, UNE International staff and representatives from the wider Armidale Community including international students and their families were in attendance.

The Duval High School Aboriginal Dance Troupe did a spectacular performance highlighting traditional indigenous culture by performing a welcome and cleansing dance.

The International Hub will introduce international students and their families to local services and opportunities to engage with the local community. The Hub offers a range of programs including:

• Free weekly English language lessons
• Free closed female (closed), male and 'mums and bubs' swimming lessons
• A Positive Parenting Program in partnership with the Armidale Family Support Services
• Free driving lessons to those wishing to learn to drive or build confidence and awareness of Australian driving conditions
• Fortnightly meetings for The International Ladies group.

Mrs Dunya Alruhaimi – one our our 2015 NSW International Student's of the Year, will be managing the hub on behalf of UNE.

StudyNSW is proud to partner with The University of New England on this fantastic project. You can learn more about it here: www.theinternationalhub.org