Elevating Student Representatives at IEAA Fairs 

Established in 2004, the IEAA Fair Exchange Circuit capitalises on institution-based exchange fairs, fostering collaboration on a national scale and synchronising the scheduling of individual fairs every March. This strategic coordination enhances the appeal for international partner institutions visiting Australia, allowing them to attend various sections of the circuit annually or engage in the entire circuit on a rotational basis. The goal is to promote outbound educational programs to Australian students and increase student participation by bringing together international and domestic universities, providers, Australian Government agencies, and stakeholders of international higher education.

With a commitment to promoting cultural exchange and facilitating transformative learning abroad experiences, CISaustralia attended 23 fairs, boasting a team of 25 dedicated student representatives. Our fair representatives, consisting of current and former students of CISaustralia programs, were instrumental in engaging future students and igniting their passion for learning abroad. Their focus was not just on promoting CISaustralia programs but showcasing how learning abroad can profoundly change lives.

Jordana Freebody from the University of Newcastle stood out for her exceptional approach in connecting with fellow students at the fair. In a LinkedIn post in conclusion of her participation in these fairs she said,

“I was able to complete the circle and be the person on the other side of the table giving advice on the wide array of programs and experiences available to students interested in global learning. It was an enlightening experience in engaging students’ questions and investigating the curiosity of those who didn’t have a specific destination or program in mind and finding which programs best suited their interests. In addition to this, I had an absolute blast organising the tables set up, handing out the informative materials, collaborating with a fellow student and helping students achieve their international aspirations during their university experience. Huge thanks to CISaustralia for the incredibly rewarding opportunity!”

Following the conclusion of the fair circuit, we had the privilege of interviewing Jordana to delve deeper into her thoughts on the transformative cycle of learning abroad and subsequently assisting others in doing the same. Her insights resonated deeply with the core values of global learning, reaffirming the significance of international education experiences. You can read her full interview here.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our student representatives whose contributions were instrumental in our success at these fairs. CISaustralia acknowledges that our organisation thrives because of these students. We also extend a sincere thank you to all Australian universities involved in the fair circuit who hosted us, for their dedication and partnership. Together, we continue to empower global learning opportunities and foster meaningful connections in the international education landscape.