Two Indian secondary school students have visited The after winning an online video competition organised by The Australian Trade and Investment Commission.
The competition challenged Indian students to submit a video offering creative solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems — from cyber security to sustainable agriculture — rewarding their efforts with a study tour of a leading Australian tertiary institution.
This year’s winners, Abinaya Kanaharatnam and Harini Raveendran from Alpha Wisdom Vidyashram Senior Secondary School in Tiruchirappalli, showcased food security in a world of diminishing resources and travelled 9582km to experience university life at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³».
Abinaya was in awe of the opportunities in Australia for girls to safely pursue tertiary studies.
“Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» is the best place for girls to do their higher studies, because it’s safe for girls to be free and study, which we don’t have in India,” she said.
“Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» is very friendly and makes new people feel like they’re home.”
The girls were accompanied by teacher Noel Sophia Benedict, who was also impressed with the experience.
“The whole journey is a dream come true,” Mrs Benedict said.
“The facilities available on campus are really amazing and help students to be comfortable and pursue advanced research.”
During their trip, the students were treated to a variety of tours, lectures and demonstrations at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», as well as visits to see local wildlife including koalas.
They also saw sustainable agriculture in action at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s Gatton campus.
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s Director International Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions Alison Jenkins said she was excited to be forming new connections between the two countries.
“Indian students have so much to gain from Australian institutions like Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» — with incredible courses in agricultural and food sciences, mathematics, physics, law, medicine and so many other fields, perfectly suited to Indian students,” she said.
“We currently have more than 500 Indian students attending Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» and we look forward to welcoming many more.”
The students and their teacher are considering returning to study at the University.
“I would love to visit Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» in the future and bring my siblings here so they can learn more about Australia, Brisbane and Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» of Queensland,” Ms Kanaharatnam said.
Media: Dominic Jarvis, dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.
