Empowering Journeys: A Recap of the Pre-Departure Briefing and University Information Day

We are delighted to meet our scholars at the Pre-Departure Briefing and the University Information Day! More than 180 Australia Awards scholars, including scholars with disabilities, attended the Pre-Departure Briefing held on Monday, 2 October 2023 and the University Information Day held on Tuesday, 3 October 2023.

Commenced with welcoming remarks from the representatives of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Ministry of State Secretariat, the Pre-Departure Briefing is designed to assist scholars in thorough preparation before their departure. This encompasses document preparation, providing guidance for travel to Australia, and furnishing them with comprehensive information about living, studying, and establishing academic, professional, and social networks in Australia. Additionally, the session has taught scholars to recognise stress, its symptoms, prevention, and coping strategies.

On the following day, the scholars participated in the University Information Day. This event is designed to provide them with insights into Australia's academic model and offer them the opportunity to engage in discussions regarding their chosen study programs, academic prerequisites, living arrangements, and studying in a particular state or territory in line with their selected universities, in consultation with Australian university representatives. Scholars also had the privilege of engaging in one-on-one discussions about their proposed study programmes with academic advisers, who guided them in selecting the most appropriate courses that would contribute positively to their future endeavours upon their return to Indonesia.

This marks the second year that the Pre-Departure Briefing and the University Information Day have returned to an on-site format. Previously, these events were conducted online due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. We aspire for our scholars to select appropriate courses and universities, enabling them to acquire skills and knowledge from Australia's world-class education system. Our ultimate goal is for them to return as esteemed Australia Awards alumni.