International students celebrate the end of their studies

Mohammad Sidkon is preparing to put the skills he has learned as part of his Master of International Business into practice when he returns to his role in the treasury unit of the Ministry of Finance in the Indonesian government.

The Indonesian student is one of 17 international students from Southern Cross University who will celebrate the end of their studies at a ceremony this Friday, August 6.

The course completion ceremony, which will take place for the first time at Southern Cross University’s new Gold Coast campus, is being held to give international students who have to leave the country before the official graduation the chance to mark the end of their studies.

Mohammad, who has been living in Tweed Heads since April last year, said the experience of studying in Australia had been invaluable.

“I’ll be using what I have learned here to help develop a new treasury system for the Indonesian government which will better connect the government agencies, make the system more transparent and reduce the risk of corruption,” said Mohammad.

“As well as the academic side, it’s been a great life experience to study here - I’ve been involved in social activities like the local tennis club so I’ve been able to make lots of new friends and connect with the community.

“It’s been wonderful, but I’m also very excited about going home - my wife and three children are in Jakarta and it’s been difficult to be separated from them. I will be celebrating on Friday, but we’re also planning a big celebration when I get back home.”

International Office director, Jo Asquith said the course completion ceremonies were an important part of university life.

“Many international students have to leave before the graduation ceremony because of visa constraints, so this is an opportunity for us to give them an official farewell and for the students to formally celebrate their achievements,” said Ms Asquith.

The students taking part in the course completion ceremony are completing courses in: Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Business, Master of Tourism and Hotel Management, Master of International Business and Master of Professional Accounting.

Media are invited to attend this Friday August 6 at 1pm as international students celebrate after the course completion ceremony at Southern Cross University’s new Gold Coast campus on Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga (access via Terminal Drive, Gold Coast Airport).

Photo: Indonesian student Mohammad Sidkon will celebrate finishing his studies this Friday (high resolution image available on request).