Central Queensland University has held a Going Home Ceremony for about 50 international students from 13 different nations.

The students are from Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Fiji, Mexico, Vietnam, India, Israel, Germany, USA and Sweden. They have been a part of the Faculty of Business and Informatics and the Study Abroad cohorts.

One student CQU will say goodbye to is Phil Zacharias from India (pictured above with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Angela Delves). Phil has just completed a Master of Information Technology degree and will leave Rockhampton after 2 years of study.

Phil said he has enjoyed his time in Rockhampton and at the University very much, but it has been quite different to his home town of Kochi in South India. He has had to get used to a different lifestyle, culture, language and “most importantly the peacefulness of Rockhampton”.

“The most important highlight of my time in Rockhampton is receiving a high quality education with support and understanding from lecturers”.

Without the support from CQU’s staff, studying in Rockhampton may have been difficult considering not only that Phil is from another part of the world, but also that he is deaf.

“Being deaf sometimes can be a hell. But luckily with God’s grace, I had understanding and support”.

The Going Home Ceremony is a formal occasion which celebrates the achievements of CQU’s international students who expect to complete their degrees this term. Many of these students are unable to attend the CQU Graduation Ceremony later in the year because of student visa limitations.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Angela Delves provided the formal address, farewelled the students and presented them with their Going Home certificates.

Photo (above): Phil Zacharias from India (pictured above with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Angela Delves.

Photo (below): Taiwanese students Tsu-Ching Tseng and Guan-Jie Wang.