Central Queensland University has appointed Dr Martand Joshi, former Honorary Consul of India, as its International Cultural Advisor, based at CQU’s Melbourne and Sydney campuses.

“Dr Joshi’s experience as a diplomat along with his teaching and studies around the world make him the ideal person to raise cultural awareness among CQU staff and students,” said CQU Melbourne Campus Director Darryl Stewart.

“More than 8000 students, representing 40 different nations, who study at CQU Melbourne and Sydney will benefit directly from Dr Joshi’s experience. This is the first of the appointments being made to enhance the cultural and educational experience of students studying at CQU international campuses,\" Mr Stewart said.

Dr Joshi said he experienced “culture shock” himself as international student when, after completion of his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Bombay, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study at Princeton University, New Jersey, USA.

“I am looking forward to working with the staff and all international students at CQU. I see this as an opportunity to work with a highly reputable organisation that provides a caring and close relationship with their students,\" Dr Joshi said.

\"I am always very keen to reinforce and protect the reputation of Australian tertiary education to people around the world, in particular those contemplating studying in Australia\".

Mr Stewart said that, as part of the CQU community, Dr Joshi would be an enormous help and resource to students who have left their home countries to study and live in Australia.

\"CQU is the number one destination for international students studying in Australia and we, as an organisation, want to further enhance our understanding and appreciation of the students and their cultures so we can better respond to their needs,” Mr Stewart said.

Dr Joshi went on to gain his PhD from the University of California before lecturing at the University of Georgia and the University of California. He joined RMIT in 1970 as a lecturer and retired as a Professor of Geology in 1999. Field studies have taken Dr Joshi to many areas of the world including North America, Norway, Sweden and Poland, while his research activities in Australia have taken him from Northern Territory to Phillip Island.

Since migrating to Australia in 1970, Dr Joshi has devoted himself to actively assisting the Indian community in addressing social and religious concerns.

He has been associated with the Consulate of India in Melbourne since its inception in 1983 until recently, when he retired as Honorary Consul of India.

Addressing well-wishers at his welcome to CQU this week (Thursday, September 28), Dr Joshi said he was looking forward to his new role.

\"I have been associated with the education systems in India, USA and Australia. I have several years of experience as honorary Consul of India in Victoria. This experience has given me insight into education systems in general and problems faced by students, particularly overseas students,\" he said.

\"I am accepting the position of Cultural Advisor to Melbourne and Sydney international campuses of the CQU to assist both staff and students in understanding each other\'s cultures and to offer appropriate solutions as I see fit to solve any problems.

\"Hopefully this process will enhance the working of the University\".

Photos: Dr Joshi is welcomed to CQU and discusses his role with Melbourne Campus Director Darryl Stewart.