CQU Brisbane International Campus (BIC) had the privilege of hosting a visit by 3 professors and 9 students from Endicott College (Massachusetts, USA) on June 1.

Professors Rich Nastasi, Aaron Viner and Sergio Inestrosa brought the group of students to BIC as part of an educational tour designed to enhance the students' degree studies.

Among the educational activities undertaken were a visit to Somerville Junior School, a student debate and a faculty forum - all of which were a great success.

Of all the educational activities, perhaps the most interesting was the student debate in which 2 teams, visitors and hosts, debated the proposal, "Compulsory voting is a violation of civil liberties".

Interest was heightened by the rather unusual way in which the debate was organized by Gold Coast International Campus lecturer, Hugh Zillman.  As a barrister, Hugh presented the debate in the form of a court trial complete with Hugh dressed in full courtroom regalia and barrister's wig.  The 'prosecution' and 'defence' presented persuasive arguments and, after a final vote by the audience (jury), the prosecution (BIC) won the day.

Hugh Zillman

The Faculty Forum comprised a number of provocative statements presented by the visiting professors, which prompted discussion with the audience of campus staff.

Professor Aaron Viner's assertion that students of the USA had a rather blinkered view of the world - they were unable to recognize points of view held in other parts of the world - prompted a number of opposing arguments from the audience and provided food for thought for future debates.

In addition to the academic activities, the group managed to take in a number of recreational activities including a surfing lesson at Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, an NRL game at Carrara Stadium and a visit to O'Reilly's Lookout in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

The visitors, many of whom had never travelled outside the USA before, departed on June 6, to travel to Melbourne Campus to further expand their understanding of Australian educational culture.