IDP counsellors from Vietnam, India and Indonesia toured the Rockhampton district and CQU campus this week to gain a first-hand feel for the institution.

They also visited campuses in Townsville, Cairns and Darwin as part of a tour of what IDP refers to as 'real Australia campuses' (ie campuses outside the larger cities).

IDP Sales Executive Harry Rodden explained that the term 'regional campus' sometimes has connotations about a lack of facilities - so IDP prefers other descriptions.

Mr Rodden said personal visits were important so IDP counsellors were aware of the nature of each campus and its host city and region.

Ms Nguyen Thuy Hang from Hanoi in Vietnam said she would be able to recommend Rockhampton to parents worried their children might be distracted by an overly active night-life.

She said it was good to hear that CQU had processes in place to ensure students were concentrating on their studies.

The other visitors were Ms Sravanthi Gollapudi from Hyderabad in India and Mr Gama Garthia Iqbal from Jakarta in Indonesia.

Ms Gollapudi, on her first trip to Australia, said Rockhampton was much bigger than she expected.

Mr Rodden said campus tours were important to help counsellors "promote with confidence".

IDP Education Australia Limited (IDP) is a global organisation with more than 69 locations and activities in 31 countries. Owned by 38 universities in Australia and representing all education sectors, IDP is an independent not-for-profit organisation.

Photo: IDP visitors (from left) Harry Rodden, Ms Nguyen Thuy Hang, Mr Gama Garthia Iqbal and Ms Sravanthi Gollapudi, with CQU International staff.