As part of their ‘Real Australia' Universities 2007 activities, 5 IDP in-country counsellors from China, India, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand visited CQU Rockhampton, on Wednesday, May 9.

These counsellors recruit students to CQU annually and as part of the visit were briefed on current faculty programs available to international students.

The guests spent 2 days in Rockhampton and CQU staff showed off the strengths of CQU's Central Queensland campuses.

Their schedule encompassed a hosted tour of Rockhampton including the zoo and surrounding highlights such as the old buildings, The Range and shopping centres.

The aim was to capture and highlight what would be of interest for international students should CQU Rockhampton be their campus of choice.

IDP deals with student recruitment through such activities as education counseling, publications, exhibitions and English language testing. 

It is the major agent for recruiting international students into our courses.

IDP has representation throughout the world and we have in-country managers from 5 countries who recruit many students per year to CQU.

IDP also manages AUSAID and ADS scholarships. For more information see the website: http://www.idp.com/development/aboutus/article22.asp

According to Kathy Ramm, International Executive Officer, Chancellery, who organised the event:

"The group indicated they really enjoyed the experience, from Kylie's guided tour of Rocky and koalas, and Cathy's kangaroos on the Cap College lawns, to the wonderfully welcoming lunch with many staff and students at Cap College Dining Hall, to all of the staff who made formal, very snappy presentations in the afternoon, and those who made it right through to dinner."

In particular, the Thailand counsellor was very enthusiastic about Rockhampton, and met with one of her students at lunch. The student spoke very highly of Rockhampton and CQU. She later met a number of students leaving the Language Centre, who are all happy with their experience, and was very impressed with the standard of care provided by homestay parents picking up students, the layout of the road to ensure safety of students, etc.

The Indian counsellor spoke of the "good name of CQU in India" and was very positive about the lady who came to Hyderabad to provide pre-departure briefings. He was also very positive about the role of the CGH office in India and the very rapid turnaround of offers. Overall, it was a very positive day for the group.