VietNamNet Bridge - A university student from Vietnam now studying in Brisbane, Australia, has been honored by Brisbane Lord Mayor.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk announced 21-year-old Ha Le as one of 33 Brisbane International Student Ambassadors for 2013.

Brisbane’s 33 passionate new advocates from 29 countries will share their experiences back home as well as participate in media interviews, volunteer at multicultural events, and assist with hosting official visiting delegations. As well as coming to grips with a different language and unfamiliar campuses, they will witness unique Australian sporting events, feed dolphins, visit the world-renowned Gallery of Modern Art, and much more. Another bonus for students is that many companies in Brisbane offer internship and graduate programs which embrace cross-cultural skills.

Ha Le is from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, but lives in Brisbane while she completes her Bachelor of Economics at the University of Queensland. She arrived in Brisbane after being awarded a UQ Foundation Year Scholarship in 2010 and is now the recipient of a UQ Economics Scholarship.

“Before I came to Brisbane I did my research and found it a peaceful city with a comfortable lifestyle and many promising opportunities for jobs. Most importantly I knew I would gain valuable knowledge and skills at the prestigious University of Queensland,” Le said.

“After a few years living here I have fallen for Brisbane and wish to promote it to other international students and help them adapt more easily to the new environment and enjoy their time here.”

The honorary appointments were for one year. In that time, the ambassadors will use a variety of social media and digital tools, including Facebook, Twitter and the recently relaunched Study Brisbane website, to communicate their real life experiences.

“International students contribute so much to Brisbane and not just on an economic level. They help create a cosmopolitan, vibrant city and strengthen our network with cities around the globe, creating lifelong relationships,” said Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

The student ambassador program was established by Brisbane Marketing’s Study Brisbane program in 2009 and is open to both domestic and international students in Brisbane.

PV