AustraLearn Students Hear Lecture And Dine With U.S. Consul-General, Sydney
U.S. Students Studying Abroad at Central Queensland University Learn From Judith Fergin About Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Services Careers
Several AustraLearn participants attended a lecture last week by Judith Fergin, the United States Consul General, Sydney.
Left to Right: Scott Bowman (VC CQU), Whitney Orlando, Billy Sarandria (AustraLearn), Mary Straughn, Judith Fergin (United States Consul-General, Sydney), Katie Mercer (AustraLearn), Lizzy Wolfson (AustraLearn), Shelia Houston (Director, AustraLearn), Christine O'Boyle, Brad Carter (Mayor, Rockhampton Regional Council.) Photo taken May 5, 2010, at CQUniversity, Rockhampton Campus. Photographer: Peter Lawrence, CQU.)
The event was held at at Central Queensland University’s Rockhampton campus and included dinner afterward with Mrs. Fergin, who stated she will help the university explore ways of increasing international student numbers and international research programs.
“I’ve had discussions in the past with the Vice Chancellor about his interest in attracting foreign students,” Fergin said, according to a CQUniversity news article. “United States universities are always eager to reciprocate. There are opportunities for a junior year abroad or a semester here or there.”
It is the Consul General’s role to maintain contact with senior Australian officials, both state and federal, within the consular district and keep the embassy and Washington informed of important political, economic and other developments affecting U.S. interests.
In addition, the Consul General often represents the United States at public functions and addresses various groups and organizations on issues affecting Australian-American relations. Briefing visiting U.S. officials and American business representatives is also an important responsibility.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said hundreds of Americans have studied with CQUniversity over the years.
“Through AustraLearn we get approximately 20 to 30 students with us per term. Some are here tonight, and we’ll hear about their Australian experience a little bit later,” he said. “In recent times we’ve sent about a dozen Central Queenslanders to universities in New York, Kentucky, New Mexico and Illinois through our Study Abroad program”.
In addition, Mrs. Fergin addressed topics including:
- Barack Obama’s foreign policy
- What a diplomatic career entails
- Her role in the diplomatic services
A student panel followed Mrs. Fergin’s presentation.
While in Rockhampton, Mrs. Fergin also spoke about the importance of the Shoalwater Bay Joint Military Training exercises which enable American and Australian forces to prepare for operations on the land and sea and in the air.
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