South American study groups visit UQ

South American study groups visit UQ

The University of Queensland has hosted its first study group tour programs from South America.

The University's Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education (ICTE) hosted a group of Argentine legal professionals including judges, judicial secretaries and lawyers. They spent two weeks at the University in January studying English for Legal Purposes, attending professional lectures and site visits to local barristers, judges and the law courts, and also undertook a range of cultural and recreational activities.

The second study tour of 23 students and two teachers from one of Brazil's leading high schools, Colegio Bandeirantes in Sao Paulo, attended a four-week English Language study tour program.

As part of their activities, students made a video in English about their experiences at the University and their cultural and recreational activities in and around Brisbane. Several students are keen to return to the University of Queensland to undertake university studies.

ICTE Deputy Director David Nelson said the Institute had been marketing strongly in South America for the past two years.

"The groups were very happy with their ICTE programs, and they are both returning with bigger groups next January," he said.

"Colegio Bandeirantes, which is planning to bring 30 to 40 students next year, has similar educational arrangements in Canada, US, Argentina and Japan.

"Tour leader Patricia Lolo who is in charge of the college's international programs said the ICTE program was the most professionally organised and successful first international program the college had experienced."

Mr Nelson said the outstanding success of the inaugural South American programs was promising for the expansion of future University of Queensland initiatives in the region.

Media contact: Mr Nelson, telephone 07 3365 6361, or ICTE director Chris Bundesen, telephone 07 3365 6500.