New Director’s international focus

As Australian universities become increasing popular with overseas students the newly appointed Director of The University of Queensland’s International Education Directorate (IED) is hoping to see a continued increase in the interaction between Australian and international students.

Andrew Everett said one of his main goals would be to build mutually beneficial international relationships and encourage a more global view of higher education.

“International students bring to the University many different life experiences from other cultures; they bring knowledge, skills and information that can be shared,” Mr Everett said.

“They also bring a sense of enthusiasm that encourages domestic students to travel overseas.”

Since 2001 Mr Everett has worked as UQ’s International Development Manager, building offshore links and coordinating University-wide international projects.

He has worked in the higher education sector for the past seven years. Prior to this Mr Everett was employed in the Banking and Finance sector where he held several senior management positions.

In announcing the appointment, UQ’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development) Professor Trevor Grigg, said: “Mr Everett brings to the position of Director a wealth of experience in international education and university administration, as well as extensive experience in the finance industry.”

“I look forward to him working with me as Director as we work in partnership with the Faculties and key central administrative areas to achieve the University’s international goals.”

Mr Everett, who officially takes up his position on November 1, said international students were attracted to Australian universities for a variety of reasons including teaching quality, lifestyle and location.

He said IED helped make the transition to UQ as smooth as possible for international students who were faced with the challenge of adapting to a new culture and way of learning.

“The University has support systems and orientation programs in place to make sure international students are made aware of the options available to them and are able to take full advantage of the learning experience,” he said.

Media: For more information or photos, contact Andrew Everett (telephone 07 3365 1978, email: a.everett@admin.uq.edu.au) or Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2479, email: c.saxby@uq.edu.au).