The city welcomed its latest batch of international students last weekend.
At an official student welcome at City Square on Saturday, Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley thanked international students for their contribution towards making Melbourne a more colourful and multicultural city.
Ms Riley says international students are a key component of Melbourne culture.
“I think it is the best thing we have got going for us,” she said.
“About 36,000 students are studying in Melbourne right now and everyone of them brings their own culture and that just makes our city so much richer.”
See our full slideshow of photos from the day.
Gary Lee, City of Melbourne international student youth project officer, says international students are important ingredients in Melbourne’s melting pot.
“International students bring a lot of culture to Melbourne and the city values that,” Mr Lee said.
“At the same time, we want to share the Victorian culture with international students as well and it is a two-way process.”
The event was organized by the City of Melbourne and student leaders, including South Korean Monash University student Sheen Tang.
Mr Tang says he thinks Melbourne’s dynamic culture makes it a “fantastic and liveable city”.
“Everyone around you is from another country and we welcome the different cultures international students bring to the community,” Mr Tang said.
Do Melbourne’s international students feel at home? Listen to Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley’s answer.
What do international students think? City Journal asked international students on the day, here are some of their thoughts.
Nevertheless, Jessica Oktaviana feels that international students should equally make the effort to adapt to the Victorian culture and way of life.
“As we come to Melbourne, we are trying to blend in with their culture and this event allows me to learn more about their customs as well,” said Miss Oktaviana, an Indonesian student.
Max Huang believes that events such as the Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome greatly benefit international students.
“There are cross-cultures going on around in Melbourne and by joining this kind of event, we can learn and appreciate other new cultures,” said Mr Huang, who comes from China.
“Instead of simply staying at home, students should participate in these kinds of activities as it helps us make new friends and understand the city of Melbourne better.”
