CDU student becomes first City of Sydney international student ambassador

For the first time a Charles Darwin University (CDU) student has been accepted into the award-winning City of Sydney International Student Leadership and Ambassador (ISLA) program. 
 

The program offers free training, integrated learning and volunteering opportunities to support international students with experience and success in future careers.  
 

CDU Sydney International Master of IT (Cyber Security) student Suraj Karki is the first student from CDU to be accepted into the program.  
 

Mr Karki said he was encouraged to apply after participating in the CDU Careers Centre VALue (Volunteer and Learn) program.  
 

“After my positive experience with the CDU VALue program, I gained an understanding of how impactful volunteering can be, so when I received a newsletter regarding the ISLA program, I applied,” Mr Karki said.  
 

Mr Karki said he didn’t expect to be accepted so when he received his acceptance letter, he was very surprised.  
 

“Being an international student can come with difficulties, being provided this additional opportunity to network, gain skills and connect with other students is really important to me and I believe to my success in Australia,” Mr Karki said.  
 

“I am proud to be able to represent CDU and am looking forward to the opportunities I will be a part of,” he said. 
 

Since its inception the CDU Sydney campus has expanded to include more study options, including the Master of IT and Data Science with the campus’s physical presence now occupying more than 50 percent of its George Street residency.  
 

CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor Sydney Dr Sascha Jenkins said this was a huge milestone for the University.  
 

“CDU Sydney has seen significant growth now with more course offerings, student supports and engagement opportunities,” Dr Jenkins said.  
 

“These types of appointments truly demonstrates that CDU is part of the university footprint in Sydney. 
 

“It also reflects the importance of supporting our students to become involved in their communities and ensure they are connected to additional opportunities and services that support their futures.”  
 

This was recently demonstrated at the Western Sydney Careers expo where CDU students from IT, Project Management and Midwifery were asked to share their study experience on a student panel. 
 

Due to Mr Karki’s volunteering commitments and his participation in the ISLA program he was invited to attend the Thank You reception for the City of Sydney Volunteers, hosted by the City of Sydney Mayor.