Mr Alessandro Sereni1
1The University Of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
The pre-departure phase is pivotal in shaping international students’ initial experiences and academic success in Australia. This presentation outlines a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the pre-departure experience for international students transitioning to the University of Adelaide. Spearheaded by International Student Support (ISS) and involving various University stakeholders, the project has established a centralized, comprehensive, and streamlined pre-departure framework. This framework delivers essential pre-departure information in a specialized, culturally appropriate, and engaging manner. It includes a suite of pre-recorded student-led and produced reels, alongside with short presentations featuring staff covering pertinent topics. Interactive online Q&A sessions featuring key stakeholders further enrich the experience. Additionally, the integration of this suite of pre-departure resources within an online module hosted on the University’s Learning Management System (LMS) ensures accessibility and ongoing support throughout the student academic journey. This holistic approach not only streamlines the pre-departure process but also fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, ultimately enriching students’ university experience and academic outcomes. This presentation explains the project’s rationale, benefits for commencing international students, and its relevance in promoting a seamless transition to university life and beyond.
Biography:
Alessandro is the International Engagement Officer with International Student Support at the University of Adelaide. He is passionate about empowering international students to flourish via engaging and rewarding student experiences. With an academic background in international relations and development as well as professional experiences in the government, education, and non-governmental sectors across three continents, Alessandro continuously seeks to expand his interdisciplinary knowledge and skills toolbox. He is open to collaborations leading to positive and meaningful outcomes for international students in Australia.