Transition Office staff have returned to Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili, to deliver their tailored five-day academic preparation program to a group of local students.

The students, ranging from undergraduate to masters and PhD, are Australia Award-funded and will commence their studies in Australia in 2017, including at Flinders.

Transition Office staff were invited back after the spectacular success of the first iteration of the program in 2015.

All stakeholders, including Australian officials in Dili, were very positive about the smooth transition of last year’s participants into the Australian academic culture and credited the Flinders staff for helping students understand the expectations and requirements of study in Australia.

Transition Office Director, Associate Professor Salah Kutieleh, said the 2016 students would also benefit from the workshop as they navigate the academic, cultural and social differences between the Timorese and Australian education system.

“The program introduces students to the teaching and learning styles in Australian universities,” Associate Professor Kutieleh said.

“Classroom interaction and the Australian teaching style are identified as issues in the adjustment process for many International students.

“By running the program in a richly interactive and relaxed context, these students will be ready for their academic and cultural journey in Australia”

“The students’ feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one saying the five days were invaluable to him as he prepares to spend the next few years studying in Australia.”