The International Student Services team at Flinders introduced some of the fun elements of Aussie culture into its April barbecue at the University Oval.

The Community Inclusion Team from the Port Adelaide Football Club was on hand to encourage more than 120 international students to play some Aussie Rules football, before settling into a barbecue with sausages, vegetable burgers and salads prepared by the Alere kitchen. Also helping with the football instruction were representatives from the Flinders University Football Club and Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Activity students.

“An event like this – outside in the sunshine, having fun and sharing good times with a whole community of people – really helps our international students to have an increased understanding of the Australian way of life,” says Jose Paulino, manager of International Student Services. “The great outcome was that we met quite a few international students who hadn’t come to ISS events before, so the flavour of this event certainly resonated with the student community.”

Better still, some of the international students expressed interest in joining the Flinders University Football Club as volunteers, so they can learn more about the game.

Bobby Carlile, Multicultural Programs Manager for Port Adelaide Football Club and a current student at Flinders University, gave an inspiring address to the students about his positive experiences with sport and education, being a Fijian who switched from rugby to Aussie Rules football.

Mr Paulino was delighted that the event received support from so many groups within the Flinders community – including Oasis, FUSA, Flinders One and the Flinders University Football Club – and looks forward to presenting a full program of ISS activities throughout the year.