Fraternitas 2019

International House

IN THIS ISSUE

How IH has changed my life Wander Anywhere, Anytime My Nepali Adventure Mixed identity Fraternitas NOV 2019

Fraternitas 2019

International House IN THIS ISSUE The University of Melbourne From the Head of College 3 241 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Congratulations to our 2019 Scholarship Recipients 4 Thank you to our Generous Donors 5 Read Fraternitas online: www.ihouse.unimelb.edu.au/alumni From the Deputy Head of College 6 Donations to International House can be made at Tutor Review 6 www.ihouse.unimelb.edu.au/give Orientation Week 7 EDITING PANEL Selamat Datang 8 Thu Nguyen and Tamra Keating How IH Has Changed My Life 9 Wander Anywhere, Anytime – A Lifetime of Sharing 10 PHOTOGRAPHERS Academic and Professional Development 12 Ben Levy and Anton van Buuren A Valedict’s Story 13 FEEDBACK My Nepali Adventure 14 Fraternitas is published three times a year (one in print and two 2019 in Colour 16 online) for the International House community. We would love to Mixed Identity 20 hear from our valued alumni. Please email us at Reunion 22 [email protected] The Importance of Culture 24 Duncan Ledger, Cover image: Open Day Highlights 25 Aanya Gunawansa, Shaun Chow and Abbey Milligan International House Community 2019 - 2020 26 Countries and Regions 27 Philanthropy 27

How IH has changed my life Wander Anywhere, Anytime – A Lifetime of Sharing

My Nepali Adventure Mixed identity

2 From the Head of the College

From the Head of College

We have been marketing extensively IH is in a strong position with the newly overseas and in rural and regional elected Undergraduate and Graduate Australia throughout 2019. It is more Presidents and student club committees. important than ever to reinforce the I look forward to working with these importance of IH in providing an committed IH student leaders over the environment to support academic next 12 months. The graduate committee excellence as well as encouraging IHers to has a full team elected, the first time since explore and welcome diversity and keep the graduate student club was formed the wonderful mix that keeps IH relevant in 2015. This to me demonstrates the in this global world. involvement, commitment and pride of the graduate community which has Many nervous 18-years-old, fresh faced and formed over the five years of the George ready to meet the challenges of leaving Hicks Building. The future of IH within home for the first time, and studying at the both the undergraduate and graduate University of Melbourne, walked through cohort is strong. the IH front door for ‘move-in day’. To The increase in the commercial see the transformation of these students Finally, I wish to thank donors and underline student accommodation market through their time at IH and at University is the importance of scholarships. It is one of the most rewarding aspects for the becoming increasingly important that IH around the University and inner-city staff team here at IH. can offer scholarships and bursaries to areas has delivered many challenges students in financial need. Students are in 2019. The Executive has been I have recently returned from the 30th looking more and more at budgets and cost reviewing the features and services Anniversary Celebration of the University of saving and at a distance sometimes find it provided to students and getting to Melbourne Malaysian Alumni Association in difficult to understand the very real benefits the core of what is vital in making Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. It was a marvelous of the college environment and the support, IH so special and unique. occasion attended by 220 guests with connections and services we offer. many of these IH alumni, having lived What will the student of 2025 or of 2030 at IH and experienced the life changing Scholarship donations help IH to provide want and need? How can we maximize the journey it is here. It led me to think about scholarships for those who otherwise use of our spaces, our programs and our the strong relationship IH has with our might register in cheaper accommodation resources to meet the needs for students overseas partners, in particular Malaysia without the rich pastiche of support as into the future? IH must constantly look and Singapore. provided at IH for academic and social forward to the student of tomorrow, as well development. All donations go into as maintaining relevant traditions that hold The Malaysia and Singapore government our International House Scholarship the IH community together. A recent report gave some of the initial seed money to buy Trust Fund which helps fund a range of looking at living issues facing university the original land on which the Clunies Ross scholarships. students found that the greatest single and Wadham buildings are located. IH had issue of concern is loneliness. students from these countries in our first Operational funds are not used for intake and we still have IHers from these scholarships therefore it is only donations Although the modern student is countries today. and the interest generated from our trust digitally connected through electronic funds which allow us to allocate financial communication, some find face-to-face We have hosted three alumni reunions at support to those in need. In 2019 we communication difficult and finding friends IH in second semester. Many of our current distributed $350,000 in scholarships and in the modern world a hard skill to develop. students view these alumni as ‘old’ but we hope in 2020 with your support to the alumni have similar IH stories and be able to create more opportunities for We aim within the IH community to ensure experiences. The alumni reminisce about students in need. as much as possible that loneliness is not such things as Café International, cultural an issue, that students are connected and night (previously known as national Dr Deborah F Seifert AM are supported. We know this will be an night), the Play, parties during orientation Head of College ongoing human need for students into week and even ‘which shower in Scheps the future and that the IH community will has the best water pressure’! continue to be relevant.

3 Fraternitas NOV 2019

Congratulations to our 2019 Scholarship Recipients

If you would like to contribute to the scholarship funding at International House, please contact Ms Tamra Keating, Director of Marketing & Advancement: [email protected] or +61 3 9345 7558

SCHOLARSHIPS AT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE IN 2020

FOR NEW STUDENTS FOR RETURNING STUDENTS • Dawn Wade Scholarship • Weickhardt Academic Excellent Scholarship • Clifford Family Scholarship • Sundarason Scholarship • Commerce at International House Scholarship • Andrew Lee Scholarship • Robert M Fels Rotary Club of Melbourne • Peter Cole Scholarship • Richard Cullen and SK Chan Scholarship • Mavis Jackson Scholarship • Mavis Jackson Academic Potential Entrance Scholarship • Donovan Johnson Scholarship • Weickhardt Academic Potential Entrance Scholarship • 1964 Alumni Scholarship • 1964 Alumni Scholarship • Rotary Club of Malvern • Frank and Valerie Larkins Scholarship • Vi Peterson Scholarship • Donovan Johnson Scholarship • Charlie-Jong Scholarship • SEAVIC Lodge No.8 Freemasons International House Bursary • Global Citizenship Award • TASC Award

4 Thank you to our Generous Donors

Thank you to our Generous Donors

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE DONORS 2019

INDIVIDUALS Mr Bhuchong Jansubbakich Mr Charles Tseng Mr Paul Ackerman Dr Craig Jones Mr Vikram Visweswara Professor Robin Anders Ms Tamra Keating Dr Gordon Walker Mr Sjoerd Bakker Mr Howard Khoo and Ms Chi Oi Meng Dr Peter Waylen Mr David Barnes Professor Emeritus Frank P Larkins AM Dr H’ng Weng Chin Professor Simon Bell and Mrs Valerie Larkins Professor GR Barrie Webster Dr Karen Boyd-Jones Mr Andrew K F Lee Ms Pera Wells Dr Chuong D Bui Professor Emeritus Kwong Lee Dow AO Mr Peter R Whipple Dr Nicholas Cheng Ms Bronwen Leslie Dr Philip Wong Dr Chong Kui Lim Mr Philip Leung Mr Andrew Woods Ms Annette Clarey Dr Chong Kui Lim Dr Peter Yeung Mr Leigh Clifford AO and Mrs Sue Clifford Mr Tien Loh Mr Benjamin Yew Major General Adrian Clunies-Ross Dr Ross McLeod Mr Ka Wei Yuen Associate Professor Ken Coghill Mrs Judy McKenzie Mr Lindsay Zoch Mr Ian Colliver Mrs Megan Morgan Dr David Conochie Mr John Morrish ORGANISATIONS Cater Care Australia p/l Mr Michael David Mr Phillip M Nyssen Collingwood Football Club Colonel Howard R Ellis RFD Mr Andrew Oppenheim Donovan-Johnston Memorial Dr Norm and Dr Barbara Fary OAM Mrs Lyndal Pascoe Scholarship Fund Mr Robert M Fels Ms Vi Peterson and Mr Pete Peterson Freemason SEAVIC Lodge number 8 Ms Sandy Forbes Dr Deborah Seifert AM Karlee Pty Ltd Mr Julian Gardner AM Dr Richard Shiell McCracken & McCracken Mr Glen Gersch Mr Toshihiko Shirabe Rotary Club of Central Melbourne - Mr Stephen Gibson Dr Denise Sprynskyj Sunrise Inc Ms Sara Hanson Ms Fleur Studd Rotary Club of Melbourne Mr John Heywood Ms Celia Sutterby V N Sanders Charity Trust Dr Boon H Hong OAM Dr Barrie Thistlethwayte Zagora Foundation

1964 Alumni – Rob Oke, David Kidman and Gregor Howie with the 1964 Alumni Scholarship recipient – Meaghan Ferguson

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From the Deputy Head of College

However, from semester two to be living One particular strength of IH that I have and working in this community has only observed and experienced is the sense of strengthened my understanding of the welcome offered to all those joining the IH essence of IH. The wish of the students community. The harmonious and helpful at IH to appreciate, welcome and respect spirit of the House is palpable, and clearly the principles, cultures and differences of enables lasting friendships to be made. I others is a living thread throughout the have been so impressed by the sense of daily life at the House. individuality, the sense of knowing one’s self and of being strong to one’s ideals. IH clearly lives its vision and mission of excellence through the collegial Finally, I would like to thank the IH educational experience, preparing community, staff, students and friends for students for the valuable roles you will all making 2019 an interesting and rewarding fulfil in your local and global communities. time for me at IH. I already see the determination of IHers to achieve academic success, personal Mr Daniel Persaud Deputy Head of College What a pleasure it is to be part of this growth and cross-cultural understanding International House Community. as a basis for your life ahead. I was aware whilst working at I have met many past and current IHers, the main university campus of interviewed prospective students, International House’s history, dined at several High Table dinners and philosophy and strong student bonds. participated in student events.

Tutor Review

During my time working with the students, The ethos established by the Orientation I have gained an immense amount of skill leaders from day 1 preserves this spirit from in negotiating, communication and at older generations of students to new IHers. times bordering on coercion. I have been truly impressed by the activities organised by the IHSC where inclusivity and As a tutor with academic and pastoral compassion have been key themes. care responsibilities, I often have many students approaching me after hours The most enjoyable part of IH has definitely for advice regarding personal study or been the multiple dinner conversations I other more sensitive issues. I have come have been a part of. Topics ranging from to realise that pastoral care is hugely politics to current internet trends (i.e. contingent on availability of support, memes) have been the highlight of my many which is what we have strived to improve semesters here at IH. The sense of maturity and provide here in IH. Tutors are displayed by the students who eventually available after business hours, which can leave IH belies their age, as they’re exposed be useful for students who have full days to many global views within this enclosed Living at IH for the past 4 years has been in lectures and tutorials at the University. community. As a tutor, juggling full time an amazing experience. Beginning as study and part time work will never be easy I can speak from personal experience that but the students here make it so much more a post- graduate student in the George the culture developed by the students of enjoyable. Hicks Building, life was very different IH is unique and special. The amount of to what it is now as the Dimmick tutor care and compassion students have for one Ms Fiona Yew (New Zealand) (Pastoral Care tutor) living amongst the another amazed me as it truly embodied Dimmick Tutor undergraduate students. the meaning of ‘Fraternitas.’ Doctor of Medicine student

6 Orientation Week

Orientation Week

Being a new student at International All new students will pick up the rhythm O-Week activities included an adventure House is an amazing experience filled of the college lifestyle very quickly. In my race around Melbourne, a big game of with excitement for the semester to perspective, ‘O-Week’ was an amazing ‘capture the flag’, lunch at Dockland, a come. It is a similar experience to way to meet new people and learn my beach day and much more. It was a very starting any new school, university way around the college, become familiar fun way to meet people and settle down with my way around Melbourne using the into the flow of college one week before or even an after-school activity trams and to discuss my subjects with Uni began. Once O-Week was complete and program with the exception of being the tutors and older students in order to classes had begun I found that I had quickly surrounded by like-minded peers in become confident with my choices. The learnt the IH way and settled into my new a place of residence where you are activities during O-Week are organised home, stress and worry free knowing I had submerged into diverse culture and by the O-Week leaders (a select group made friends for life that would be able to enthusiasm. of older students) which allows new support me throughout the year. students to become familiar with current The first day jitters similar to starting students and to provide a ‘sister’ or There is a saying amongst IH that you anything new is expected and normal, ‘brother’ for students to go to about any will never need to book accommodation yet in a way the new school feeling is problems or for a chat. The activities whilst travelling as you will meet and different as you know the people you are designed to allow students to have become friends with so many people from meet and memories that you make during free time but also have a structured all around the world, therefore meaning the orientation week (O-Week) are there week so that mealtimes, bonding games accommodation will always be free! As a to last whether it be a semester, a year and parties are encouraged in a safe current first year student I am especially or 3 years. The first introduction into IH and friendly environment. The week glad that I chose International House as is held in the beautiful dining hall and is designed to encourage everyone to my home as I do not think there is another everyone is welcomed into a strong sense participate, make friends and meet new college that I would feel so content and of community. Each student represents a people from different counties in order to happy with. country or region and their flag is displayed learn about different cultures. on the walls in the dining hall as a sign of Paris Eckert (Australia), respect and belonging. O-Week is just some Bachelor of Design student of the college ‘lingo’ that many students will use including words such as ‘IH-er’.

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Selamat Datang

Selamat Datang (means ‘welcome’ Although it was written in 1961, parts of In 1961 the House also had specific tutors in Indonesian), the IH orientation the handbook are still relevant today. on every floor for each building, and they handbook, was first produced in 1961. It mentioned Melbourne Zoo, as well as were ones who had power to fine students The Warden (Head of College) Sam Brunswick’s Barkly Square as a “premier for misbehaving (for example, using sticky Dimmick welcomed the initiative, shopping centre.” Unfortunately, a popular tape on walls). food store called “The Dugout,” located but used his introduction to urge in the next block towards East (close to The Student Club was the centre of life students to find a balance between Princes Park) no longer exists. for the college, despite being in its early study and socialising: stages. Peter Sellers, then-President, wrote Meals within the college were divided in welcoming the club’s new members into informal and formal, similar to what and stating their initiatives, such as You should be an active participant current IHers know as high table dinners. starting cricket and hockey teams. He also in the extra-curricular activities of The difference lies at how students were encouraged residents to write for Satadal students, such as sport, clubs and required to wear formal, business attire and participate in cultural functions societies, House functions, general and had to sign the absence book if they of the House. Sellers also wrote about meetings, processions, drama, were not to attend these meals. The their fundraising initiatives: wine tasting, dances and social life generally. handbook also includes practical tips for festivals and dances that are evident in the Having said this, one must add new residents such as how to order extra college’s social culture today. that extracurricular activities bottles of milk and how to operate the Although some rules and practices from must not be allowed to interfere “somewhat ancient” washing machines. 1961 have disappeared, many are still with your studies. There were also residents called to duty by relevant today, and the handbook proves the House who were referred to as “Duty as another guide to International House’s Officers,” otherwise known as Residential strong historical roots. The first handbook provided directions on Tutors today. They were responsible for how residents could get to their rooms, setting the tables for dinner and locking Kiara Mijares (Philippines), the offices, carpark and warden’s room. the gates at 11pm, taking turns (or shifts) at Master of Applied Psychology student Interestingly, the handbook also included the least once a month. origins and purpose of International House - its goals and ideas beyond being a simple accommodation for university students. It was built to encourage “understanding amongst international students while pursuing their studies.” Further, it was also a way to promote openness and collaboration between domestic and international students in activities such as sherry parties and tennis tournaments, displaying the House’s aims of producing “graduates” who are culturally sensitive and with little tolerance for ignorance.

8 How IH has changed my life

How IH has changed my life

After three years of living in a I know that we often talk about all these To be honest, I feel enormously thankful supportive, adventurous, and loving brilliant activities we run as a college – there are so many people that I community, I will be saying goodbye in our social media. But for me, those should thank. It may be a cliché, but our at the end of this year. A lot of people activities which I took part in serve as little community is nothing without its people. ask me how I feel about leaving the markers in memory of the lessons I learnt, I’m thankful for my scholarship donors and most importantly all the growing up because without them I would never college at the end of the year and I did along the way. I will always treasure have had the opportunity to live in this often I do not know how to answer. IH because it was the place where I could diverse and adventurous community. My feelings are very hard to put into safely discover who I was beyond my I am thankful for the IH staff; for their words, how can I describe the love I feel home and my family. My years at IH will friendly smiles and conversations, and for a place that has been my lovely home always mark when I was working what I their support in difficult times. And most for three years. It is not that I do not want wanted my values were going to be. And of all, I am thankful for all the IHers their to move out, but I am feeling the same of course, my values are still developing friendship, their jokes, and their energy. way you do when you finish a good book but IH has left a very distinguishable mark When I think about it more, I believe - part of me wants to relive the highlights, on them. I know how to answer the question, but I know that if I reread the whole book IH showed me how to support friends, it “What are you going to miss about IH?” it would not be the same as the first taught me that I needed to expand my I am going to miss all those little daily time, nonetheless, I am so glad I had the horizons and value those around me interactions with IHers; the smile and nod opportunity to read that book. more. I will never forget those IHers who you give someone when they walk past, Three years ago, I came to IH: at the time I stood beside me in the most difficult the silly jokes you share over lunch, the was a nervous eighteen year old, who was periods of my life and were unconditional groups chats with ridiculous amounts of just moving out of home for the first time, in their love and acceptance. IH taught me people, and the endless coffee chats at and I was excited to be moving to IH after the value of service and of contributing Bobeff café. I’m going to miss IH, but it will thoroughly stalking the college’s Facebook, to a community. Without the tireless always hold a special place in my heart Instagram, and YouTube accounts. Since teamwork of IHers at our events, some of and whenever I revisit, I will always have that time, I’ve gotten the opportunity the most highly anticipated events of the my fond memories – just like I am turning to do so many things that I could have year would never occur. There is definite over the pages of one my favourite books. never imagined myself doing. From sense of pride which you feel will when Naomi Smith (Australia) singing at Music Soirees, organising Café you contribute to an IH event like O-week, Bachelor of Arts student Internationale, helping run the student a National Night, or a Holi and Songkran. IHSC president 2018 – 2019 shop, to being on the O-week leader team. Sundarason Scholarship recipient

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Wander Anywhere, Anytime A Lifetime of Sharing

Amid the fast and busy pace of our In 1972, while working as an operations year, amounting to 17 schools today. The lives, it is easy to overlook inequities supervisor on the steel furnaces of schools provide kindergarten and primary prevalent in our neighbourhoods Whyalla, Peter met Margie, a primary school education for 100 to 300 children, and cities, let alone other countries. school teacher from Adelaide, and the with one including a middle school. And yet, through chance encounters two got married the following year. The pair shared their affinity for travel and The cost of building a school, including with people of diverse socioeconomic frequently backpacked around Asia, later electrical equipment (solar panels, and cultural backgrounds, our together with their three young children. batteries, inverter), communication perspectives and concerns By always travelling with minimal equipment (satellite dish, TV, DVD player), fortuitously broaden to not only luggage, using only local transport, and desks, chairs and school uniforms, roughly remind us of our privileges but also to finding modest accommodation upon totals $35,000. In three locations, Peter and motivate us to do more with our lives. arrival, Peter and Margie are able to Margie have also provided additional funds consistently realise their ultimate goal for for the construction of teacher cottages to Such was the case for Peter Card, who lived traveling, which is to immerse themselves improve the quality of life (and so retention) at International House between 1967 to 1970 in local cultures and lifestyles. To this of teachers, and the pair continue to revisit whilst pursuing his Bachelor of Engineering day—Peter in his early 70s and Margie in the sites every other year. degree at the University of Melbourne. her late 60s—the pair are avid explorers, Coming from a low-income family, Peter Without these schools, children would recently traversing Iran, Armenia, Georgia, spent his first year living in a caravan on a be walking up to five kilometres just to Guatemala, Tunisia and East Timor. friend’s backyard before moving into IH’s arrive at a poorly constructed bamboo Clunies Ross Wing, and spent his summers Their wanderings have led to substantive and tin shed with no books, writing working on dairy and pig farms. and enduring philanthropic endeavours. materials or lighting. The sites for the In the ‘80s and ‘90s, whilst supporting their schools are chosen carefully by Ohn Myint Peter reflects on his time at IH gratefully; own three children through schooling, and officials from Myanmar’s Ministry it was his first introduction to an Peter and Margie funded the education of Education so that areas that have international community (having grown of several village children who came from previously been neglected due to their up in a homogenous, insular Melbourne low-income and single-parent families in remoteness can be rejuvenated. suburb) and his friendships with Indonesia’s remote Banda Neira islands, international students sparked his curiosity The farmers of the Shan hills, both men up until university. Then, through travels and passion for travel. Peter particularly and women, work in the fields all day, to Myanmar (also known as Burma) in met many students from Southeast every day, planting and harvesting rice, 2005, Peter and Margie met Ohn Myint, a Asia who were of modest backgrounds ginger, sesame, turmeric and vegetables, retired school teacher who is now 79 years themselves—at the time, the Australian for the meagre annual income of $2000 to old. Ohn Myint soon became their close Government was heavily sponsoring $5000. Peter postulates how decades of friend as well as their intermediary for students from South and Southeast Asia oppressive military rule and exploitation funding and constructing schools across via Colombo Plan scholarships—and with of farming families have unintentionally remote villages of the mountainous Shan a fellow IHer, Indonesia became the site of preserved village life such that children Plateau. Since 2007, they have jointly his first journey abroad. want to be farmers just like their parents built approximately two schools every and not move into towns.

10 Wander Anywhere, Anytime: A Lifetime of Sharing

Though their material possessions are scarce, their family and community bonds are rich and strong, rendering any judgement that village life is less valuable or inferior to modern living as flawed.

To fund each school, Peter and Margie take from their savings, which have largely been accrued by Peter’s earnings from his project evaluation work in the mining industry. Remarkably, they do not view their outreach work as unidirectional charity but simply as sharing between people. They share with others what they regard as an overabundance of financial resources, and do not expect anything in return except for locals to share their unique cultures and ways of life.

As Peter says, ‘People in Australia get too much of the world’s resources than we give back. It’s about trying to right the balance…We live a good life, and we’ve got more than we need and deserve.’

Today, Peter and Margie are actively sharing their experiences and knowledge here in Australia in regions with social enterprises (self-sustaining NGOs). They are also currently collaborating with professionals from ATEC Biodigesters International and Engineers Without Borders Australia to expand the penetration of biodigesters on small farms in Southeast Asia.

For several decades now, Peter’s employment has been in project and business evaluation. To give back to the mining industry, he has created a freely accessible website where you can ‘teach yourself’ his trade. There is also a parallel set of modules he created for people in social enterprises.

These materials can be found at www.economicevaluation.com.au

Yeung Shin (Korea), Master of Teaching student

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Academic and Professional Development

As the Graduate Academic Officer, I had the In collaboration with IH’s Academic opportunity to support our community’s Coordinator and Undergraduate Academic academic program by facilitating learning Officer, the annual Pathway Dinner is and studying through organised events. In hosted to provide senior undergraduate the 1980s, Francesco Cirillo developed the students with the opportunity to meet Pomodoro technique as a way to increase and network with external industry productivity through interval studying. and academic professionals in their Weekly study sessions at IH called “Shut Up areas of interest. This year, our keynote & Write” adopt this technique to encourage speaker from Bain and Co was invited all residents to turn solitary studying into to empower and inspire our students a supportive and social study group! In to continue striving for excellence. All these dedicated study sessions, we take our undergraduate residents also have advantage of our breaks in between the access to mentorship by graduate IH working periods by trying all the different residents from all disciplines. Mentoring is snacks funded by the House. a great way to facilitate early networking opportunities and building strong IH is a home to over 300 students Graduate students also have the relationships within the community. from all over the world. Not only opportunity to share their academic Throughout the year, professional do we have the privilege of living research and area of study with the assistance and events such as CV writing, in this tight-knit international community through academic seminars. Basics of LinkedIn, and interview practices community, the college also offers Every year, four academic seminars are also offered to upscale our IH residents’ are held in the George Hicks Building. an array of academic and professional skills in preparation for their future careers. Academic seminars really highlight the supports to residents throughout the incredible amount of knowledge of the While college life can be full of twist and academic year. multi-talented cohort here at IH. From turns, IH’s comprehensive academic Students have 24-hour access to cancer research findings to probability program truly has all the resources and dedicated study spaces in every corner of calculations, the stimulating conversations amazing staff support to ensure each and the college. A well-stocked collection of and discussions from the engagement every student is getting the support they books, academic resources and shared of our students never ceases to amaze need for academic and professional success! computers are also available at the me. Speakers are able to practice their Portia Tsoi (Canada) IH Angus Mitchell Library, exclusively confidence in public speaking, whilst Doctor of Physiotherapy student available to IH residents. residents who attend these seminars always leave learning more from their Graduate Academic Officer 2019 fellow neighbour then from what they actually do in university!

12 A Valedict’s Story

A Valedict’s Story

high table dinners on time in our academic that extra slice of bacon at breakfast makes gowns. It takes team work to collectively it all worth it. Living here I have learnt to finish all the drinks served at the formal value even the tiniest things – such as my dinners. It takes team work to win and room key. Being locked out of my room lose at sports (but at least we participate). in the cold winter after a shower at 2 am It takes team work to organise and run really stuck with me and I never forget my O-week. It takes team work to compete in key again. Gold coins are another little and win the Step Up Dance Competition thing that are of great significance. College (Fresher Dance). It takes team work to has made me value a 1$ or 2$ coin in such set up and clean up after every party, no a strong way that I don’t think I could matter how ‘sick’ anybody is. It takes team ever spend them on anything that isn’t a work to collectively sit around Bobeff café laundry machine. and spend a whole afternoon ‘pretending to study’. It takes team work to live in an Lastly, IH has taught me to open my mind apartment, to host dinners or movie nights and heart up to new experience. Meeting and to keep it clean. new people every year and being able to call In my three years living at IH, I have them my best friends and now flatmates collected more memories than I could Second, it taught me the importance of would never have been possible if IH had a family. No matter if someone is in their first, senior-junior divide. If I hadn’t been open, fit into any amount of suitcases. I second or third year, every single resident I would never have realised of my love for didn’t just upgrade my room from at IH is part of our extended family. This AFL, and my inability to excel at it… Clunies to Founders, but also gained a quality comes to life the most during our whole new family. When I first came to outings. It doesn’t take very long to learn I am leaving University and IH with a heart IH as a 17 year-old, I could never have the IH way- that no matter where and full of gratitude. It was a privilege to be imagined that the people I would later when, you always have everyone else’s able to live here, meet wonderful people come to deem important in my life backs and they will always have yours. and go on the most exciting adventures. IH would also include members of faculty. is majorly responsible for the person that In my opinion, my experience at IH has Third, I have come to learn that it’s the little I have grown to become and has prepared things in life that make all the difference. me well for what lies ahead. taught me four valuable life lessons. Being given a coffee by a friend when you Sukhmani Vacher (), First, the importance of team work. At really need one can brighten someone’s Bachelor of Arts student its root, IH is nothing if not one massive day. Painting someone’s nails in the library team. It takes team work to show up to can kickstart a beautiful friendship. Getting

13 Fraternitas NOV 2019

My Nepali Adventure

it was great to be able to interact with the Additionally, I was able to make the staff and children who would benefit from most of my days off by traveling to the project! Pokhara, Chitwan and Dhulikel; exploring historic places such as Pashupatinath, My volunteer team consisted of eight Boudhanath and Swayambhunath and I people, while we differed in genders, even participated in traditional cooking, nationalities and ages, we were all united dance and woodcarving classes. in our effort to try and make a difference in this community. On our first day, the In every sense, this experience was a back- local oversight team consisting of the site breaking one but it was worth its weight supervisor and the civil engineer taught in gold! Thank you IH for this incredible us all the different aspects of the building opportunity, I have made memories to project, such as; digging trenches, mixing last me a lifetime! mortar, laying concrete and bricks, setting up and dismantling scaffolding and Vidushi Sinha (Singapore), building internal support structure. Bachelor of Arts graduate, 2016-2018 IH alumna In 2018 I was fortunate enough to Given the labour-intensive nature of the be the recipient of the International work and the basic tools and supplies House Global Citizenship Award, we had, we definitely relied on each which enables an IH resident to travel other when faced with challenges such The International House Global overseas and help a community of as trenches being repeatedly flooded Citizenship Award is worth $5000 their choosing. with rain or having limited supplies. Over and provides the opportunity for the course of a month we put our new residents at International House With these scholarship funds, in August skills to use and worked to complete the enrolled as an undergraduate or 2019, I spent four weeks in Kathmandu task at hand - the day we finally finished graduate student at the University () helping to rebuild schools the construction was a proud day for of Melbourne to spend a period of that had been destroyed in the 2015 everyone involved! Earthquake. While this earthquake was at least one month contributing to catastrophic on many levels, schools were I was lucky enough to stay with a local a humanitarian aid project, for the among the hardest hit, with almost 9000 host family during my time in Kathmandu benefit of the citizens of an under- schools and 30,000 classrooms ruined where I was able to experience first-hand developed region. and over one million school children the Nepalese way of life. displaced. In order to minimise disruption to the children, the government chose to move schools into abandoned residential accommodations. This arrangement added an urgency to the rebuilding process, prompting volunteers from all around the world to travel to Nepal and offer their services.

My reconstruction efforts were for Project Secondary English School. Given the mammoth task of rebuilding, the task was organised into phases that were assigned to groups of volunteers. The volunteer team before me had built one classroom and my volunteer team had been tasked with building the remaining two classrooms and laying the foundation for the hall - these spaces would be used by the school for their art program. The unique part about my project was that the residential building the school inhabited was right next to the construction site -

14 MyOpen Nepali Day adventurehighlights

15 Fraternitas NOV 2019

2019 in Colour

16 2019 in Colour

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18 2019 in Colour

19 Fraternitas NOV 2019

Mixed Identity

I was born and raised in Singapore for I have dreamed of studying at the 14 months before moving to Hong Kong, University of Melbourne ever since I was where I lived for the next 6 years. I then a kid, and to finally be here is a massive moved to Malaysia, where I have lived for honour, to be able to follow my Dad’s the past 12 years. footsteps and become a Melbourne Uni graduate. He was the one who told me IH Being mixed can make you question your was the place for me, I didn’t know how identity. It makes me wonder which side right he would be until I went through am I more of? Am I more Australian? Am I my first semester at IH. I’ve managed to more Asian? It’s very easy to feel like you make a lot of good friends here, people I are neither here nor there; you are not know will be in my life for years to come. “100%”, not pure in that regard. I grew up I’m always grateful for them and their in Hong Kong and Malaysia, but then my friendship. This is what IH is about, it is Mandarin isn’t fluent (nor am I well versed one massive family. You are never alone in the Hokkien dialect despite living in at IH, even if you think you are. It is a Penang). But now in Australia, I am not seen tight-knit welcoming community that has Melbourne is one of the most as “Australian enough”. I don’t know many something for everyone. There are so many multicultural cities in the world. It is Australian slangs (I didn’t know what arvo opportunities to get involved in college meant until a week ago, and I didn’t know very evident throughout the city. The life, whether it’s through sports, student McDonalds was “Maccas” until last year), blend of different cultures is what committees, or a variety of college events. nor am I familiar with AFL, cricket or rugby. Life at IH takes some time to get used to, makes Melbourne one of the best It can be really challenging, feeling like a places to live (Melbourne was voted the but it’s so worth it. Staying at IH has helped foreigner in the two countries you live in. me settle into life in Melbourne very well, world’s most liveable city for 7 years in In one of the most multicultural cities in considering I have never lived in Australia a row) but for those who are mixed, it the world, I find identity important. That before, despite being an Australian citizen. creates a very confusing problem. idea of identity is constantly put to the There are so much here to remind me of test, whether in Melbourne or back in Asia. Take me for example. home (mainly the food) and having mixed Where do people like me really belong to? friends like myself put me at ease. I am half Australian (a quarter Irish and a Being mixed means I’ve struggled with my quarter German) and half Chinese. Although identity, and it’s hard to forget I am not just I am an Australian citizen, I have never lived a citizen of Australia, that I’m not just mixed in Australia, having lived in Asia all my life. but also a citizen of the world. We all are.

20 Mixed Identity

Although some people may not enjoy One’s culture is a reflection of one’s own the idea of multiculturalism, I believe identity, so that’s why it is so important it’s important for multiculturalism to be to me to never lose sight of where I am celebrated. I am proud to be living in such from, or who I am, even if I am more a culturally diverse environment, where than 6000km away from home. Being at people from all over the world can feel IH allows me to celebrate my identity, at home despite being miles away from to explore it and to continue growing. home. It’s important to embrace and There’s a reason why this place is called celebrate different cultures. You could International House - all cultures are learn new languages and try new food celebrated, you feel at home even if you are from different countries. Travelling is also far away from home. IH helps you realise a great way to truly immerse yourself in your identity and your culture is celebrated a culture, to help you become more of a and supported, no matter who you are, global citizen and to learn to accept your and where you come from. We are all IH multicultural identity. citizens and we are all citizens of the world.

I love Melbourne and being here allows me James Velten (Australia), to celebrate my cultures. For me, culture Bachelor of Arts student is important and I try to do what I can to honour my culture.

21 Fraternitas NOV 2019

2019 Reunion Thank you to all alumni and guests who have attended International House Reunions in 2019

1957-1969 Reunion

1957 - 1969 Reunion 1979 Reunion

1957 - 1969 Reunion 1979 Reunion 1957-1969 Reunion

22 1999 Reunion 1979 Reunion 2019 Reunions

2009 Reunion 1979 Reunion

1979 Reunion

2020 REUNIONS The following Reunions are scheduled for 2020:

• 1980 IH Reunion: 14 May 2020 • 1957 – 1970 IH Reunion: 21 May 2020 • 1990 IH Reunion: 27 August 2020 • 2000 IH Reunion: 3 September 2020 1957-1969 Reunion • 2010 IH Reunion: 10 September 2020

IH Reunions are a great opportunity to be reacquainted with old friends and to reconnect with IH at our updated campus. All IH reunions include a campus tour, pre-dinner drinks and a three-course meal. Reunion invitations will be emailed to respective alumni throughout the year. Reservation is essential.

Please let us know if your contact details have changed so we can keep you updated with IH news and events.

You can fill in a quick online form 1979 Reunion 1979 Reunion ihouse.unimelb.edu.au/alumni/update or email us at [email protected]

23 Fraternitas NOV 2019

The Importance of Culture

Three weeks into the program we had the I came to IH in 2015 very much with the opportunity to join colleagues from all same scenario as my post-grad naiveite over the world at our annual global sales – I didn’t know what an “expat” was and conference in the USA to learn about our suddenly I was surrounded by them. I was upcoming plans. Two weeks after that, we able to meet people from all over Asia, were then sent to Singapore to participate and the U.S. and IH celebrated in a more hands-on presentation skills these cultures with countless events workshop. throughout the year. It was a significant change from my secluded Brisbane In my time at this company I have also upbringing but amazingly educational enjoyed the flexibility to work anytime and made me much more open minded. and anywhere, meaning even as a graduate I am encouraged to work my This was particularly the case when I schedule around personal wellbeing and spent time on the Student Club and family interests, and we have paid time other committees helping to plan and to volunteer. Cisco was even recently run events. Learning how to work in a Last year, I graduated from the safe ranked number one in Fortune’s Greatest team with different styles of collaboration haven of university and accepted Places to work list! This supportive and proved challenging to say the least. collaborative culture has brought out a graduate sales role at the tech the best in me and been an incredible Secondly – in my final year of university company Cisco. With this being learning experience. I went on an exchange program to the my first “real” job, I had nothing University of California, Berkeley. This to compare this new experience to Reflecting on other periods of my life was another environment where I was but was nevertheless sceptical of where I’ve learned the impact culture able to surround myself with people my colleagues’ insistence I was very has on learning development, two from all over the world and cultures I fortunate to have started my career at experiences stand out. had not previously experienced. Being absorbed into the American college town a company like Cisco. Over time I have Firstly – my time in IH. This is where I come to realise just how accurate life and new style of curriculum took gained my first exposure to the wonderful some adjusting – and just as I learnt from they were and now appreciate how variety of cultures in the world. I had my friends, I was able to teach them the important culture is in personal grown up in a somewhat one-dimensional Australian way of life. growth and development. background in suburban Brisbane and apart from my own Chinese heritage All these experiences have proven to me In the graduate program, we started off didn’t understand too much about values how culture and being surrounded by with four months of almost full-time and different ways of living. different cultures can help bring out the training that was delivered over video- best in people – it certainly has for me! conference with our fellow grads in Asia. Emily Shaw (Australia), Bachelor of Science graduate, 2015 – 2016 IH alumna

24 Open Day highlights

Open Day Highlights

25 Fraternitas NOV 2019

International House Community 2019 - 2020

IH COUNCIL MEMBERS Building and Maintenance General Member for Shop Mr Gary Verona Ms Olivia Tan Chair Ms Vi Peterson Mr Steve Verona Globe Editor Ms Aanya Gunawansa Student representatives Catering (Cater Care) Mr Wallace Jin Ms Colette Guerillot International Liaison Officer Ms Sophia Lin Mr Sami Zahir Mr Marcus Moar Outreach and Environment General members Cleaning (Spree) Representative Mr Peter Godfrey Mr Manuel Fredes Ms Abbey Milligan Ms Katerina Kapobassis IH RESIDENTIAL TUTORS ICAC Representative Professor Paul Kofman Dimmick Tutor Mr Jack Hall Ms Cherie Ong Ms Fiona Yew General Member Dr Deborah Seifert AM Academic Tutor Mr Carson Young Mr Richard Tan Mr Dave Sachasiri Arts and Music Representative IH STAFF Tutors Mr Ikshvak Sobti Mr Ronny Andrade Queer Community Representative Head of College Mr Aidan Carter Dr Deborah Seifert AM Ms Stella Finlay Ms Angela Chen Deputy Head of College Women’s Representative Ms Eugenie Chung Mr Daniel Persaud Ms Rose Forrest Mr Harry Driscoll Director of Finance and Business GRADUATE STUDENT CLUB Ms Caitlin Kendal Development President Mr David O’Hanrahan Mr Bresson Li Mr Wallace Jin Director of Marketing and Advancement Mr Aaron Lim Vice-President Ms Tamra Keating Mr Brandon Syiem Ms Hiba Naeem Student Office Manager Dr Alex Wong Secretary Ms Rosemary Hampson UNDERGRADUATE Ms Divya Mishra Finance and IT Manager STUDENT CLUB Treasurer Mr William Chao President Mr Gowrie Kandasamy Facilities and Assets Coordinator Mr Sami Zehir Activities Officer Mr Nathan Caplan Vice President Ms Claudia Takahashi Marketing and Recruitment Officer Mr Duncan Ledger Culture Officer Ms Thu Nguyen Secretary Ms Thirangie Jayatilake IT Officer Mr Bryce Owen Welfare Officer Mr Shaun Huynh Treasurer Ms Steffany Alvarez Maldonado Librarian and Archivist Mr Yukash Sivaraj Community Officer Dr Caitlin Stone Activities Officer Ms Sydney Shacklock Executive Assistant Mr Matthew Winefield Sports Officer Ms Catherine Fairlie Activities Treasurer Mr Poorya Shaghaghi Finance Assistant Ms Sophie Ng Ms Patricia Hughes Female Sports Representative Student Office Assistants Ms Emily Seery Ms Jessica Bennet Male Sports Representative Ms Mary McCormack Mr Campbell McKenzie Ms Maybel Forrest Fresher Representative Gardening Mr Shaun Chow Mr Michael Dale

26 Countries and Regions

Countries and Regions

The following countries and regions are represented in the International House community in 2019:

Australia India Nepal Sri Lanka Bangladesh Indonesia St Kitts & Nevis Canada Iran New Zealand Taiwan Chile Ireland Nigeria Thailand China Japan Norway Turkey Czechoslovakia Kenya Pakistan Czech Republic Libya Peru United Arab Emirates Denmark Lithuania Philippines United States of America Ecuador Malaysia Portugal Vietnam France Singapore Zimbabwe Germany Mexico Guatemala Mongolia South Korea Hong Kong SAR Namibia Spain

René Torenvlied, Robert Fels and Robert Thomson with Robert Fels Rotary Club of Melbourne Scholarship recipient - Ashley Knipler Vi Peterson with Sundarson Scholarship recipient - Naomi Smith

Philanthropy

Philanthropy played a vital role in establishing International House in the early days, and to this day is transforming the lives of many Australian and international students with much needed financial and in-kind support. There are many ways you can make an impact, including:

CONTRIBUTING TO THE CONTRIBUTING TO CAPITAL CONTRIBUTING YOUR TIME AND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING AT WORK AT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE EXPERTISE INTERNATIONAL HOUSE International House needs to adapt to There are many ways that non-financial A scholarship at International House will the changing demands of students in support can benefit International House ease the financial burden of living away order to remain an innovator and leader and its students. You can mentor a from home. You can empower students in international learning and living. You student, become a guest speaker or from a rural, indigenous, international or can help International House provide offer job opportunities for students at disadvantaged background and provide a pleasant living environment for our International House. the freedom they need to learn and talented global residents as well as develop into global leaders of the future. keeping them warm, safe and happy.

For more information, please visit ihouse.unimelb.edu.au/give or contact Ms Tamra Keating, Director of Marketing and Advancement at [email protected] and +61 3 9345 7558.

27 STAY IN TOUCH

Address 241 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia

Phone +61 3 9347 6655

Website ihouse.unimelb.edu.au

Email [email protected]

Facebook facebook.com/ internationalhousemelbourne

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CRICOS Provider Code: 00116K Intellectual property: Copyright in this publication is owned by the University and no part of it may be reproduced without the permission of the University. Disclaimer: The University endeavours to ensure that information contained in this publication is current and correct at the time of printing (November 2019).