International Student Ambassador (ISA) Program
Do you want to make an impact and contribute towards the international students’ community? Do you want to expand your social network as well as the horizon in your Melbourne experience? Are you interested in gaining some exposure in leadership roles and event/project management? If your answer is ‘yes’ for any of the questions above, our International Student Ambassador (ISA) program is for you!
What is the ISA Program?
The International Student Ambassador (ISA) Program is a volunteer program within UMSU International. It aims to actively engage students, both international and local, with volunteering and leadership opportunities. Recruitment occurs four times a year (February, March, July, August), and is the perfect opportunity to get a sense of fulfillment that you cannot get from studying/grades!
Successful applicants will start as soon as you get accepted and conclude in Week 8 of the following semester. Throughout this period, they will have opportunities to volunteer in UMSU International events/projects such as the Night Market, International Brekkie, Orientation and other media/publications. At the end of their term and upon completion of the required 30 hours, which is accumulated from 15 event hours and 15 publicity hours (this includes event promotion on social media) of volunteer work, ISAs will receive a digital certificate of recognition from Melbourne Plus.
The program also serves as a possible preparatory stage for students who may wish to become UMSU International’s Committee Members in the future.
For more information, please refer to the Program Brochure.
What can I do as an ISA?
There are plenty of positions you are able to do as an ISA! Not only can you do the things you are good at, you are also welcome to sign up for roles that you would like to try/ are interested in!
Roles that you can do as an ISA includes:
- Emceeing/ Speaker
- Decoration
- Management
- Designing
- Logistics
- Communication
- Photography
- Social Media Influencer
- Video Editing
We will not fixate you into one role so you can try as many as you want!
ISA Testimonials
Name: Suhas Agrawal
Studying: Bachelor of Science
Nationality: Indian
Why did you sign up to become an International Student Ambassador?
I have been seeing these various events going on held by UMSU International, and there’s all these people wearing these ISA t-shirts helping out, so I thought I’d try
helping out and see what it is like!
I actually got an e-mail about the ISA program in 2023, but as I am technically a domestic student (as a Permanent Resident), I initially thought I couldn’t join. But around January 2024, I realised that you can still apply to become an ISA as a domestic student!
What is the most favourite part of being an International Student Ambassador so far?
I really enjoyed helping out during "Food Adventure"! I was a travel buddy, so I was able to to travel around with the Office Bearers and all the attendees, having fun and eating food!
What has being an International Student Ambassador done for you?
Firstly, a sense of community – when I joined as an ISA, I met some of the OBs and some of the other ISAs, who all came from a different background and journey. Another is that as an ISA, you can volunteer to help out and become a part of an event. As a result, you can still enjoy it despite not being a participant.
What would you say to someone who might be interested on applying to become an International Student Ambassador?
Definitely become an ISA! It's a very nice experience to have, and a good experience to have during your University life. I think it helps you build connections – you get to know both locals and other international students!
Name: Farhana Suraya
Studying: Bachelor of Commerce
Nationality: Malaysian
Why did you sign up to become an International Student Ambassador?
I wanted to engage more in the UniMelb community and to gain more experiences! Also, I'm in my Third Year of studies, so I want to make the most of my remaining time here as well.
What is the most favourite part of being an International Student Ambassador so far?
I helped out during the "International Brekkie" and I found it really fun! I got to meet a lot of people and I found it really fulfilling as I was doing something that helped people out by helping distribute the free food.
What has being an International Student Ambassador done for you?
I've met so many new people by being a part of the program, which definitely contributes to things like networking. Also, doing volunteering work really teaches you to take initiative, which improves leadership skills.
What would you say to someone who might be interested on applying to become an International Student Ambassador?
Go for it! Honestly, give it a shot. It's really, really fun and you get to be involved in a lot of new activities that you would probably not be able to experience out of University life.
How do I sign up to be an ISA?
Application for the International Student Ambassador program is currently closed. Follow us on our socials to find out when applications open again!
Have more questions?
Contact UMSU International’s Human Resources Team at umsuintlhr@gmail.com and we will help answer your questions.