Support adapting to new culture and great comparative cost advantage

• University of Tasmania strengthens partnership with Sri Lanka

Founded in 1890, the University of Tasmania is proudly celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. As Australia’s fourth oldest university and one of the country’s few sandstone academic institutions, the University of Tasmania is among Australia’s 10 leading research universities and is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide. The university is a world leader in a range of academic programs and is known for strengths in science, engineering and technology, maritime studies, business, law and health sciences. International students at the university represent every continent bringing a richness and vibrancy to the student culture. Beyond the student experience, the university’s community is strengthened by a network of more than 90,000 alumni spanning more than 120 countries, and is reinforced by collaborative partnerships with other organisations who share its strategic outlook. Tasmania and Sri Lanka partnerships The university is not prepared to stand on its laurels, however, and is looking to expand the student and researcher experience through partnerships with other illustrious academic bodies. Representing the university, Dr. Julian Dermoudy, Associate Dean (Internationalisation), recently attended the Australian Education Exhibition 2015 in Sri Lanka. “We are definitely interested in collaborating with Sri Lanka in numerous ways,” Dr. Dermoudy said. “I’m very keen to share the incredible advantages of studying in Tasmania with Sri Lankan students and their parents while I’m here. During my visit I also hope to explore linkages with Sri Lankan institutes and universities, and the establishment of student exchange programs and other similar collaborative ventures.” Moving across the spectrum of educational disciplines While maintaining a distinctive Tasmanian identity, the programs and research projects offered by the University of Tasmania are international in scope, vision and standards. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate (bachelor) degrees and over 150 postgraduate programs from Graduate Certificates through to Masters and research programs. The university boasts six faculties and three specialist institutes, namely Arts; Education; Health; Law; Science, Engineering and Technology; the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics; the Australian Maritime College; the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies; and the Menzies Institute for Medical Research. Dr. Dermoudy explained that the University of Tasmania takes pride in the high quality of education that it provides. “We are Australia’s premier university for teaching and learning,” he said, proudly. “The small class sizes that enable an intimate student experience and the university’s picturesque settings are particularly attractive to our students who want a better, personalised learning experience and a great life style.” Overcoming students challenges Tasmania has many similarities to Sri Lanka. It is an island state roughly the same size as Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it has a more affordable cost of living compared to mainland Australia. “The academic aspects are no greater a challenge for students coming to study here than elsewhere. The main challenge is,” says Vignesh Vijay, Country Manager for the University of Tasmania, “adapting to a new environment – but this is also a lot of fun as it involves making new friends and trying out new cultural aspects such as sports and food. And the advantage with Tasmania I find for people from South Asia is that the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming to new-comers.” Some students also worry about what might seem like simple things to older, more seasoned travellers. To overcome these concerns, the university takes an active role in the students’ orientation and transition. “We pick the student up from the airport personally. We also assist the student in finding accommodation close to the University – generally about 10 minutes away from the campus,” Dr. Dermoudy explained. “I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Tasmania. It was a great experience and I would do it again if I had my time over. Many others have similar feelings, including graduates who came from interstate,” he added. Student review “The University of Tasmania is a good quality university with committed teachers and world-class research. “People choose to study at the University of Tasmania because it is affordable and reliable, and to experience student life in Tassie (Tasmania). The university is affordable because Tassie is a cheap place to live. It’s easy to find good accommodation at low prices. For international students, tuition fees are low as well. Few universities are cheaper apart from regional and online universities. “When you enrol at the University of Tasmania, you can be confident your academic needs will be met. The University has a long history and has always offered a full range of courses. The University never struggles to attract good lecturers and student numbers are limited.” Dr Andrew Lancaster (http://universityreviews.com.au/utas-tasmania.html) The university will be visiting Sri Lanka from 22 to 25 March. Students who are interested to meet us can get in touch with the Country Manager on the email given below. For more information about studying at the University of Tasmania, please contact: Vignesh Vijay Country Manager, University of Tasmania, t: +91- 9962170785, e: [email protected], w: http://www.international.utas.edu.au.