Griffith soars in rankings

Griffith University has soared in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) university rankings to now be listed in the top 301- 400 universities worldwide, a prestigious tier that contains the world’s finest institutions.  The ranking shows Griffith climbing significantly in the overall rankings and soaring to the top 200 worldwide for Social Sciences in the ARWU – one of seven Australian universities listed. These were ANU, Melbourne, Queensland, Sydney, UNSW, Griffith and Monash.

The ARWU was first published in 2003 by the Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and is considered the most reputable and reliable global ranking of research performance. Griffith remains one of only two universities in South East Queensland listed on this prestigious ranking.

Griffith Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian O’Connor said the rapid ascent was due to “hard work, hard investment and a superb effort from our teaching and research staff to build Griffith’s reputation across a wide range of disciplines”.

Griffith is positioned between 301-400 for all three major rankings including the ARWU, QS world university rankings (346) and Times HE world university rankings (388).

“The 2012 QS University Rankings: Asia™ supplement

It is not surprising that the Asian higher education community is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing in the world, and it is interesting to note in the latest 2012 QS University Rankings: Asia™ supplement released in May, the impressive performance of many younger Asian institutions. For the first time, the production of the QS Top 50 Under 50, highlights the world’s leading younger universities.  The 2012 QS University Rankings: Asia™ supplement guide to the rankings is the most current mapping of the Asian higher education region.

Griffith is among the world’s leading younger universities and is ranked in the The Times Higher Education – Top 100 of institutions under the age of 50; as well as the Asian QS Rankings – Top 50 under the age of 50.

1. The Times Higher Education - Top 100 under the age of 50 (PDF 1.62MB)

2. Asian QS Rankings - Top 50 under the age of 50 (PDF 1.52MB)

Australian culture – NRL football

Yay! The mates are going to watch some NRL!

Our supervisor James Aspin had the great idea to head to Gold Coast Titan’s Skilled Park stadium to watch a NRL game vs. the Canterbury Bulldogs. Well, you don’t have to ask me twice to spend quality time with friends, great colleagues on a sunny Sunday celebrating Aussie culture.

Translink surprised us with quality customer service by organising free buses from Victoria Park directly to Skilled Park. First highlight: seeing a man dressed as big blue sock and don’t recognising he’ll be the mascot of the Titans later on…standing and sweating in the mascot costume!

Second highlight: The “youngsters” in the under-20 game are well in shape and I would not like to get tackled by one of them.

Third highlight: the game is starting! The Gold Coast sun does some BBQ on the GI mates. Some of us decide to hide in the shady areas, others decide to get tanned. And…WOW! This is one of a intense sport. Good to see a game without crying wussy players (other team ball sports do have that in their repertoire of entertainment, greeting to them).

Titans start well, but don’t manage to bring the action into the second half even though they give their shirt (in this case pants) of one’s back. The team had a great support by their fans! Go Titans, Go!

We had an amazing day with the GI mates! I really love this team and all the people in it!

So, go ahead. Gather some friends and visit the Titans playing in Skilled Park ASAP!

GO TITANS GO!
Ben

International Orientation at the Nathan campus, Griffith University

GI Mate and new friends

GETTING STARTED

Studying in Australia is fun, but it also demands a lot of self-motivation. So, there are also some important things you need to know.

The Getting Started orientation sessions for commencing international students at Griffith University are provide by the International Student Advisors and have information about studying here and living in Brisbane. We also throw some current students in to the mix as peer support to answer some of your questions student life.

These sessions assist in helping you and other students from all over the World to settle into your new environment more easily and to begin a little friendly social networking.

Here is what students had to say, after attending the Getting Started international orientation at Nathan campus in Semester 1, 2011:

Getting started at University

“Very helpful, we learned some vital information and you meet many new people and friends.” (Students from Colombia, Philippines, India and Malaysia)

“It’s great. Because otherwise, you will be seriously lost.” (Student from USA)

“It is always good to be well-informed in a new situation and helps you adjust.” (Students from Canada and China)

“It definitely helps and you learn more information more quickly.” (Students from Germany and Vietnam)

“I got lots of information I wouldn’t have otherwise known.” (Students from Indonesia, Vietnam and Sweden)

“Helpful because the education system is completely different from my country.”  (Student from Iran)

“Makes me feel more confident.”  (Student from Malaysia)

“Helpful seeing other people felt the same way I do.” (Student from Canada)

“I felt like there are people (Student Advisors) to help me out when I needed it.” (Student from India)

Friends from around the world

We encourage you to attend orientation if you’re coming to study at Griffith in the future.

Vicki Roberts,
International Student Avisor,
Nathan campus, Griffith University

Finding your way at Griffith – Cynthia’s Top 10 Tips

Trust me I’m a GI Mate…

Cynthia Nyakeya from Kenya, International Master of Business Administration student, Griffith University International MATES

Here are a few tips that can help students when getting started and both international and local students can use them.

1. Always go through your course profile before you attend your first class. This helps you understand what to expect from the semester. You should also note down anything that is unclear and ask your lecturer to clarify them for you.
2. Always go to your first lecture, tutorial, and lab. Vital information is always given in the first class and you don’t want to miss any of that. We hope you already followed that one!
3. If you are fortunate enough to get to know students who have attended any of your classes previously (and hopefully had the same lecturer) ask them for tips on how you can ace the class. So, that means you have to get out there and make as many friends as possible.
4. Have a schedule. In all honesty Uni is so much fun that you will run out of time to study. Stick to your schedule when you can, but a schedule is not written in stone. It can be altered but don’t change it all the time or you may never have a reliable study routine.
5. Take advantage of all the workshops offered at the library. They are really helpful…
6. Make sure you know your program inside out. This will help you avoid doing classes that you don’t have to take as you progress through your degree program.
7. Try and form study groups for your classes… There is always someone out there who will find something you missed while studying and it can be really helpful during your exams.
8. Do not shy away from asking questions. Questions are always welcomed by lecturers here in Australia. If you don’t want to look like a pest in class you can always ask your lecturer questions privately. This means you need to know when they hold consultations and where they hold them. These consultation times are often listed outside of their offices.
9. Skipping class may seem fun and clever, but don’t make it a habit. Lecturers know who attends and who doesn’t attend class and this can have an effect on your final grade.
10. Above all, have fun… Enjoy your classes, your friends and your free time. Always make sure that you have some time to yourself just to kick back and relax.

Brisbane Welcome Events – A Big Success in 2011!

On 5 March Griffith International took part in Brisbane Welcomes International Students where the Lord Mayor officially welcomed Brisbane’s 80,000 international students at King George Square. Griffith University was a proud sponsor of this event.

This year, six Griffith students joined the Brisbane International Student Ambassadors program initiated by Brisbane Marketing’s Study Brisbane.  The students will help to promote Brisbane as an international student destination to their home countries by utilising a variety of tools such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and other social media sites.  For more information, please refer to Study Brisbane – New Ambassadors

The day was a fun and fantastic opportunity for all to connect with the community and make new friends. Students were able to gather all the information they needed to get settled into their new life in Australia. Everything from accommodation, employment and entertainment, to banking, transport and things to see and do were covered. Live music, food stalls, wildlife displays and more than 3,000 students from across the globe attended.

Griffith’s booth received many enquires from prospective students while many current students attended the event providing positive feedback to the Griffith International staff. Overall the day was a success and a must for all Griffith International Students!

Sympathies & Support for our Japanese students

Dear Students,

The profound tragedy of the massive earthquake that recently hit Japan, the subsequent tsunami and continued unfolding events have shocked the world. The staff of Griffith International would like to extend our sympathies to all Japanese students at Griffith University at this very difficult time. Our special condolences go to any student whose family or loved ones are in the seriously affected areas.

We offer you our support through this difficult time, and urge anyone who would like assistance to contact an International Student Advisor or a Student Services counsellor. Help is available.

Gold Coast students – For personal support, please see the assistance of the:

International Student Advisors
International Office
Counter 10 – Student Centre Building (G33)
Telephone:  07 5552 8819

Student Services – Counsellors
Student Centre Building (G33), Room 1.42
Telephone:  07 5552 8734

Brisbane students (Nathan, Mt Gravatt & Southbank campuses) – For personal support, please see the assistance of the:

International Student Advisors
International Office Nathan, Sewell Building (N12)
or Southbank (Tues/Thurs/alt Wednesdays), S02 Webb Centre, Room 2.09
Telephone:  07 3735 7200

Student Services – Counsellors
Student Services
Level 1, Sewell Building (N12)
Telephone:  07 3735 7470

Logan Students - For personal support, please see the assistance of the:

International Student Advisors (Thurs) & Student Services – Counsellors
Logan Community Place (L04 1.11)
Telephone:  07 3382 1159

You might also like to contact the Embassy for Japan in Australia for official news and updates from home or head to The Japan Times Online

Warm Regards,

Christopher Madden
Pro Vice Chancellor (International)
Griffith University

Mi visita a los Jardines Botánicos – Gold Coast, Australia

Things to do on the Gold Coast – by Yadilitta (Peru, South America)

Lovely - Botanic Gardens, Gold Coast

Usually when people think about the Gold Coast, they just think about beaches and surf. Is there anything else to do around here? Well, I have been living here for about 7 months and I like to try to discover more and more about the city.

We had a few days off at Uni and I decided to explore my new city. I wanted to see something different, but something that I could reach by public transportation. So, I was surfing about on the internet when I found: “Botanic Gardens”. Really?! Do we have a Botanic Gardens here, on the Gold Coast? Yes, we do!

Peaceful - Botanic Gardens, Gold Coast

First of all, be aware that if you don’t have a car, it will be a long bus ride. There is at least one bus route that will leave you a few meters from the entrance. But if you or a friend has a car it is really easy to reach it. The Botanic Gardens are open all year-long and the entrance is free!

Once inside, I really felt as if I were somewhere else. I’m used to the golden, sandy beaches here in Queensland, so admiring these lovely gardens felt surreal. There are signs and maps, so you can make your own plan and walk around it the way you prefer. There are also different areas in the park, which include The Sensory Garden (where you can touch plants and flowers), Mangroves and Mountain Walk, a Native Butterfly Garden and picnic areas to relax and enjoy the day.

Easily you can spend a few hours just enjoying the peace in this lovely place. The gardens are perfect to sit down and read or just enjoy the view and relax. I didn’t know this when I went, but there are picnic areas, so you can also take your food and have a lovely picnic under the trees.

Unfortunately, I had to leave because I was getting hungry and there are no cafeterias inside the park, so be sure and bring some lunch or snacks with you so you can enjoy this beautiful place for longer. Here is another tip, if you are not that comfortable sitting on the grass, take a blanket with you, so you will avoid bugs. And since this is Queensland, always wear sunblock

Wildlife Posing - Botanic Gardens, Gold Coast

If you have time and look for something different to do on the Gold Coast. I would recommend this as a good option. I am hoping to go back soon, but not sure when. In the meanwhile, I will keep on exploring my new town and sharing my findings with you my friends…

Ciao,

Yadi

Welcome to Brisbane for 2011

Griffith International Students

Come along and join the international student community of Brisbane this weekend, Saturday 5th from 11am to 4pm, King George Square in the Brisbane CBD. This is an awesome event for you and your new friends to kick of the new year with students from other Universities, Colleges and Schools here in South-east Queensland.

Griffith International will be there with over 50 other exhibitors proudly displaying what they and Brisbane have to offer.

Click on the link below to find out how to get there, how to register and most importantly what you can win – Study Brisbane Welcome Event

 

Wild scenes as Brisbane floods

While the state of Queensland has been hit by floods and a severe tropical cyclone, with wild scenes and images being blasted across TV screens and the Web, our international students have created a moving tribute to their new home that will probably help to put some friends and families back home at ease. Check out the video here…

Study, travel and my first Hare Krishna experience all here in Australia :)

By Yadilitta from Peru, South America and studying for a Master of Business in International Tourism & Hospitality Management.

A meeting of different cultures

If somebody would have told me that my first discovery of the Hare Krishnas would take place in Oz (Australia that is, not where the Wizard comes from), I would not have believed it, but that is what happened.

I guess it’s easier for me to be in touch with different cultures here in Australia than back home in Peru, but a meeting with the Krishna’s I did not expect…

Beautiful Burleigh Heads

Well it all began with invitation by some friends from my Uni (Griffith University) to join them for a Hare Krishna ceremony in the lovely town of Burleigh Heads here on Australia’s, Gold Coast. A place known more for its beautiful beach, rocky headland and the awesome waves which attract surfers and tourists from around the world, than it is for ceremonial music, dances, story telling and exotic vegetarian food. But at the mere mention of exotic foods I wanted in!!!

From the minute I walked inside, I realized I was in a very different place. Not because everyone was barefoot and sitting around on the floor, but because of the sensual mixture of music and incense. This was so totally new for me, but everyone was very friendly and made me feel welcome.

Telling stories

Storytelling

The musicians were playing while the crowd was singing and I wish I could have done so too, but maybe next time. After a while the story telling started and it was quite mesmerizing. Everyone was so relaxed and happy. You could feel the energy take hold of you as you began to forget about your worries.

Soon a girl approached us with cups of a very refreshing tea. It was a couple of days later that one of my friends told that the Hare Krishna usually share blessed water. Maybe that’s why it was to tasty.

The music continued and I noticed some people were going to the next room. What was going on there, I wondered. It was the food I had been waiting for. Of course I couldn’t resist going there, so I joined the others, collected a plate and they served us with a taste of everything they had available. It was a delicious selection of Indian dishes including Dahl, curry potatoes, rice and for dessert there was Halva and sweet rice. So very tasty. Like a personal buffet!

Playing with fire

Fire shows, dances and rhythms

After the meal everyone made their way to the exit as in the yard there was a fire show going on with a competition between two guys playing with fireballs and inviting the audience take part of their act. It was so cool.

Time for the dancers

We then returned to the building as it was time for the dancers. A trio of young girls were performing traditional dances to a rhythm completely different from traditional Peruvian ones, and I exalted in this experience of a new culture.

Was this the end?

No, now came the funniest part as everybody began to dance and it didn’t take me long to join in. I didn’t have any idea what I was doing, but had a blast getting in to those rhythms. After that it was time to leave. I had a really great time here.

When leaving they mentioned they would have something special soon for “Diwali”. What is that I wondered? Well, I found out what it is a couple of weeks later and will fill you all in here soon. So stay tuned for more from your Peruvian envoy in OZ (Australia that is, which is nowhere near Kansas).