Academic Promotions information sessions
News 17 MayIf you are considering applying for promotion, come along to an upcoming information session – Understanding the New Academic Promotions Process.
21 July 2016
Share
ACU international student Anushka Shrestha has recently returned from a three-month internship at the Secretariat for the Economy of The Vatican City State and The Holy See, with the Control and Vigilance section.
Anushka is from Nepal and is completing a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting. She said the internship allowed her to make valuable connections and meet many well-known people. “The biggest highlight of my time surely had to be meeting the Pope," Anushka said.
"I received an email titled ‘the opportunity to intern at the Vatican’ and I was like – wow! I was on cloud nine getting that email which said that I had been invited to apply, based on a personal recommendation. Just to think at such a big university, I could leave that kind of impression was humbling and I am so grateful.”
Traditionally internationalisation and student mobility programs such as Study Abroad and Exchange are thought of in a linear manner – with students coming in and students going abroad. Stories such as Anushka’s show that internationalisation can be much more complex and interesting.
Kirk Doyle, Associate Director, International Relations and Partnerships said that "many international students don't realise that their Australian degree can offer much more than just an Australian experience. Anushka made the huge decision to travel from Nepal to Australia to study and that, in turn, led her to this internship in Rome," he said. "Her experience highlights that the best educational opportunities are not always obvious. Likewise, some of the most transformative international experiences are the ones that don’t fit the stereotypes. Many of our students go on to professional roles where they work closely with a network of international contacts, clients or multinational companies. For that reason, having an international experience before graduation is immensely valuable for students.”
This specific opportunity was the result of a meeting the Provost Professor Pauline Nugent had in Rome in 2015. In discussions with senior officials at the Vatican, the possibility for ACU and partner Catholic University of America (CUA) to send interns to the Congregation for the Economy was first mooted. ACU moved swiftly to establish the internship and the hope is that Anushka is the first of many interns.
Chris Riley, Executive Director, International said “the internship program was an important development that not only supported ACU’s presence and activities in Rome but also provided a truly unique experience for students.”
ACU International played a key role in coordinating support for Anushka, including organising accommodation at the Rome Centre, a travel grant to cover the cost of the international airfare and financial support to cover Anushka’s personal expenses. ACU International staff also provided visa application support, coordinated arrival arrangements with the Rome Centre and maintained contact with Anushka before, during and after her internship. A senior staff member even visited Anushka while there to check up on her well-being.
“This was a big step emotionally, mentally and financially. I got well rounded support from the beginning” Anushka said. The Rome Centre, where free accommodation was arranged for Anushka, played a key role in the facilitation of this unique opportunity. “I do not have enough words to express how amazing the experience was. I did not expect anything so great, let alone this early in my career and in my education. I hope I represented ACU well," Anushka said.
Internship opportunities such as these show that students and alumni can often be the best conduits for developing important, new networks and relationships for the University and that ultimately our students are our most effective ambassadors.
If you are considering applying for promotion, come along to an upcoming information session – Understanding the New Academic Promotions Process.
Read the latest on the MFA for Students rollout.
Staff can include an additional question in the Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching (SELT) survey for units that are offered in Term 2 (Foundation Studies) (202334).
The university takes academic misconduct very seriously. For a student, receiving an academic misconduct allegation letter can be highly stressful. Support is available.
A message from Executive Dean of Theology and Philosophy Professor Dermot Nestor: Purpose is what defines a Catholic university and galvanises the people who work within it.
ACU Co-Lab is proud to unveil its latest commercialisation program, Translate to Innovate Series, a specialised program targeting ACU’s research community.
See the TechOne P2P work instruction videos and modern slavery training modules which have been created to help grow your understanding of the subject matter, your responsibilities and the processes i...
Read a summary of the Academic Board meeting held on 12 April 2023.
Promotion recognises and rewards an academic’s achievements at their current level of appointment that warrant promotion to the next academic level. This year’s round marks a significant shift in the ...
As of Monday 8 May, Service Central phone support hours have changed to 9am–5pm AEST. Live chat remains available between 9am–5pm AEST.
Do you implement innovative strategies in your teaching that motivate and inspire students to learn? Receive recognition for your efforts by applying for an ACU Citation or VC Teaching Award.
A recording of last week’s Global Learning Showcase is now available to view if you were unable to attend. See what you may have missed.
You’re invited to attend local morning or afternoon tea events at the following local campuses hosted by the ACU ALLY Network, with the support of the Campus Deans and campus LGBTIQA+ Student Societie...
A message from Executive Dean of Law and Business Professor Andrew O’Neil: I am committed to ACU’s continued success, with a contribution that places a premium on impact and growth.
Stay informed on recent changes to the Procurement Policy, approvals for purchases, how to raise mandatory purchase orders and related knowledge base articles.
ACU’s business incubator, Co-Lab is delighted to announce details of its 2023 Circular Economy Incubator Series, designed for people and businesses with principles and practices of circular economics...
A message from Interim Provost Professor Meg Stuart: A unique new program for first year students is improving student retention at ACU.
Attend an online showcase to meet the Global Learning team, gain useful advice and find out how our various learning and engagement programs are developed and managed.
Do you have innovative ideas for program and curriculum development or initiatives to enhance student learning experiences that would benefit from funding? CEI has launched Teaching Development Grants...
Register for a webinar presented by the ACEN on the Graduate Outcomes Survey, focusing on a three-year evaluation of student participation in Work Integrated Learning.
Visit Service Central to access Corporate Services.