Sydney, 3 July 2012 – Twenty (20) students of the Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Australia are taking part in a 2-week workplace study program in Manila. The program is organized by the CSU School of Computing and Mathematics in partnership with the Philippines-Australia Business Council (PABC). The CSU-PABC collaboration was facilitated by the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney.

The students, Australian as well as international, are from varied backgrounds and courses, such as computer science, information technology, accounting, business and human resource management.

The students will be exposed to various companies and institutions in Manila in fields such as education, management, IT, telecommunications, real estate, and product design. They will be hosted by the members of the PABC, led by its President, Mr. Albert Garcia.

Mr. Anthony Chan, Program Coordinator and lecturer in Information Technology of CSU, said that the students look forward to their visit to the Philippines to learn more, not only about their respective fields of study, but also about Philippine history and culture and the Filipino people. CSU considers the program as a great opportunity for the students to broaden their horizons, to experience a multi-lingual work environment, and to successfully engage with persons from other countries.

All the students, including Filipino-Australian Kimberly Bernadette Parker, and the two CSU program coordinators accompanying them are visiting the Philippines for the first time.



Prior to their departure for Manila, the students called on Consul General Louis on 2 July 2012 at the Consulate, where they were given a briefing and shown a video on the Philippine business environment, culture and tourism. The students expressed interest in a variety of topics, such as historical sites, Filipino food and delicacies, and Pilipino greetings and other simple phrases.

Consul General Louis noted that the workplace study program is an excellent example of people-to-people contact which promotes close ties, lasting bonds of friendships and a deeper appreciation and understanding of each other's culture and way of life. END