Home → Current news → Indonesian students get a taste of local uni life

Indonesian students get a taste of local uni life

Friday 1 August 2008

The University of Newcastle has welcomed the first group of Indonesian students studying in the Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition program at the Central Coast campus under a new international teaching agreement.

The eight students, from the Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH), are studying locally as part of a 'twinning' arrangement between the two institutions. They will have degree qualifications from both on the successful completion of the program.

Lecturer in Food Science and Technology Dr Costas Stathopoulos said the degree program had a unique international flavour.

"The arrival of the Indonesian students brings to 16 the number of countries from which students come to study Food Science and Human Nutrition at the undergraduate and postgraduate level," Dr Stathopoulos said.

"In fact, students studying in this area account for almost half of all the international students we have enrolled in university programs at the Central Coast campus.

A degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition provides graduates with an understanding of the complexity of food and nutrition and its relationship to optimal health.

Graduates play an important role in the provision of nutritious, safe and appealing food through a range of roles in the food and nutrition related industries.

The 'twinning' agreement between the University of Newcastle and UPH was prompted by a former PhD student, Lani Soegiarto, who on completion of her studies at the Central Coast campus returned to teach at UPH.

She was keen to secure a partnership with the University of Newcastle to offer her students an international study experience.

The UPH program is taught in English, providing students the opportunity to improve their language skills.

"Armed with two degrees and fluency in English, these students will be highly prized by the food industry in Indonesia, especially with the international food companies operating there," Dr Stathopoulos said.

Photo opportunity: Friday 1 August at 1pm at the University of Newcastle Central Coast campus. Please meet Blythe Hamilton in front of the Administration Building.

Media contact: Blythe Hamilton, Media and Public Relations, on 0448 898 813.