Simeon Remata III, a Filipino international student was among Brisbane International Student Ambassadors appointed in a special ceremony held last April.
Remata is a native of Dumaguete City and is in his final year of Master of Social Work at Australian Catholic University.
On the city’s official website, choosebrisbane.com.au, it says, “the Brisbane International Student Ambassador Program adopts students from all over the world to tell their real-life Brisbane stories to their home country networks via social media.
Each year, 40 students from around the world are formally appointed. The 2019 Brisbane International Student Ambassadors represent 27 countries and study at 16 Brisbane institutions.”
The website also lists the profiles of all student ambassadors. Part of Simeon’s profile reads, “I completed my Bachelor in Community Development at the University of the Philippines Diliman, and I have devoted myself to working with the disadvantaged and marginalised sectors in my home country for more than ten years… I plan to continue this humanitarian path working with refugees and asylum seekers in their settlement and integration in Australia.”
His profile also listed down his favourite aspects of Brisbane, including top universities, diverse culture, friendly locals, sunny weather and great beaches.
After being named one of the international student ambassadors, he posted this message on his Facebook page, “Initially only thought of widening my network that would enable me to become a more reliable social welfare practitioner for the communities I’ll be assigned in, but I’m now honestly ecstatic on what it is to come for the whole year! Thank you, family and friends, for the support and for Brisbane City Council and Study Brisbane in giving me the opportunity to become one of its international student ambassadors in 2019.”
In a report by Sun Star, new Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that his involvement with the program will afford Simeon to enjoy a unique experience of the city. Among other things, the student ambassadors will join the city’s World Science Festival and Brisbane’s Student Welcome Ceremony. Lord Mayor Schrinner further remarked, “Brisbane’s international students enhance the city’s culture by adding to the diversity of our city and creating cultural appreciation between all our students and the wider community.” In 2018, Brisbane had 95,000 international student enrolments.
One of Simeon’s latest Facebook page posts chronicles his trip with fellow ambassadors to North Stradbroke Island to enjoy the sights, and also meet the Quandamooka people, the traditional owners of the area.
