Support for NZ uni students affected by earthquake

The University of Adelaide has made an offer of support to students from the University of Canterbury affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Christchurch.
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Wednesday, 2 March 2011

The University of Adelaide has made a major offer of support to students from the University of Canterbury affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Christchurch.

Canterbury has been badly affected by the quake and remains closed. It is not known when teaching there will resume.

The University of Adelaide has offered first and second-year students* at Canterbury the chance to undertake their first semester studies at Adelaide, as part of the study abroad program.

Students who choose to come here would be New Zealand citizens with current passports, who are due to commence their first semester studies in the fields of Arts, Science, Commerce and Marketing.**

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, Professor James McWha, says he is pleased to be able to assist the University of Canterbury:

"The University of Adelaide has a special relationship with the University of Canterbury. Christchurch is a sister city to Adelaide and our two universities are involved in a range of collaborations, such as in research. I have also worked in higher education in New Zealand for many years. Our sympathy and understanding extends to the people of Christchurch, and we see this as an opportunity to strengthen the ties between our two institutions at a time when it is most needed.

"Our offer is just that at the moment - the offer of support has just been announced in New Zealand and we are not sure how many, if any, students will want to travel here to study. However, we are willing to take at least 500 students from Canterbury if needed."

Professor McWha says some of the logistical details are still being finalised and discussions are ongoing with Canterbury. Arrangements are being made for transport and accommodation for the students, who may be able to travel to Adelaide as soon as this weekend.

"I am today writing to all of our staff and graduates who live in the Adelaide metropolitan area, urging them to consider taking a student in as part of our Homestay program. We hope to have a positive response, enough to accommodate hundreds of students should that be required," he says.

"We know the first-year experience is critical to students' overall success at university. If we can provide some support to Canterbury students at this important time in their academic lives, at a time when their community has suffered badly, it may have a lasting and positive impact."

Canterbury students who would like to find out more about the study abroad opportunity should call: 00 61 8 8303 5208 or email: ucexchange@adelaide.edu.au

More information will also be available at: www.adelaide.edu.au/canterbury

People living in Adelaide who wish to register as a Homestay family should fill out this online form here or contact: 08 8303 4777.

* This media release has been updated to include second-year students.
** This media release has been updated to include Science as a field of study. Students in Engineering are no longer eligible.

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