India takes the stage at education and training industry accolades

The University of Queensland has taken out a prestigious Queensland Education and Training International Award for Excellence for it's outstanding Manali Medical Aid Project.

Parliamentary Secretary for Trade Michael Choi said that last night's Queensland Education and Training International Awards for Excellence were held to celebrate the State's top achievers in the international education and training sector, with the University of Queensland's Manali Medical Aid Project recognised in a pool of 16 award recipients.

"The Manali Medical Aid Project pairs the medical and community needs of the Lady Willington Hospital in India with the interests of UQ's medical students and sponsors," Mr Choi said.

"In 2007, two first-year medical students, grateful for the contribution the Lady Wilmington hospital made to their medical education, developed this initiative to ensure the hospital's continued success. Each year since, UQ medical students have travelled to India to assist the local community. The project collected the Best Practice in International Collaboration for Higher Education.

"The Manali Medical Aid Project pairs the urgent medical and community needs of the Lady Willington Hospital with the interests of UQ medical students and local and international sponsors.

"Each year, UQ medical students complete a medical elective at the hospital helping to implement various initiatives funded by the project.

"Financially, the project has now become self-sustaining, and has raised $35 000 for the Lady Wilmington Hospital.

"The QETI Awards recognise international education and training institutions, students and educators for their contribution to building and sustaining international education in the State.

"The Awards, which are now in their fourth year, are unique in Australia. They recognise, celebrate and showcase local institutions and individuals that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the international student experience," Mr Choi said.

In 2008, more than 84 000 international students from over 160 countries chose Queensland as their study destination. These students studied across the four education sectors - higher education, vocational education and training (VET), English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), and schools. The international education and training industry sector contributes over 17 000 full-time equivalent workers to the Queensland economy.

"It's important to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of this vital export industry, not only to Queensland's economy, but also to the cultural fabric of our State. By highlighting examples of best practice, we will continue to build Queensland's reputation as a quality provider of international education and training services," Mr Robertson said.

Parl Sec Media contact: Alec McConnell 322 51835 or 0407 547 236

Last updated 11 September 2009