Participants+A-M+(Naomi)

=All applications A-M.=

I have chosen these applicants firstly because they are a mix of male and female (3 of each, I hope!). Secondly, I have chosen them by basis of being an international student/ local student, faculty and from mainly their written application- because I think they would benefit from seeing country Vic, would be interested in country Vic and/or have a great sense of fun and would really be willing to participate in the program and hopefully make it a fun experience for everyone.

= Ernesto Romero ernestor@student.unimelb.edu.au = Hello, I am a current master student of Melbourne Uni. I'm from Mexico and wish to participate in the exchange program 1. Why do you want to participate in the City-Country Exchange Program?  I think this is a unique experience to learn and get to see the different faces of Australia. It will put me in context of how people think and live in rural areas in contrast with city areas. I personally will love to see the rural areas of australia, and to get to know personally the people there… It is just great. I hove done similar stuff back in Mexico, spent a week a year for 4 year in a row living with families far away from cities. This is not new for me, and I love it.

 2. What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?  I have good communication skills, I can relate easily with different types of persons and personalities. Am a good team leader, I can make communication flow efficiently throughout the team and make a resolution based on everyones input. I can adapt to different environments. If a difficulty where to occur, I don't get shocked, I can take action fast based on the current options and information. what I hope to gain is a very good experience. I want to gain friends, memories, I want to take a close look at the rural areas and learn as much as I can from them. Usually people in rural areas have a very "natural" way of living and thinking. They have a close relationship with nature, and manage to live well with what they got. If I learn this from them, this will make my hole international student experience worth it.

 3. What challenges do you believe you will encounter? (Think specifically about working as part of a team, the rural environment and a different cultural context). First of all, we will not have the commodities of the city, such as, internet, a super clean bathroom, food will be different. The biggest challenge is that will have to share almost every thing with every one, and will be 24/7 together, this will bring tension some times. Many people do not adapt easily and sometimes not very open minded, we will have to deal with that constantly. Communication between city and rural persons can be difficult, the way each group sees reality and confronts situations will be different. We have to be very sensitive and avoid conversations that can make rural people uncomfortable, like things very comun in the city that in rural areas don't have, technology, internet, bars, sex, etc. Thank you very much! I hope to hear back from you Regards Ernesto Romero

= Cintia Chen c.chen25@student.unimelb.edu.au =

To whom it may concern, I am interested in participating in the City-Country Exchange Program. Firstly, as an international student, I would like to know all the amazing parts of Australia. Spending a few days in country Victoria would allow me to taste a different side of my Australian life: less metropolitan area and busy daily life, and more natural beauty and a glimpse of a true relaxing life. Secondly, I desire to broaden my social network by meeting more people with whom I share common interests. Knowing the country residents would also offer me opportunities to learn and broaden my perspective of the rural area. All of this interaction would also create a scope for me to grow and mature spiritually and psychologically. Through a diversity of jobs, I grew to be more responsible, independent and loyal. I also have skills in leading and organising as I have been/am involved in roles such as MC and crèche leader. I am a good companion eager in learning and gaining knowledge and wisdom. I do not see many challenges, but I think the main one would be understanding the country English, as it carries a very strong accent. Thank you for your attention. And, please, consider me as a prospective participant in the City-Country Exchange Program. Yours sincerely, Cíntia Chen

= = =Hannah Betty Marie Baguley =

When I first saw this program on the notices board, I was instantly drawn in. I thought to myself, sounds too good to be true? A short time spent in a different area where I get to help a disadvantaged community. Although I have not done a whole lot of volunteer work, I am interested in forging this connection between communities and learning about different aspects of country Victoria. Also, I have tried very hard to get myself involved in everything while I can at university, to broaden my horizons and promote The University of Melbourne. Coming from a small community myself, I believe it is important to support these networks and help them return to their original state.
 * 1) Why do you want to participate in this program?

I have adapted skills throughout my schooling years, primarily at The Alpine School for Student Leadership. These skills enabled me to deal with difficult situations (next question) and to get the most out of every opportunity. Apart from this, I am a very fun, outgoing, loud person who just loves being really. I will give everything a go! I hope to gain a life changing experience where I believed I have made a difference.
 * 1) What qualities and skills do you think you can bring? What do you hope to gain?

Of course, I expect to be in a culturally different area, but I have never been one to judge about this. In accordance with actual challenges, I will take it as it comes. I am calm, so will tend to the situation in a calm and caring manor. In respect to working as part of a team, I have participated in team activities for years and love it! I am not one to cause conflict, so being a team member is what I like best. If a challenge becomes too extensive for my capacity, I will refer the situation onto a peer or someone who believes they can deal with the situation appropriately.
 * 1) What challenges do you think you will encounter?

= Binh Nguyen muithin1010@yahoo.com =

Dear Naomi and Violacea, You can find my CV in the attachment:) 1) ...Uhm...I was like why not, it's a good chance to see the real country Victoria. Being an international students, I have been to quite a few places but I think this is the time for me to not only see but also experience something unique-the City-Country Exchange Program. 2) I can work together with other people as a team but can also work independently. I hope to widen my view of life, see life under different perspective to have the best outcome for every problem that I'll have to encounter. 3) I think the most challenged thing I believe I'll face is the rural environment! There can be insects. But I'll prepare myself with all the cream that makes them stay away from me. Working as a team will always have problem as different people have different opinions; but I believe everyone will think for the benefit of all rather for themselves as we are there promoting Melbourne University.

Thanks :) Hoa Binh Nguyen(Peace) = = = Chi Wen Yeo c.yeo3@ugrad.unimelb.edu.au =

Dear Naomi and Violacea,

I am writing to the exchange opportunity at Loddon Shire. I have attached my CV, and cover page. Should you have any questions feel free to contact me at 0433488425. Thanks.

Regards,

= James Conlan conlanjm@hotmail.com =

Dear Naomi and Violacea,

I am writing to apply for the Student Ambassador Leadership Group’s, City-Country Exchange Program. Please see attached my answers to the questions and my CV.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

James Conlan