Asia PR News

MELBOURNE, Dec. 22/Medianet International-AsiaNet/–

India seems a far way from Swinburne TAFE’s Wantirna campus in the outer
eastern region of Melbourne. But for 14 students, mainly from the Punjab region
of India who are studying horticulture, it has become a home away from home.

Swinburne TAFE has long been recognised for its strong reputation in
horticulture studies, with the TAFE winning prestigious awards at the Melbourne
International Flower and Garden Show for exhibits created by students.

For one of the students, Ramandeep Singh, studying horticulture at Wantirna
represents a completely new phase in his life, having originally come to
Australia to study mechanical engineering.

“I didn’t imagine I would end up studying horticulture. But when I first
started the engineering course, I knew it wasn’t for me as it wasn’t the
challenge that I had in mind.

“My cousin had been living in Australia for eight years and convinced me to
study horticulture, and I thought I would try something different and it would
be a valuable technical skill that I could combine with business skills as
well.

I spoke to the nursery manager at Wantirna to get a better idea about the
courses that are offered and the different career paths and I enrolled soon
after,” Ramandeep explained.

Now studying a Diploma of Horticulture, Raman will be finished his studies
at the end of 2007, but when it comes to future plans, he is taking one day at
a time and enjoying his studies.

While adjusting to a new country and culture is always a challenge for new
students, the horticulture students have embraced the change, with the students
recently challenging their teachers to a friendly cricket match.

“Well it was no surprise that we won,” Ramandeep joked. “But mostly, it was
a fun day, a chance to get together with the other students and teachers in a
fun atmosphere.”

Teachers at the Wantirna campus have also greatly benefited from the
cultural exchange according to the Horticulture Department Manager, Fred
Hellriegel. “Teaching the students has been wonderful, they are willing to
learn and are wonderful people. Another advantage for staff is that our canteen
is now serving wonderful Indian food!”

The horticulture department is accepting another student intake from India
early next year.

To find out how to apply and for further information about studying at
Swinburne contact:Kate Babic
Ph:+61-3-9214-5123
www.international.swinburne.edu
email: international@swinburne.edu.au

SOURCE: Swinburne University