SESSION 3B

Hung Dao, The University of Adelaide’s ELC
Connect with one student and the rest will follow

Abstract
The University of Adelaide's English Language Centre (ELC) implemented the ELC Intercultural Program in 2016 to increase the intercultural competency of our international students and associated improvements which could be made to the ELC Social Club. The ELC Intercultural Program also utilises volunteers. As a result, the program provides opportunities to meet international students, build intercultural awareness and develop cross-cultural communications skills, as well as make new friends for our ELC Intercultural Volunteers. This presentation will discuss and outline how the ELC organises and coordinates the ELC Social Club in conjunction with recruiting, interviewing and inducting ELC Intercultural volunteers, and summarise the learning outcomes, benefits and positive feedback the ELC Intercultural Program has had on our students and other similar institutions could adopt similar practices to engage students.

Bio
I have worked as Student Services Officer (SSO) in the higher education environment at Professional & Continuing Education (PCE) including the English Language Centre (ELC), The University of Adelaide for the last 6 years and worked in the ELICOS sector for 10 years as both an administrator and teacher in Japan and Australia. My diverse experience enables me to relate to students both academically and non-academically. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies) (2001), a Certificate IV in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) (2005) and a Masters of Education (TESOL) (2013).