International tourism student wins scholarship
13 February 2004
Ben Schmidt-Pereira with Director, John Parish.
Tourism management student Ben Schmidt-Pereira has been awarded Kangan Batman TAFE’s inaugural Outstanding International Student Award for 2003.
Ben is from Germany but is now living in Tullamarine while undertaking the second year of his Advanced Diploma of Tourism Management. He was selected from a group of 11 international student finalists from different courses to win the award.
Students nominated for the award had to meet specific criteria including: demonstrated leadership skills, being a positive role model, a record of exemplary attendance, participation, academic achievement and involvement in course activities.
They also had to show evidence of setting personal and career goals, initiative and contribution to teamwork and full participation in the life of the Institute.
The award pays for Ben’s tuition fees for 2004, which amounts to more than $8,000. Ben has said receiving this award was a big honour and having his fees paid for 2004 will save him a lot of money. He also said, on successful completion of his TAFE qualification, he will be able to apply for a degree in Tourism Management next year with credits.
Ben’s teachers have praised the international student’s enthusiasm for his chosen field of study. “He is always willing to participate in class discussion and has interesting and valuable information to share with his fellow students,” said Tourism teacher, Fiona Marshall.
“He has a positive attitude towards his studies and takes a leadership role in group activities. Ben is a high achiever, yet is still very modest about the graded marks he achieves.”
Ben chose Australia for further education partly because he has relatives here. “Also in Germany there are no tuition fees in further education, which means places are in high demand and you can wait a few years to get into the course of your choice.”
He has also been able to undertake part time work at a 5 star hotel in Melbourne’s CBD during his training and was able to gain exposure to high quality customer service. Later Ben hopes to realise his dream of managing his own business in the tourism field.
