Christmas comes early for English students

A rendition of Jingle Bells, card-making and cake decorating set the scene for a very merry Christmas for more than 150 Victoria University (VU) students this week.

The students, who are studying English language courses at VU English – the University’s English language centre – converged on Level 17 of the City Flinders Campus on Wednesday (December 7) for an afternoon of Christmas cheer.

Drawcards of the event included a national dance by a group of Kuwaiti students, a photo booth and a "mannequin challenge".

VU's Independent Learning Centre coordinator Carla Bardella, who organised the Christmas party with Santa’s little helpers (VU staff), says the event celebrated the students' commitment and dedication to their studies throughout the year.

"For many students it was a chance to socialise and consolidate their friendship with fellow classmates after working hard to develop their English during the past few months," Carla says.

"Many of these students are celebrating their first Aussie Christmas, and their first holiday away from their family and friends back home," Carla says.

"This is one of the reasons we wanted the day to be so special for them – we want all our international students to feel welcome and at home at VU."