Equal Student Exchange Blog

About ESE

Equal Student Exchange (ESE) is a volunteer-based student network which provides free information about student exchange and study overseas opportunities.

Focusing on providing information to students from developing countries, ESE acknowledges the financial and organisational obstacles these students must often come to face. It is the belief of ESE that both universities and students can benefit through international engagement. A more culturally diverse range of international students will contribute to the continued exchange of knowledge, ideas and culture between different universities and countries.

The volunteers of ESE recognize the importance of establishing enduring educational, cultural and professional links through student exchange.

Follow this link for more in-depth information About Us.

Tuesday, 24 July 2012

The First ASEAN-Australia Youth Summit (AAYS)

First ASEAN-Australia Youth Summit (AAYS)

On the 28th of July, Melbourne will host the 1st ASEAN-Australia Youth Summit (AAYS). The event, concerned with issues which affect our region will be unique in that it is the first of its kind to be held in Australia. It will be jointly hosted by the Victorian student councils of Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand. It is hoped that this participation will help develop strong ASEAN student leader communities and also facilitate closer cooperation between these groups and Australia. As a result, the event will also give students from Australia an important role to play. Applicants from Australian student bodies such as the National Union of Students (NUS), as well as individual students are invited to apply for a chance to represent Australia at the summit.

Need for an ASEAN-Australia Agenda

Too often in the past, many events in Australia organized by various ASEAN student bodies have been overly focused on participants from their own countries. This has been mainly due to the funding constraints as well as the absence of an organization with the capability to bridge the gap. Moreover, there has not been much interaction between the international student leaders and Australian student leaders. Thus, the ASEAN-Australia Youth Summit (AAYS) endeavours to connect ASEAN and Australian youth leaders in Australia together, via the ASEAN-Australia Agenda. The founding members of the Agenda are MASCA Victoria (Malaysians), PPIA Victoria (Indonesians), MOVSA (Vietnamese), TSV (Thais) and SOV (Singaporeans). We have also gotten the support from the national councils of the ASEAN communities mentioned above.

The Agenda aims to:

1. Establish a strong community of ASEAN youth leaders in Australia

2. Strengthen the ASEAN-Australia relations, especially at the youth leader level

3. Enhance ASEAN identity in Australia

1st ASEAN-Australia Youth Summit

ASEAN-Australia Youth Summit is a key initiative of the ASEAN-Australia Agenda to ensure its sustainability. MASCA Victoria is honored to be the host of the very first Youth Summit. The hosting right will be rotated among the already-existing four councils (and more after more councils are formed) in the subsequent years. Having the hosting right means that the Project Leader will be appointed by the hosting organisation, but the other positions will be opened up to the public for contest, encouraging collaboration in organising the Youth Summit itself, because collaboration is the main purpose of ASEAN-Australia Agenda.

The main purposes of ASEAN-Australia Youth Summit are:

1. To provide the first platform for leaders of ASEAN-root and Australian student bodies to meet each other

2. To enable discussion about potential collaboration opportunity

Date: 28 July 2012 (Saturday)

Time: 8.30am - 5pm

Venue: Melbourne CBD

Apart from the Australia Ambassador to ASEAN, Gillian Bird, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of all the ASEAN countries, there will be 100 student delegates who are student leaders in various ASEAN-based peak representative councils and affiliated university organisations, and also outstanding individuals who will be selected via a competitive selection process. Programme of the day can be viewed here.

ASEAN Students' Council Australia (ASCA)

The founding members are also in the preparation to form a national body for the ASEAN students in Australia, namely the ASEAN Students' Council Australia (ASCA). It will be the liaison and representative body for all the ASEAN students, working closely with the existing ASEAN-based peak representative councils at state and national level. The Pro Tem Council will be launched during the Youth Summit.

For more information please visit the AAYS website

Or contact us at:

info@aseanausyouth.com

Monday, 18 June 2012

Conference of the Developing Countries Partnership’s Scholars and Academics 2012 (UGM and ISANAM-KNB)

The Conference of the Developing Countries Partnership's Scholars and Academics 2012: is jointly organized by the International Students Association of the Non-Aligned Movement (ISANAM-KNB) and the Office of International Affairs, Universitas Gadjah Mada, with the aim to address the challenges of human security and enhancing partnership towards achieving the MDGs in the developing countries. It is part of the actions been taken in revitalizing the spirit of the Non-Aligned Movement in the Developing Countries based on educational, economic social and cultural exchange in mutual benefits for all members.

The conference will be held in Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta. Between the 12th and 13th of September 2012. The Objective is to provide a forum for dialogue among government officials, policy makers, stakeholders, civil society organizations, students, lecturers and media practitioners from the developing countries concerned with emerging challenges the region. The conference aims to revitalize solidarity in facing the issues of human security and its correlations with the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Call for Papers
The organising committee is calling for papers on all categories from students, lecturers, other academia, and the general public. The topics cover various disciplines interested which contribute ideas and knowledge towards the theme of the conference. Presenters and participants are invited to engage with any of the relevant topics which address these issues of security we face.

The conference will discuss many different aspects of human security challenges facing developing countries and their implication for MDGs. Successful as well as unsuccessful stories will be recounted so that other countries can learn from them. It is hoped that this conference will contribute towards achieving the targets of the MDGs and act to reinforce more partnerships and build new forms of cooperation to address the challenges of human security in the developing countries.

Interested persons can download the Application-forms and read more about the conference here on our blog. Completed application forms can be submitted online to the contact persons: hanum.salsabila@gmail.com, nelly_joku@yahoo.com

Participants will enjoy the following benefits

Certificates, conference kids, snacks, free bicycle ride around Universitas Gadjah Mada during the course of the conference. Most importantly, participants will gain access to a gate-way of cooperation building and networking between national and international students, university and government officials.

The keynote speech of the conference will be delivered by Prof. Pierre Sane, Former Assistant Director General of UNESCO.

Ebrima Sarr

President of ISANAM (KNB)

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

The 18th Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference (AMUNC2012)

Individual delegate registrations open!

At 9.00am AEST this morning, we officially opened our doors to those individual delegate hopefuls wanting to register for the 18^th Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference (AMUNC2012). With individual registrations now open, we encourage all interested followers of Equal Student Exchange to make sure that their home university and country are represented at AMUNC2012. For those of you who are interested in the conference follow this link to register via the AMUNC website.

Key details

Who? Over 600 university students from all over the Asia-Pacific and beyond
What? An international conference for debating global issues within 23 simulated United Nations committees. Participants will be addressed by eminent speakers; and gain access to lively evening socials
When? A 5 day conference running from Sunday the 8^th of July until Wednesday the 13^th of July
Where? La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus in Melbourne, Australia.
Why? Thought provoking debate, inspiring speakers, exciting social events, and an invaluable networking opportunity to meet aspiring students from throughout the Asia-Pacific. A chance to meet many new friends.

18 year history of the conference:

Since its inauguration in 1995 as a primarily Australian conference, international interest towards AMUNC has gradually grown throughout the past decade. The 18^th Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference hosted at La Trobe University promises to be the most internationally representative AMUNC ever held.

Theme of AMUNC2012

This year the theme of AMUNC is Rights, Recognition, and Responsibility. The theme reflects the importance of asylum seeker and refugee rights, the recognition of those rights and the responsibility of Member States of the UN to respect and uphold those rights. For the secretariat, this theme has come to hold a particularly international resonance. Asylum seeker and refugee rights are global issues which bear particular relevance for the Asia-Pacific Region. Indeed, it is the belief of the Secretariat that all Asia-Pacific Member States have a shared responsibility to recognise the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. With regional partnerships becoming increasingly important in safeguarding these human rights, AMUNC2012 has placed a much greater emphasis on raising international participation throughout the Asia-Pacific Region.

The wider significance of AMUNC

Through simultaneously deepening and widening international participation, AMUNC2012 stands to be a landmark conference. The unprecedentedly high number of already registered delegates coming from overseas will no doubt create an environment which is more conducive to the development of internationally aware, skilled future leaders. As a truly international conference, the conditions for networking will be conducive to the establishment of enduring international, educational and professional linkages throughout the Asia-Pacific.

The resulting context will be perfect for a conference based around discussion, cooperation and mutual respect and understanding.

Nicholas Metherall

Under-Secretary General for International Links and Promotions

nicholas.metherall@amunc.net

http://amunc.net/

Friday, 6 April 2012

Scholarship Programs to Australia

AusAID awards

http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/default.cfm

Endeavour Awards

http://www.deewr.gov.au/International/EndeavourAwards/Pages/Home.aspx

Australia-Indonesia Institution

http://www.dfat.gov.au/aii/

High School Exchange Programs (murid SMA)

http://www.dfat.gov.au/aii/schools_exchange_small_grants_program.html

Seni Saraswati Art Program

http://www.dfat.gov.au/aii/scholarship_program/saraswati_arts_prog.html

Islamic Leadership Program (Islam)

http://www.dfat.gov.au/aii/muslim_exchange.html

Bridging program (Mullumbimby video conference program)

http://www.mullumbimb-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/sws/view/1694329.node

Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP)

http://aiyep.tcn.com.au/

http://www.dfat.gov.au/aii/scholarship_program/youth_exchange_program.html

18 Participants between 21-25 years old.

Activities

Cultural immersion (home-stay)
Magang (internship)

Journalism Award (Elizabeth O'Neil)

http://www.dfat.gov.au/aii/elizabeth_oneill_journalism_award.html

1 interview from Indonesia
Travel to Australia for 2-3 weeks/
Perform briefing and reporting.

This award is open to print, television, radio and online media organizations.

Monday, 5 March 2012

STUDY IN MELBOURNE!

A taste of global culture

International
Australia’s most accessible multiculturalism has been captured in a big city which retains that “small-city feel”. Four main waves of migration have created a diversity where 140 nations live side by side. Hosting over a million international visitors each year,[1] Melbourne is well placed as an international city. Melbourne’s leading educational institutions attract students from all over the world. Almost 55 per cent of students living and studying in the city are international students[2] and almost 41 per cent of the inner city population was born outside of Australia. As a result international students will not feel out of place as visiting scholars. The Australian Government and many academic institutions provide scholarships and programs which are designed to enhance dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect and understanding between Australia and the international community.

Cultural capital

The cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is known for its art, music, cuisine, fashion, performance, design and creative ideas. Indeed the city is home to countless art galleries, museums, libraries, theatres, musical performances and live gigs. Coincidentally, Melbourne was the second city after Edinburgh to be named a UNESCO City of Literature.[3] Within a student exchange program you also gain many opportunities to enjoy cultural experiences outside of the classroom. Evenings out, exploring a wide range of nightspots, up flights of stairs, down graffiti covered laneways, on rooftops or in an orchestra pit; you will never be short of options for a new cultural experience.

Heritage and cityscape

While the Melbourne of today presents a sense of community which respects diversity and change, the city still holds a reverence for its unique character and heritage. This is clearly reflected in the high levels of heritage protection dedicated towards ornate Victorian-era, Euro-style architecture. Heritage also protects the older carriages which make up the Melbourne’s iconic tram network. Contrasting with the vast 471 hectares[4] of leafy green parkland throughout Melbourne, are the narrow winding labyrinthine laneways which sprawl away from the bustling corporate city centre. Laneway and café culture are also characteristic of the unique atmosphere found within Melbourne.

Indigenous culture

In welcoming you to Melbourne, it is important to also respectfully acknowledge the heritage of the land and its rightful ownership. The city is actually built on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation more commonly known by its European name “Melbourne”. The land has in the past been an important meeting place and location for events of social and cultural significance for the many traditional Indigenous Australian tribes which make up the Kulin Nation. The City of Melbourne respects this unique historical and cultural heritage and collaborates with its Indigenous community in the development of many strategies to support and expand Indigenous culture throughout Melbourne and beyond.[5]

Combining the modern, international, cultural, heritage and indigenous aspects of Melbourne, we hope that international students will find it to be a welcoming, globally cultured and thought provoking city.

Article from Nicholas Metherall,

currently studying International Relations at LaTrobe University, Melbourne

[1] http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/MelbourneProfile/Pages/CityofMelbourneprofile.aspx

[2]http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/CommunityServices/ForYouth/InternationalStudents/Pages/Internationalstudents.aspx

[3] ^ "Cities Appointed to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network". UNESCO. Retrieved 4 August 2010.

[4] http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/MelbourneProfile/Pages/CityofMelbourneprofile.aspx

[5] http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/indigenousculture/Pages/IndigenousMelbourne.aspx

Friday, 2 December 2011

(ISANAM-KNB) Non-Aligned Movement Scholarship Notice

No. 07/KNB/2011
30^thNovember , 2011.

The Bandung Accord more than half a century ago during the famous Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung Republic of Indonesia, gave birth to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Today the NAM has a membership of about 114 countries. The NAM Scholarship now renamed the Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship was initiated by Indonesia during the Tenth Conference of Heads of State of NAM in September 1992. In 1993, Indonesian government, Ministry of National Education Started to offer the Postgraduate Scholarship to NAM member countries. Today the Scholarship which is known as Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) in Bahasa Indonesia has contributed immensely to the socioeconomic development of many countries in the Non-Aligned Movement. Graduate student from the program are serving in various aspect of political, economical, social, cultural and scientific development in their respective countries.

Universitas Gadjah Mada was the first University to host the KNB students. The International Student of the Non-Aligned Movement (ISANAM-KNB) was form in UGM to assist new student on basic information about the scholarship and to help them resettling when they arrive in Indonesia to undertake their studies. The association is also involve in cultural exchange program with other International students studying in Indonesia.

We are looking forward in working with you towards assisting and giving valuable information to students who are interested in the scholarship.

Remain yours in the service of education

Ebrima Sarr

President of ISANAM (KNB)

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International Students Association of Non-Aligned Movement (ISANAM-KNB)

International Student Center, Block F-13, Jl. Nusantara 1, Bulaksumur,

Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281.

Email: isanam2011@gmail.com