Embracing cultural ties

The Embrace Program for Chinese international students offers insights into Australian culture, sports, business, and leadership.

Monday 7 April 2025

A cross-cultural program has given international Chinese students at Victoria University (VU), and across Victoria with opportunities and insights into Australian culture, sports, business, and leadership.

The Embrace Program, led by VU with support from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (the Foundation), involved about 300 students over three events and two programs across 2023-2025.

Program lead, Associate Professor Dr Catherine Lou, said the program was developed to enhance the experiences of Chinese students studying at Australian universities – and they have more than done that.

“Our aim in creating this program has been to support Chinese students in Australia by helping build capabilities that will help them in their future careers, and to enhance their understanding and engagement with local culture and experience of living in Australia,” Dr Lou said.

“We appreciate the support of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations. Their commitment to enhancing the experiences of international students in Australia has played a crucial role in the success of the program.

"We think we got the balance right, with events that brought young and enthusiastic Chinese students into the fun of learning how to play Australian rules football with the Western Bulldogs, attending an AFL match decked out in supporters’ gear and benefiting from personalised mentoring and capability building workshops.

The workshops

A focus of the program was deepening Chinese students’ understanding of First Nations culture this included an event with proud Taungurung man Uncle Rob Monohan and Associate Professor Sadie Heckenberg. It was also the first time many attendees had experienced a Smoking Ceremony. This was followed by a panel of successful international student alumni who were professionals and/or business owners.

A City of Melbourne Council supported workshop, Embrace Your Potential, Own Your Authentic Self was also held at Melbourne Town Hall. The workshop brought Chinese international students together with local businesses and industry professionals to embrace their unique potential. The focus was on demonstrating the power of creating a personal brand through following your passion, and how to nurture this into a thriving career.

With VU as a leader in promoting safe and accessible sport, two major Embrace events centred on Australia’s rich sporting culture and excellence. This included one with Australian Olympic badminton player, and VU alum, Gronya Somerville – supported by Victoria Government and City of Melbourne. She shared her inspiring story about her passion for badminton and her pathway to becoming a high performance athlete. She reflected on her career with her connection with her Chinese heritage as well as highlights and diverse opportunities in sport and beyond, supported with further studies

The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation also delivered an immersive experience for international students to learn more about AFL and sport culture here in Australia and about and exploring their leadership style and skills. The session ended with an AFL Western Bulldogs vs North Melbourne Game experience at Marvel Stadium.

“The mentorship programme has been an incredibly enriching experience for me! As a newly arrived international student in Australia, it has not only enhanced my understanding of professional and personal development in a new environment but also connected me with inspiring leaders and peers who motivate me to strive for excellence. I feel more confident and prepared to navigate my professional journey in Australia, thanks to the guidance and support received through this programme,” said Shuangming Huang, PhD student.

“The Foundation is pleased to support Victoria University’s Embrace Program. During their studies in Australia, Chinese international students contribute to the Australian community and go on to build links between Australia and China. They receive high-quality training and skills that equip them to make strong contributions. The Embrace Program usefully builds on Chinese international students’ academic experiences in Australia, through deepened understanding of Australia, its people and its culture, to foster lasting people-to-people connections that is in the interest of both our countries.,” said CEO, National Foundation for Australia-China relation, Gary Cowan.