Three Filipino International Students among Leadership Ambassadors in Sydney

Ms. Gonzales (left photo), Mr. Bagang (middle photo), and Ms. Conejos (right photo), receive the City of Sydney pin from Sydney Deputy Mayor Kerryn Phelps at the induction ceremony held at the Sydney Town Hall on March 15.

11 April 2017 SYDNEY – An induction ceremony hosted by the Sydney City Council was held at the Sydney Town Hall on March 15 for participants of the International Students Leadership Ambassadors’ (ISLA) Programme 2017 of the Council. Among those recognized were three Filipino international students, Ms. Gianmarie Gonzales (Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Major in Accounting, Torrens University), Ms. Hannah Conejos (Master of Commerce, Charles Sturt University) and Mr. Darrell Leo Bagang (Juris Doctor, University of Technology Sydney).

The ISLA Programme is an initiative of the Sydney City Council since 2013 and aims to create opportunities for students to better integrate and learn about local culture. The Programme also assists international students to make the most of their experience in Sydney. The participants chosen by the Sydney City Council undergo six months of training and volunteer work experience before officially given their honorary roles as City of Sydney International Student Ambassadors in a recognition ceremony. In 2015, three Filipino international students, Ms. Karen Sillero, Ms. Sophie Andres and Mr. Julius Delino, were chosen as ISLA programme participants.

During the recognition ceremony, Ms Gonzales and Mr. Bagang shared how the programme contributed to their personal growth and development, which in turn encouraged them to help others face the challenges of being an international student in Sydney. END