Saturday, 5 April 2014

AFIS International Students Infoday - April 5, 2014

On Saturday 5th April our friends at AFIS, in partnership with the Victorian Government, hosted the International Student Information Day 2014 at the Multicultural Hub. There were many free activities including information sessions, workshops, lunch, stall exhibitions and social networking events. At an event like this, of course The Couch was there!


Early in the day, Robin bravely stood up in front of the full crowd and introduced himself, and told everyone about what The Couch is and what services it offers.


After that, Peter and the volunteers went to the Drill Hall to man The Couch stall. Here they talked more about The Couch to the students passing by, and gave them information about the then upcoming trip to Williamstown.


There were stalls from other organisations with useful information, fun games and free giveaways for international students. These organisations included International Student Care Services, Culture Card, Navitas Professional, Blue Studies International, Victoria Police, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Meld Magazine, and Chai Junction.


Chai Junction had their dart board from The Lord Mayor's Student Welcome back, which was hard for the Volunteers from The Couch to resist. Even the representative from Metropolitan Fire Brigade had a go!

The second scariest thing Robin did that day!

Meanwhile, International Student Care Services had a rope challenge: can you tie a knot in the rope without letting go of the ends? It was strangely both frustrating, yet addictive. Most of The Couch volunteers wouldn't leave until they had all figured it out.


Antoinette from AFIS let herself be turned into a human advertisement for the after party.


Meanwhile, this gave Phil an idea on how to put Jelly's perpetually present backpack to good use.


Before the after party started, the Drill Hall mostly emptied out as students went back to the Multicultural Hub for more presentations. Anyone who has stayed at The Couch until close, will not be surprised by what happened next. When you get a group of volunteers from The Couch, an empty space, and some balls, there is only one thing that could happen.

The only surprising thing is nothing was broken.
AFIS then set up many social activities for the students to join in. However, despite games being played in both corners, more and more students gathered around Antoinette, leading some dance lessons. It was at this point I had to leave, but I am sure if I had stayed, there would soon be 100% of the students joining Antoinette in dance!


Congratulations, and thanks, to AFIS for hosting such a great event. As well as giveaways, prizes, and information, it was super fun for everyone. If you missed the Information Day this time, make sure you don't miss the next!

More photos in the The Couch photo album. (And many more of the day in the AFIS album!)

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