ABOUT 40 senior academics from China will head to Bendigo to offer free Chinese lessons to the community while they undertake a 10-week training course at La Trobe University. University International Short Courses manager Julian Zhang said the English and education short courses run by the university were establishing Bendigo’s reputation as an English training destination in Australia for Chinese academics. The prestigious participating universities include Tongji University, East China University of Science and Technology, Nantong University and the University of Science and Technology Beijing. A delegation of 11 clinicians and surgeons from Nantong University will visit hospitals in Bendigo and Melbourne as part of an exchange program. Other professional disciplines of the delegation include science and engineering, biotechnology, information technology, media, education, law, humanities, mathematics, economics and management. Mr Zhang said the program had benefits for the Bendigo community as well as course participants. “Delegates enjoy the hospitality of the Homestay program as well as their interaction with the Bendigo community when they teach conversational Chinese,” he said. “Homestay also provides an excellent opportunity for Bendigonians to share a unique cultural exchange program, make new friends and exchange information and opportunities,” he said. To find out more about Homestay, contact Jacqui Fraser on 0411 231 554 or at fraserklep@dodo.com.au or Mr Zhang on 0409 517 602 or julian.zhang@latrobe.edu.au
