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Rachel is Queensland's student ambassador of the year
USC student Rachel McKay was last night named Queensland Student Ambassador of the Year at the Queensland Education and Training International Awards in Brisbane, while for the second time in three years the University’s Global Opportunities (GO) program won a major award.
The GO program won the Excellence in Outward Mobility award, having previously been recognised for promoting internationlisation.
The GO program enables students to spend up to two semesters studying overseas while earning credits toward their degrees. USC has partnerships with more than 70 universities and institutions around the world and offers grants of up to $3000 towards airfares for GO participants.
Rachel has spent two semesters studying abroad as part of her USC studies, first at Kyungpook National University in Korea in 2007, and most recently at the University of Mannheim, Germany.
While working towards her combined Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business degree Rachel has taken on a peer support role as a USC Student Mentor, and is a founding member of USC’s chapter of the Golden Key Honours Society.
With glowing recommendations from her host universities, Rachel was an obvious choice for USC’s nomination, but said she was surprised to find her name had been put forward.
“It was a surprise to even have been nominated—to be told that the International office had nominated me, then to head to Brisbane and win, it was all a bit of a shock,” she said.
“It was a great night, and it was fantastic that we could come home with both awards.”
She said the GO program had given her the opportunity to learn more about herself and the world.
“The program takes you out of your comfort zone,” she said.
“My understanding of different cultures has really improved, and especially in Germany I found that my technical and computing skills developed a lot.”
USC Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Elliot said he was delighted the University had again won the prestigious award.
“To again be recognised with this award is a significant confirmation of the ongoing value and good management of our Global Opportunities program,” he said.
“USC is offering terrific international opportunities for students and this award confirms that our international project is going in the right direction.”
“My congratulations also go to Rachel, who has been a fantastic ambassador, not just for Queensland, but for USC in particular. Without doubt, she personifies the title of Student Ambassador of the Year.”
– Nathan Woulfe