For Prospective International Students

Burgmann College welcomes all ANU international students to make it their home during their course of study and is dedicated to providing a safe and friendly environment for all its students.

Burgmann is "the place to be" because it is a fully catered college with an exceptionally strong pastoral care system. Our residential staff and tutors understand the specific needs of both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. Some of our tutors themselves came from overseas and hence can understand the difficulties of settling into a new country.

International students will be pleased to find the following at Burgmann:

• fellow international students from many countries, so you can be sure to have a wholesome experience here in Burgmann by meeting and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds,
• academic support for non-native English speakers,
• choice of quiet study floors with segregated bathrooms and toilets,
• variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner catering to a wide variety of dietary needs. Special needs are also catered for but make sure you speak to the chef manager, Mr Ian Armstrong, or the kitchen staff to arrange special meals,
• Honours scholarships.
• anti-discriminatory practices,
• regular recreational activities.

What do some International Residents think of Burgmann College

• Partick K. Loyatum, 19, Kenya (2003)
  

  "Burgmann College was nothing quite like I expected it would have been. I was a little apprehensive about coming to live here, but within literally 40 minutes of my arrival, I had already met other people with whom I had many things in common. That is perhaps what I had underestimated about college - its power to bring together people. We are all from different backgrounds here, yet somehow, we manage to get along and enjoy each others company. Friends are the least of your worries here. There is also a strong emphasis o­n balance between party, leisure and study and work. Do not worry about being distracted, as people generally respect each other’s needs and the Tutor system in place is extremely useful to those who need support socially or academically. Burgmann's motto couldn't be more accurate; Burgmann College is the place to be!"

• Yi An, China (2003)
  

  "As an international student, the best thing about Burgmann is having the residents of different backgrounds sharing the same experience as me. Although we are all far from home, these people support me and make my stay more enjoyable at ANU."

• Clanci Cochran, USA (2003)
  

  "My name is Clanci Cochran. I am a third year English literature student from California (USA). The students and staff of Burgmann College have made me feel right at home. Coming from an all female college, I thought co-ed living would be strange. But at Burgmann, there are no feelings of strangeness, exclusion, or tension in these halls. It is a positive living space surrounded by positive, talented and fun-loving people. My favorite aspect of Burgmann is the dining hall, because of the food, which is also pretty good, but because anyone can feel free to sit down at any random table and be included in the conversation. I have met lots of good friends over a salad and a chicken pie. To sum it up, Burgmann College rocks."

• Ryoko Tsurumaru, 23, Japan (2003)
  

  "I'm usually not very good at making friends, but somehow I've made lots of friends here! I call it Burgmann magic."

• Shu Fhang Soh, 26, Singapore (2003)
  

  "Living in Burgmann has provided me with the opportunity to improve myself intellectually, socially, and culturally through the experience of living with individuals from many diverse backgrounds and culture. The college has organised many events, discussions and trips to local attractions for us. These activities have contributed to a dynamic living experience. Additionally, being a fully catered college has saved me a lot of time and allowed me to concentrate o­n studies and other activities. o­n the whole, my living experience has been memorable and fulfilling."

• Daniel Emlyn-Jones, Post-Doc, 30, UK (2003)
  

  "I came to Australia in July 2000 from U.K. I didn't have any friends or family here and so I was understandably feeling very nervous. When I arrived at Burgmann, the staff members were extremely friendly and I even received a personalised letter which astounded me. Shortly after this I met the 3H 'family' and immediately settled into a supportive and stimulating academic community. I felt so at home that I became 3H tutor for two years and am now a member of the residential staff (senior duty officer). I particularly like Burgmann because of its liberal, all accepting, clique-less attitude to people."

International Food Festival

About once a semester, there is an international food festival. Postgraduate students are invited to cook a dish/dessert, with cost of the ingredients sponsored by BRA. Everyone in the college is invited to enjoy some gourmet food from various countries.

International Events

 

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (2005).

Many international students will feel more homesick during their home countries' festival seasons. At Burgmann College, we welcome you to organise events/festivals that are specific to your home country. This also provides an opportunity for everyone to learn about different cultures. BRA is very keen to sponsor the cost of organising such events. In the past we have had Chinese New Year and Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (2005).