Joanna's G20 Experience at Griffith

Joanna Ho, a Taiwanese student studying a Graduate Diploma of Education at Griffith University, shares her experience as a G20 Scholar at the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane, November 2014.

Joanna posing with the other G20 scholars, all from different academic
backgrounds sharing their big idea for the G20 Summit.

Joanna Ho: Joining the G20 Scholar Program was a challenging yet rewarding time of my life. As an extra-curricular activity it required a lot of my energy and focus and taught me more about myself than I had previously known or realised. I juggled my study, research and assignments, prac, not to mention delivering a presentation in front of several hundred other students at the annual Griffith Student Leadership Conference (pictured below), one of the highlights and a requirement at the completion of the program.

Joanna poses with her fellow G20 Scholars at the Griffith University

Student Leadership Conference.

When I look back now, it was one of the most eventful parts of my student life in Brisbane. I gained so many memorable experiences from the program, a lot of knowledge, met a lot of people, and, one of my personal highlights, attended a speech given by POTUS himself, President Obama at UQ during the summit. What an opportunity! 

Barack Obama shaking hands after his speech at the UQ Centre,
University of Queensland

All the lovely experiences as a result of my involvement in the program will be locked in my memory forever. I appreciate Griffith University and Brisbane City for giving me this opportunity to make my life impressive and worthwhile. I would not have been able to achieve such a great life milestone otherwise.

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For more information, about studying in Brisbane or Australia, check out the links in the column to the right!

If you'd like to have your story featured on Brissie Student, send your idea to Samuel Glen at brissiestudent@gmail.com.

David Lynch - GOMA exhibit

The David Lynch exhibit at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is confronting, challenging and mildly haunting.

David lynch has had a long career spanning 40 years, and seems to have a dark side affinity with the occult.

While his pieces to bring you to question normal behaviour and assumptions about society, he does produce some visually artistic pieces also genuinely worthwhile seeing.

After seeing the David Lynch exhibition, I then took a seat and listened to some classical piano in a main auditorium.

What a visit!

Riverlife!

Riverlife is conveniently located on the Brisbane River, Kangaroo Point.

Literally a hop, jump and skip over the river from the Central Business District.

I've been multiple times for their 'adventures' and enjoy myself every time.

The staff are friendly and helpful, come from all over the world and are experts at creating adventure!

Brissie Student contemplating the concept of abseiling the Kangaroo Point cliffs

Not only do they have regular adventures, like abseiling, kayaking and rock climbing, you can also hire things like bikes, roller blades and segways!

The also hold festivals quite regularly throughout the year like during Riverfire, Cinco de Mayo and more..

Brissie Student paddling on Brisbane River

I would definitely recommend that you check them out if you get a chance.

In my opinion, it is one of the 'must-dos' when you come to Brisbane.

 See their website for more details: http://www.riverlife.com.au/
Thanks to Paolo Avinante Photography for the photos.

Brisbane International Student Ambassador does Straddie

'Brisbane International Student Ambassador - Afghanistan'. This is a title that I will always be proud of.

I attended Lord Mayor Graham Quirk's City Welcome festival for international students 2 weeks ago, where the new international student ambassadors were appointed (I still need to get used to the term "Former BISA"). I remember our first official trip as BISAs to Stradbroke Island last year. It was an opportunity for us to get to know each other and make some lifelong friendships. This was a great experience and a trip to remember.

The island is one of Australia's premier natural treasures, largest stone island in the world and a #perfectdestination, conveniently located on Brisbane's doorstep.

Straddie: #perfectdestination

Straddie, as we call it here in our Aussie slang, is rich in Aboriginal culture. We met the eldest member of the local Aboriginal family who was 90 years old. She told us some stories of her childhood and school days.

In the afternoon we went bush walking and had some more exposure to the aboriginal culture, traditions and fishing techniques they used in the past.

Serene water surrounded by beautiful bushland

I don’t think I could call myself a true Aussie and a Queenslander before my surfing experience. It is like the very last ritual of being an Australian. We had 3 people to look after us in our surfing lesson where everyone else knew how to swim. I had all the attention of the life guards :)

I managed to surf, even though it was for a very short period of time but I did it. It is when my other fellow Ambassadors were still struggling to surf.

I think that our trip would have been incomplete without surfing. I did not know how to swim at that time and I was going to surf. YES!! I was very much convinced that I will not be able to enjoy a bit of it and that this can be the last day of my life after having two failed attempts of swimming at the beach earlier that year.

Shab and fellow BISA's on the Straddie coastline

Tired and exhausted we went to our rooms, which were right in front of the beach. You could sleep listening to the waves and wake up to the beautiful sunrise. Our trip last year was definitely one of the best events of my BISA journey and it always brings a smile on my face remembering all the fun moments we spent together.

Make sure you visit Straddie and do all the fun activities that they offer over there.

Shabnam Ahmadzada.

Animals 101

In Australia, you will encounter many different kinds of animals. Sometimes you will have an arachnid on your curtains above your bed.

This is a video of one of those experiences...

How would you react?

Do you have any similar experiences?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0decZExZJok

Photos of Brisbane - March 2015

I am lucky enough to live close to the city. Right on the other side of the Brisbane river, in fact.

Kangaroo point is a great suburb and one of my favourite places to live.

I often get the chance to take a photo of the city skyline during a walk or jog, and am in constant awe of what a great place it is.

Moreton Island Adventure!

Paradise. Seriously sums up Moreton Island perfectly. Andrew and Erin (Moreton Island Local Tour operators https://www.facebook.com/getwetsports) summed it up perfectly when they said "Brisbane's best kept secret". I couldn't agree more.

Some Info before photos:
- It's only 1.5 hrs from Brisbane by Micat Ferry.
- Tangalooma is not the only destination on Moreton Island to see! Theres so much more!
- You don't need a four-wheel drive
- Stay overnight (or two) - there is plenty to see and do at a good price (seriously).

The Best snorkeling I have ever done! I love this place!

So - If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me or also go visit http://www.moretonventure.com/