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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria University College, Wellington N.Z. Vol. 21, No. 10. August 6, 1958

Australia-New Zealand Student Exchange Reviewed

Australia-New Zealand Student Exchange Reviewed

A report was received from last year's Travel and Exchange Officer, Mrs. Maxwell, and her assistant officer, Mr. B. Hume. It was recorded that despite a great effort from the New Zealand end, lack of co-operation from Australia has caused this scheme to be less successful than had been hoped. The scheme arranges for the exchange of New Zealand and Australian students during the Christmas vacation and could, if efficiently run, enable students to cross the Tasman at a greatly reduced fare.

If sufficient applications were received a plane could be chartered, however, as the situation is at the present time only group travel could be effected, which gives some reduction from block bookings. It I appeared that Australia did not attach the same importance to the scheme, nor do they have the same efficiency in national organization. Their lack of a Resident Executive for the National Union prevents them from having the same control over the Travel and Exchange Officer as is possible in New Zealand.

As a result it was decided that only group travel arrangements would be attempted for 1958-59. Students will make their own arrangements with a commercial firm who will require a substantial deposit on application. It was hoped that the latter would act as a deterrent to cancellations by students, of their applications at the last moment, one of the worst hindrances to the scheme up till now. But to avoid placing too great a burden on the student the registration fee was reduced to £1, to cover only necessary expenses, such as publicity, information for students, etc.

In the future all students travelling under this scheme will be issued with student identity cards. These are widely used in other countries, for travel concession schemes (particularly) and the hope was expressed that they would soon be in use in New Zealand.

An important part of this scheme was the reception of students on arrival, and for suitable work to e available for them immediately. For this purpose, applicants are asked to state their preferences as to accommodation, employment and other assistance that they may require while in the host country. As unofficial representatives of the N.Z.U.S.A. they are asked to respect the arrangements made for them, which could clearly make all the difference to a visiting student.

The scheme is organized by one officer on Resident Executive of N.Z.U.S.A., with the assistance of officers on local Executives. The local officers handle publicity in the Universities, distribute information to the students in their centres, and also collect information about desires for assistance in Australia, and about the conditions in that area for the use of Australian students. They have an important task when the Australian students arrive. Having arranged accommodation for those that need it, they are required to meet the visitors and to help them in any way that is necessary, especially in regard to their employment and accommodation.

Another facet of the scheme is the drive for student travel concessions within New Zealand. A questionnaire on student travel has been circulated to the Universities to be filled in at the time of enrolment at the beginning of the year. Resident Executive were authorized to collate the information received and askedto present a report to the August Council.

The New National University at Quito, Equador

The New National University at Quito, Equador