Council of International Students Australia (CISA)

PO Box 24134, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia

Web: www.cisa.edu.au




_________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 15th July 2013

Council of International Students Australia
Names Renjie Du
2013 International Student of the Year


The Award recognizes significant contribution international students make to the Australian
community
As part of the annual CISA National Conference 2013 held this week in Sydney, the Council
of International Students Australia (CISA), Australias peak representative organisation for
international students, named Renjie Du (student at the University of Adelaide) the
2013 CISA International Student of the Year. Sponsored by IDP Education, the annual award
acknowledges the significant contribution that international students make to the Australian
community and recognizes Du for his commitment to and action in organising around
environmental issues, social justice, and equality. The award was presented at
the CISA conferences gala dinner sponsored by the New South Wales Government.
While other younger people pursue a more carefree life, Renjie has a strong sense of
responsibility to the Australian Community and political issues, said Aleem Nizari, National
President of CISA. Hes been instrumental in organizing and participating in campaigns and
rallies to ensure that all voices in our Australian community are heard.
Du has built a reputation as a dedicated volunteer for marginalized communities. At the age
of 21 he was elected as the leader of all South Australia Young Green Party members. His
election was the first time in Australia that an international student has taken such a senior
position in politics. To improve the multicultural awareness, he co-initiated the Annual South
Australia Multicultural Debate, a high level platform encouraging both domestic and
international students to debate on multiculturalism.
In 2013, Du founded the South Australia Chinese Student Association (SACSA), a student
organization to improve Chinese student welfare by providing discounts, holding career
advice events, social events and university orientation events for new arriving Chinese
Council of International Students Australia (CISA)
PO Box 24134, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
Web: www.cisa.edu.au



students. Under his leadership SACSA has received wide recognition with more than 600
members joining this association within a month. Finally, Du is also the vice-president of the
International Student Debating Club, organizing, debating and debate training for international
students to improve their English communication skills.
Award applications were assessed based on good academic record, a significant contribution
towards the community, demonstration of leadership qualities, innovation and creativity. The
Selection Committee was comprised of representatives from institutions across the
international education sector including ACPET, the City of Melbourne, CISA, IEAA, ISANA,
and Universities Australia.
In addition to the International Student of the Year Award, this years CISA National
Conference 2013, focused on enhancing the student experience by sharing best practices
and finding solutions to common issues facing all stakeholders. Sessions covered a wide
range of topics including cross cultural leadership, career and employment development,
immigration and visas, the role of government in the student experience, language
acquisition, and transitioning to the workplace.


Media Contacts:

Aleem Nizari
National President, Council of International Students Australia
pres@cisa.edu.au
0414 842 329

Victoria Turner
Secretariat, Council of International Students Australia
secretariat@cisa.edu.au
0401 809 455