AusAID Scholarships Alumni Associations

AusAID Scholarships Alumni Associations in South Asia aim to reach and engage all AusAID alumni in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Each association seeks to strengthen the bonds that alumni established during their time in Australia.

Although the starting point is to establish alumni associations and networks in each country, the longer term goal is to foster alumni links across the region and with Australia. This regional connection will be driven by the associations in each country.

There are two overarching main objectives for the alumni associations in the South Asia region:

• to assist prospective scholars decide their study programs and universities in Australia; and
• to link returning scholars with a professional network of prominent academics, business and community leaders and government officials who have successfully completed studies in Australia and returned to contribute to development in South Asia.

What are the benefits in joining an alumni association?

You have the opportunity to join a network of Australia Awards alumni, share the experience and skills they developed while in Australia and learn how they applied them on their return to South Asia. You have the opportunity to learn from their experiences in reintegrating into the work environment after several years’ absence and better understand the challenges and opportunities involved with returning from extended study.

There are also some specific benefits for you in joining your alumni association. They include:

Professional development events

You can participate in seminars/training workshops which can enhance your professional knowledge and soft skills.

You can participate in seminars/training workshops to enhance your professional knowledge and skills.

These events will be organised by alumni associations in each country and open to all alumni. They will be interactive forums to share ideas and experiences and strengthen professional networks.

As the alumni expand, larger events such as conferences on subjects of topical interest will be considered.

Watch this site for specific plans.

Social Networking

Alumni social activities can be opportunities to catch up with old friends from your time in Australia and to make new social and professional contacts.

These activities assist newly returned scholars re-integrate into their workplaces and broader professional environments. Speaking with people who have shared similar experiences can be invaluable.

There are two kinds of alumni social activities.

• Social activities supported by AusAID, the Australian Embassy or other agency associated with the Government of Australia.
• Social activities organized independently by alumni. These can include coffee discussion groups, network drinks, sports events, BBQs and charity activities. These independent activities are strongly encouraged.

What contribution can I make by joining an alumni association?

There are benefits you bring to an association as a newly returned scholar. Your experience in Australia can help others who may consider applying for Development Awards understand the scholarship program and opportunities it brings to them and the development of their country.

Mentoring program

As a returned scholar you understand the adjustment difficulties scholars sometimes experience when they first arrive in Australia and the challenges of different academic and living environments.

Each South Asia alumni association is keen to launch a mentoring program to assist Development Awardees make these adjustments.

We invite you to be a mentor for ADS/ALAS awardees in your field of study and/or work.

• If you are a PhD graduate, you will mentor PhD and Masters by research scholars;
• If you are a Masters coursework graduate, you will mentor Masters by coursework scholars.

If you are willing to assist the next cohort of scholars from your country, please contact your SASP office by e-mail info@southasiascholarships.org. The SASP team can link you with interested awardees.

Promotion

Alumni are ideal ambassadors for Development Awards and are invaluable in promoting them.

As an alumnus you can inform others about Development Awards in various ways, including:

• Discussions with your family, friends and work colleagues;
• Disseminating scholarship information through your professional networks;
• Distributing pamphlets and posters in your work place and other relevant locations;
• Speaking at information sessions for new or returning scholars;
• Writing a short article on how your scholarship benefited your work or broader life experiences.

Shaping the future

The Australian Government investigates ways to improve its aid delivery in South Asia, including its Australia Awards. As an alumnus, you can help shape future Australia Awards and other aid initiatives by becoming a liaison person for the Australian Government.

Please click the link below to register to keep your alumni profile up to dated.

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