Record numbers of students join International Relations Club
Wesley’s International Relations Club, established over a decade ago, brings together senior school students in Years 10-12, to foster cross-cultural understanding and to celebrate the rich diversity of our student community.
Wesley's international students come from all over the world, hailing from places including New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Japan and Pakistan. This diversity contributes to a school culture where students say they feel included and welcome.
‘The International Relations Club is a space where international and local students can learn about different nationalities and cultural practices in a fun and engaging way,’ explains Sally, Year 12, International Relations and New Students Prefect.
Sally has raised interest in the student club to a record level: nearly a third of all Year 10 – 12 students have been involved in the International Relations Club this year, attending meetings at lunchtime and volunteering at community events. ‘It really shows how much interest there is in building cultural connections,’ she says.
The Club maintains an open and inclusive atmosphere. Beyond their regular meetings, the Club organises events and activities for the Senior School community, hosting cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year and Holi. While these events often centre around food – that great cultural connector – they also provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the cultural practices that are important to their peers.
‘The International Relations Club is all about welcoming everyone and giving students the chance to enjoy and experience different cultures,’ Sally says.
For Hazel, a Year 10 local student, studying Japanese and Chinese at Wesley introduced her to the culture of those countries and sparked a fascination with East Asian cultures.
‘I felt that joining the club would help broaden my knowledge beyond learning the language,’ Hazel says. ‘Australia, and Wesley, is such a diverse place. There are people from many different cultures joining together here. It’s important for us to have an understanding of those who make up our community.'
She was delighted to share the traditions of a matcha-making ceremony with her peers at a recent International Relations Club event, an around-the-world tea tasting.
'As an international student, I wanted to be someone who was open to learning about Australian culture and trying things I would never experience back in South Korea. I feel so thankful to be part of this community, both as a boarder and an international student, and to feel like I’m making a difference here,’ Sally says.
