Study Cairns Student Ambassadors
Our Student Ambassadors are here to help international students feel welcomed, supported, and connected throughout their journey in Cairns. Whether you need advice on settling into a new city, making friends, understanding student life, navigating transport or campus, or discovering local events and activities, our ambassadors are here to share their experiences and help you feel at home.
Institution
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Country
Yandong
James Cook University (JCU)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
China
Yandong is from China and studied Engineering in his home country before continuing his education in Australia through James Cook University. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), majoring in Electronic Systems and Internet of Things Engineering at JCU Cairns. As part of his professional development, Yandong completed an industry placement with Impact10X, where he worked on artificial intelligence-related projects, gaining valuable industry experience in emerging technologies.
What They Are Studying
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Institution
Laila
Frontier Education
Certificate IV in Ageing Support
Mauritius
Laila is originally from Mauritius, where she completed her secondary education with a focus on Travel and Tourism. As part of her studies, she completed a certified project in agritourism. She was also awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Physical Education in recognition of her discipline, commitment, and performance. Laila is currently studying a Diploma of Community Services in Australia and has previously completed a Certificate IV in Ageing Support. She works in Clinical Assistance at Ozcare, providing person-centred care that supports residents' independence, dignity, and overall wellbeing. Her experience across aged care, hospitality, and support services has strengthened her adaptability, teamwork, and commitment to quality care. She was honoured to receive the OzHeart Award 2025 in recognition of her compassion, dedication, and meaningful contribution to resident wellbeing. A recent significant achievement in her professional journey has been securing employer sponsorship. This reflects her strong work ethic, professional capability, and the value she brings to the aged care sector. Laila is passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives and plans to continue her studies in nursing and further specialise within the healthcare sector
What They Are Studying
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Institution
Dita
Cairns College of English & Business (CCEB)
Commercial Cookery
Indonesia
Dita is originally from Indonesia and completed a Bachelor of Tourism in her home country. She is currently studying Commercial Cookery in Cairns, pursuing practical hospitality and culinary skills to support her career development in the tourism and hospitality industry.
What They Are Studying
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Institution
Saki
Cairns College of English & Business (CCEB)
Diploma of Early Childhood Education (CCEB)
Japan
Saki is from Japan and holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Linguistics. She worked as an English teacher for ten years in kindergartens and preschools in Nagano, Japan. She later completed two years of study in Early Childhood Education and worked as an educator at an international preschool. Saki is currently studying a Diploma of Early Childhood Education at CCEB. Since June 2025, she has worked as an educator in Australia and is currently em ployed at Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure Redlynch. Her extensive experience in education and childcare spans both Japan and Australia
What They Are Studying
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Institution
Stanka
Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology (ACTIT)
Travel and Tourism Management
Slovakia
Stanka studied Analytical Chemistry of the Environment for two years in her home country, Slovakia before deciding to pursue a new career pathway in Australia. She is currently studying Travel and Tourism Management in Cairns. Alongside her studies, Stanka works as a Duty Manager at a local hotel in Cairns, where she has gained valuable leadership and customer service experience in the hospitality sector.
What They Are Studying
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Institution
Takeaki
Australis Institute of Technology and Education (AITE)
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (AITE)
Japan
Takeaki is from Japan and brings extensive professional experience in the community and social services sector. He worked as a Certified Care Worker for approximately eight years and as a Certified Social Worker for around three years in Japan. He is currently studying the Certificate IV in Ageing Support at AITE, building on his existing experience and further developing his skills to support older Australians through quality aged care services.
What They Are Studying
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Institution
Emerson
OHC English
General English
Colombia
Emerson is from Colombia and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering with over a decade’s worth of experience in the industrial and renewable energy sector in his home country. He is currently studying General English in Cairns to further develop his language skills and support his international career opportunities. He works as a Barista at Hecho En México and has previously been recognised by the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Colombia for his contribution to the construction of several photovoltaic solar energy projects. His background combines technical expertise with practical customer service experience
Our Student Ambassadors
Our Student Ambassadors are passionate international student leaders who help students feel welcomed, supported, and connected throughout their study journey in Cairns. Through peer support, guidance, events, and community engagement, they help students build friendships, navigate campus life, and make the most of their experience living and studying in the region.
As a team, our Student Ambassadors are role models who create meaningful connections and foster a positive, energised, inclusive, creative, and supportive environment. They celebrate cultural diversity, encourage a sense of belonging, and empower students to engage with their local community and one another.
Committed to making a positive impact, our Student Ambassadors help strengthen the international student community in Cairns by sharing experiences, supporting student success, and championing opportunities for connection, growth, and cultural exchange.
Students supporting students
Moving to a new country is a big adventure, and having someone who understands the experience can make all the difference. Our Student Ambassadors are current international students who have navigated the same challenges and opportunities that many new students face. By sharing their experiences, building connections, and helping create opportunities for students to engage with one another, they play an important role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels supported, valued, and part of the Cairns student experience.
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How Our Ambassadors Can Support You
Settling
Into Cairns
Get support from students who understand what it's like to move to a new city and country, and connect with others in the international student community.
Welcome and Connection
Receive practical tips and insights about studying, living, working, getting around, and making the most of your time in Cairns.
Events
and Activities
Meet new people and build friendships through social events, community activities, workshops, and student gatherings.
Finding the Right Support
Learn about the services, resources, and opportunities available to help you succeed both academically and personally.
Peer-to-Peer
Guidance
Ask questions, share experiences, and gain advice from fellow students who have navigated the same journey.
Why Become a Student Ambassador?
Develop Leadership Skills
Build confidence, strengthen your communication skills, and gain valuable leadership experience in a supportive team environment.
Expand Your Professional Network
Connect with students, education providers, community organisations, and local businesses across Cairns.
Enhance Your Resume
Gain meaningful volunteer experience, develop transferable skills, and demonstrate initiative, teamwork, and community engagement to future employers.
Make a Positive Impact
Support fellow international students, help create a welcoming community, and contribute to the success and wellbeing of students beginning their own journey in Cairns.
Build Lifelong Connections
Form friendships, broaden your cultural understanding, and create lasting memories through shared experiences and community involvement.
Connect With Us
We're here to help. If you have a question about the Student Ambassador Program, the Student Hub, or student life in Cairns, send us a message using the contact form and we'll be in touch.
Thinking about becoming a Student Ambassador? Whether you're curious about the role, exploring how it works, or keen to get involved, we're happy to answer your questions and help you learn more.
Study Cairns is the peak body for international education and training in Tropical North Queensland, representing education providers, agents, and support services to promote the region as a premier study destination. It drives collaboration, marketing, and student advocacy to support the growth of Cairns' international education sector.