JCU O Week welcomes international students, Udita Jahan

James Cook University has kicked off O Week with hundreds of new students starting semester two.

International student Tahnee Leman with JCU Director of Student Services Tahnee Leman.

James Cook University has kicked off Orientation Week (O Week) with hundreds of new students starting semester two, including a 38 per cent increase in its international cohort, blowing pre-Covid numbers out of the water.

Among the new intake is Udita Jahan, studying a Master of Marine Biology, and the first in her family to leave Bangladesh to study in Australia.

JCU International student Udita Jahan on a study trip to Orpheus Island.

“It was a big step for me, it’s my first time out of my country,” Ms Jahan said.

The journey from Bangladesh took her two days, but still riding the high of being in a new country, Ms Jahan said she “doesn’t even feel tired.”

So far this year, the university’s Bebegu Yumba Campus in Townsville has recorded more than 550 new international student enrolments and 2166 new domestic enrolments.

International student Udita Jahan is studying a Master of Marine Biology at JCU

Many are settling into their new life on campus, reminding Ms Jahan she is not alone.

“The people here are always ready to help. I have no one here but I have everyone,” she said.

Tahnee Leman, Director of Student Services at JCU, believes the increase in international enrolments is due to a “pent-up demand from those Covid years” when they were unable to accept overseas students.

The most popular degrees include the Diploma of Higher Education, Master of Engineering and Nursing.

Studying marine biology, Ms Jahan said she had already taken a field trip to Orpheus Island in what was “a dream come true.”

New students will be able to experience a variety of activities on campus throughout the week, including library tours, study skills sessions, a market day and a toga party.

Originally published as JCU O Week welcomes international students, Udita Jahan