Ipswich is on the verge of expanding international education opportunities beyond Australia’s borders with the signing of a Memorandum of Understating (MoU) between Springfield Central State High School and Clark Memorial High School in Japan, and the Union Institute of Language School (UIL), also based in Springfield Central.
Chairman of UIL Hugh Ritchie said the signing was another exciting step in the education journey for Ipswich.
“This new partnership will include students from Japan studying English at UIL for three to four months before moving to Springfield Central State High School for a minimum of one term in either year 10 or 11.
“UIL continues to nurture a very close relationship with Clark Memorial High School. Our company acts as their Australian campus.
“Currently some 650 Japanese students travel to Ipswich each year and to date more than 5000 Clark students have spent time studying in Springfield Central.”
Clark Memorial High School students studying in Ipswich this year
Total students from Clark Memorial High School to study in Ipswich
Mr Ritchie said it was hoped this new program would grow the number of international students travelling to Ipswich from Japan.
“This is a real world example of how working collaboratively can produce outstanding results, not only for local and overseas students, but for the growing education sector in Ipswich.”
From left Leon Proud, Springfield Central State High School; Yoshihiro Hoshi, Clark Memorial High school Head of International Education Promotional Division; Hugh Ritchie, CEO UIL (Union Institute of Languages)
UIL is a member of Ipswich of Region Education Consortium (IREC), an international education cluster with members from higher education, TAFE Queensland’s English language intensive courses for overseas students, vocational education and training and schools and led by Ipswich City Council.
The focus of IREC is to position the Ipswich region as a growing international student destination.
IREC is a collaborative initiative between Ipswich City Council, education and training organisations and Queensland Government, through funding from Study Queensland, Trade and Investment Queensland.
Council’s general manager of Community, Cultural and Economic Development Department Ben Pole said the region played in integral role in attracting international students.
“Ipswich’s culture, heritage, close proximity to Brisbane, diverse industry sectors and great education institutions make the city a great place to study,” he said.
