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RSS SubscribeWednesday 10th May 2006
Links with the Netherlands boosted through new student exchanges
by DEST
The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, and the Dutch Minister for Education, Culture and Science, the Hon Maria van der Hoeven MP, today announced a new pilot student exchange programme between Australia and the Netherlands.
“The Endeavour Duyfken Student Exchange Programme will provide opportunities for 20 Australian students and 20 Dutch students to travel overseas for one semester of their undergraduate degrees,” Minister Bishop said.
“This will provide students with cultural, language and professional experiences that will lead to increased collaboration between higher education institutions in Australia and the Netherlands.
“The Australian Government is committed to strengthening international education linkages by fostering closer ties through educational exchange programs. The Endeavour Duyfken Student Exchange Programme is further evidence of that commitment.”
The programme commemorates the 400-year anniversary of contact between Australia and the Netherlands. In March 1606, the Duyfken, under the command of Captain Willem Janszoon, landed on Cape York Peninsula, becoming the first recorded Europeans to set foot on Australian soil.
Minister van der Hoeven is currently in Australia for bilateral discussions with Minister Bishop on education, science and research issues and to take part in the commemorative activities.
“The new student exchanges will strengthen the relationship between Australia and the Netherlands and will provide students with greater insight into each other’s society and culture,” Minister van der Hoeven said.
