Eight international students from Thailand have been caught up in the COVID-19 lockdown and are staying at the Central Campus until flights become available.

The students have been relocated into the Central Campus student accommodation and have moved into the most recently completed houses, along with many other international students.

This group had just completed their programme and were ready to begin a short work placement in the wine industry. Unfortunately for them, those jobs have not eventuated as a result of the COVID-19 situation.

To help the students through this period of lockdown we have started online and video conferenced English classes. Classes are taught by English Lecturer Gary O’Neil and aim to build more English capacity in the group whilst in lockdown. Gary will provide video conferencing, tutorial sessions and assessment work for the students.

Staff are able to keep in touch with the students using a range of tools including WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, Moodle and Skype. These simple tools ensure that the students are connected to staff throughout the lockdown period.

(Photo: The group before lockdown).