The CISA conference this year

The conference last year. Picture by cisa.edu.au

CISA (Council of International Students Australia) advocates for all International students. It is a national union for all International students. They have won many awards including the one for excellency and advocacy in 2013.  You don't need to sign up to be a member. You are automatically a member when you start studying at uni.

The theme of this years conference is ‘Engage Locally, Connect Nationally', meaning that they would like students to learn about leadership and engaging with the community as such. They also want students to make the most of their stay in Australia.

Some things that they are campaigning on this year; better housing, less exploitation of International students in the workplace and by the landlords and greater safety, just to name a few.

At this conference there will be an election for a new president. Students and delegates cannot vote but they can vote for their campus representatives. The campus representatives can vote for the president.

International students don't just want an education in Aus, they are keen on getting involved with the life and culture here. Many International students struggle to survive being on their own. Many of them are paid poorly in their part time jobs.

This year;s CISA conference is in July and students are more than welcome to attend. It is in Adelaide and is $250 to attend (excluding hotel and flights). Delegates can come for $750 each.  You can view the draft program here

To register for the conference do visit the CISA site