At the start of every year, FISU Oceania commences the search for two student ambassadors to represent the region at the annual FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy.
The FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy (FVLA) is a flagship event for FISU and students active in university sport in their country. Held annually, the event brings together more than 100 student leaders from more than 90 countries. The program is delivered in an online format allowing students from across the world to be involved. The program includes webinars, workshops, collaboration and group projects.
“FVLA is an excellent opportunity to get involved in the global university sport movement”, says FISU Oceania Secretary General Miss Donna Spethman. “The program not only offers the chance to work with FISU Oceania, it also enables students to interact with over 100 student leaders from the university sport network. Students involved in the program have gone on to attend FISU events such as the FISU World Forum in Costa Rica (2019) and World University Games in Chengdu China and Lake Placid USA. In addition, student ambassadors have been included in programs such as the FISU Springboard program which is a mentoring program aimed at increasing the professional soft skills of student leaders across the world of university sport”, concludes Miss Spethman.
Graduates from the FVLA program become FISU student ambassadors and contribute to university sport programs in their home country or in the case of FISU Oceania’s representatives, they can see their ambassador project rolled out across the region or in their home country. In addition, FISU Oceania student ambassadors have the opportunity to serve a two year term on the FISU Oceania Executive Committee. This professional opportunity provides the student with real world Board Director experience as well as ensuring that the student voice is included in what FISU Oceania does and represents.
Previous ambassador (2020), Mr Ben Hall has this advice to students wondering if they should get involved; “Definitely put your hand up and go the extra mile to get involved”, says Mr Hall. “There are endless avenues to pursue that can help with job prospects, world connections and opportunities from across the globe. You really have nothing to loose and everything to gain. Being a part of FVLA sees you as a student representative on the global stage”, concludes Mr Hall – who is now a qualified lawyer.
Students interested in representing FISU Oceania can simply message the FISU Oceania team via email (office@fisuoceania.com) or reach out on social media.
In 2024, the criteria required to be a FISU Oceania student ambassador is:
- be a currently enrolled student at a university on a pacific island
- have access to good internet
- be willing to get involved and contribute to designing a project to implement in the region
- be open to making new friends from across the globe
For more information about FISU Oceania contact us.
For more information about the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy visit our website.
