12 June 2025
EXPANDING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS: EGC VISITS SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN
In May, our Education team embarked on a targeted business mission to South Korea and Japan, two of our most important international education markets. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening global partnerships and creating new pathways for growth.
South Korea, now our 8th largest source market, recorded over 1,000 enrolments in 2024 - an impressive 8% year-on-year increase. Japan remains a stronghold at 6th place, contributing 1,841 enrolments, with ELICOS and study tour programs continuing to drive demand.
During the visit, we proudly showcased the Gold Coast at the Study Australia Education Fair in Seoul and hosted an industry networking event in Osaka. These engagements enhanced our destination’s visibility and sparked renewed interest from key stakeholders. We also progressed partnerships with South Korean universities and government bodies, setting the foundation for future student exchanges and collaborations.
Meetings with leading education agents in both countries helped support our global campaigns and equip them with the latest tools to promote the Gold Coast. This mission reaffirmed our region’s appeal, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to our Korean and Japanese partners and look forward to continued collaboration in growing our global education footprint.
QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE VISITS THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
At the end of last month, the Gold Coast Student Hub had the pleasure of hosting officers from the Southport Queensland Police Service (QPS) for an engaging and informative community safety session. The visit offered our team a valuable opportunity to meet local police in a relaxed, welcoming environment and learn about the resources available to help students to stay safe and access support.
During the session, officers shared practical tips on personal safety, how to seek help when needed, and how QPS works to foster an inclusive and respectful community for everyone. Our team had the chance to ask questions, raise concerns, and better understand the role police play in promoting wellbeing on the Gold Coast.
This visit is part of our ongoing efforts to build strong connections between students and the wider community. Experience Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Student Hub are proud to collaborate with QPS to ensure that every domestic and international student feels informed, empowered, and at home.
JOIN US AT THE PIE LIVE ASIA PACIFIC – 25% OFF FOR MEMBERS
Mark your calendars! The PIE Live Asia Pacific is coming to the Gold Coast on 29 – 30 July 2025, hosted for the first time at the iconic HOTA, Home of the Arts. This premier international education event will welcome 300+ delegates from 19 countries for two dynamic days of panel discussions, expert insights, and global networking.
With over 70 speakers and 30+ sponsors and exhibitors, The PIE Live is where the most pressing conversations in international education happen. Designed for professionals across all sectors - universities, language schools, VET providers, government, NGOs, and more - it’s the must-attend event for anyone shaping the future of global education.
Experience Gold Coast is proud to be an official sponsor of this prestigious event. We’ll be there with our very own Exhibitor Booth, sharing the latest initiatives that position the Gold Coast as Australia’s leading education destination and lifestyle capital of the world.
We’re thrilled to offer our members an exclusive 25% discount on tickets. Don’t miss this chance to engage, learn, and elevate your impact in the global education space.
Contact the Experience Gold Coast Education team for your discount code and registration details.
INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS AT THE GOLD COAST JUNIOR COUNCIL EXPO
The Gold Coast Junior Council is a dynamic platform that empowers young people to engage with the inner workings of local government and have a meaningful voice in shaping youth-related matters. With 144 junior council members representing high schools across the region, the program fosters civic engagement, leadership, and a deeper understanding of how the city functions.
As part of this incredible initiative, the recent Junior Council Expo offered students a chance to explore the many departments and services within the City of Gold Coast. Experience Gold Coast was proud to be part of the day, showcasing our work in supporting the city’s education sector, major events, tourism, arts and culture, and more.
It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the next generation of Gold Coast leaders, share insights about our programs, and highlight the diverse career pathways available in our vibrant and growing city.
We’re proud to support this program and contribute to empowering young minds to lead with confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of community. The future is bright and it's right here on the Gold Coast.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE AND BOOKING PLATFORM
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Experience Gold Coast Careers Outreach website and booking platform designed to make it easier than ever for our strategic education partners to access and schedule career outreach sessions.
As a reminder, strategic education partners are entitled to eight career outreach sessions per year – with four sessions allocated for RTOs, VET providers, and ELICOS. Whether you’re looking for one of our popular presentations or something more tailored, our team is ready to collaborate and create a bespoke session that perfectly fits your group’s needs.
In addition to our presentations, we are excited to introduce a NEW service: the loan of our VR headsets! These virtual reality headsets provide an immersive and engaging way to explore a wide variety of careers. They’re an incredible tool to inspire students and give them a realistic glimpse into different industries and job roles. There truly is something for everyone to discover through this interactive experience.
Ready to book your career outreach session or VR headset? Simply use the Careers Outreach link on our new website to secure your spot.
We look forward to supporting your career education efforts and helping your students explore their future pathways with confidence and excitement!
CAREER ALLIANCE MEMBER EVENT AT WORLDSKILLS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2025
Get ready for an inspiring day of professional growth and industry connection at the WorldSkills National Championship 2025. Join our team on Friday, June 13, from 9:00am to 1:30pm at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank — one of the most exciting events in the vocational education calendar.
This national championship showcases Australia’s top young talent in trades and skills, with many competitors from the Gold Coast. It’s a perfect opportunity to witness excellence in action, network with industry peers, and engage with education and training providers.
To arrive on time, our team will be on the 7:40am train from Varsity Station, arriving at South Brisbane - just a short walk from the venue.
The day includes a WorldSkills exhibition tour followed by a Career Alliance member session featuring a guest speaker, TAFE Queensland updates, shared insights, and a delicious catered lunch. Two tickets are included with your membership and additional guests or non-members can join for $15.
Please register early, advise dietary needs, and secure your spot for this exciting event. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate skills and grow our careers together!
KICKSTART GRADUATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM UPDATE
The Kickstart Graduate Development Program has just completed its fourth session, and the focus this time was on communication and collaboration - key skills for personal and professional success.
Before the session, participants received their DISC Profile Reports, which proved to be an invaluable resource for self-reflection. These reports provide deep insights into individual behavioural traits, strengths, limitations, motivations, and growth opportunities. During the session, participants explored their DISC profiles to better understand their own communication preferences. This self-awareness helps everyone recognize how they naturally interact with others and, more importantly, how they can adapt their style to communicate more effectively with different personalities. By learning to tailor communication approaches, participants enhance collaboration and teamwork, making interactions more productive and harmonious.
The Kickstart Graduate Development Program continues to empower its members by providing practical tools and knowledge that will benefit them not only throughout the program but also in their future careers and relationships.
We look forward to seeing these learnings put into action as the program progresses!
STUDENT EXPERIENCE TEAM WELCOMES INDIA DELEGATION
Our Education team was delighted to host a delegation of students and counsellors from Mayo College Boys and Girls Schools in India, visiting the Gold Coast as part of Global Reach Rajasthan’s Australian study tour.
Their afternoon at The Gold Coast Student Hub offered a warm introduction to the Gold Coast’s welcoming student community. The group explored a range of free support services available to international students, learned about the Gold Coast New Student Grants program, and discovered how Experience Gold Coast helps students feel at home through events, resources, and networking opportunities.
Students were inspired by stories shared by current international students, gaining valuable insights into both study and life on the Coast. The visit was filled with fun and engagement, including interactive games, following our social media channels, and signing up for the newsletter - several students were thrilled to win special prizes.
The afternoon wrapped up with delicious pizza, lively conversations, and a strong sense of connection between visitors and hosts. It was a joyful and inspiring experience for everyone involved.
We look forward to welcoming these bright, motivated future changemakers back to the Gold Coast - this time as proud members of our international student community.
CHINESE CULTURE, CONVERSATION, AND CELEBRATION
Thanks to a student led initiative, the Gold Coast Student Hub recently transformed into a vibrant centre of culture, diplomacy, and community during a special event celebrating both political insight and Chinese heritage.
We were honoured to welcome Dr. Ruan Zongze, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Brisbane, who delivered a compelling address to Chinese students. His lecture explored the evolving political dynamics between China, the United States, and Australia, offering students timely insights into global affairs and the future of international relations.
Following this session, the Gold Coast Student Hub shifted into celebration mode with a Dragon Boat Festival workshop. The space came alive with colour and connection as students took part in traditional crafts, cultural activities, and meaningful conversations that deepened their appreciation for Chinese heritage.
This impactful event was made possible through our valued collaboration with Shan Xuguang, Chinese Dean of the Confucius Institute for Tourism at Griffith University; Gerard Robb, CEO of the Australia China Business Council (QLD); and the Griffith University Chinese Cultural Association.
Together, we celebrated diversity, fostered international understanding, and showcased the Student Hub’s ongoing commitment to supporting and enriching the student experience on the Gold Coast.
CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH AT THE HUB
At the Gold Coast Student Hub, we’re proud to stand with ALL students, and this June, we’re turning up the colour to celebrate Pride Month with events that honour inclusivity, connection, and community.
We’re thrilled to host two free, Pride-themed events that bring students from all backgrounds together in a spirit of joy and solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community:
- Pride Party – Wednesday, 25 June
- Pride-themed Social Lunch – Friday, 27 June
Both events are designed to be fun and inclusive, creating opportunities to meet new people, share stories, and celebrate the rich diversity that defines our student community. These gatherings reflect the Hub’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels valued and supported.
Registration is FREE and now open via the Gold Coast Student Hub page on the Experience Gold Coast website. Full event details and activity overviews are also available through Humanitix.
Join us this Pride Month as we celebrate identity, spark connection, and continue building a student experience on the Gold Coast where everyone truly belongs.
VIEW THE 29 MAY 2025 EDUCATION UPDATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.