Darwin / A Charles Darwin University (CDU) student has become the first from the university to be accepted into the award-winning City of Sydney International Student Leadership and Ambassador (ISLA) program.

Suraj Karki, a Master of IT (Cyber Security) student at CDU’s Sydney campus, is the first CDU student to secure a place in the scheme. The program offers international students free training, integrated learning opportunities, and volunteering experience designed to help them succeed in their future careers.

Karki said he was inspired to apply after taking part in CDU Careers Centre’s VALue (Volunteer and Learn) program. “After my positive experience with the CDU VALue program, I gained an understanding of how impactful volunteering can be, so when I received a newsletter regarding the ISLA program, I applied,” he said.

He added that he had not expected to be accepted, and was very surprised when he received his acceptance letter.