Asia Surprised Us

Abstract

Elsewhere in this book Colin Perrott, in Wright from 1963-1965, expresses his doubts as to how the Asian students he saw then were fitting into College /Australian life. The answer to this, both then and later, is partly to be found in the activities of the many-membered Overseas Students' Association, a group which is to be very much associated with Wright College. Initially it had largely come together through the agency of: 1) Soo-Hay Khoo, of Epsilon, early a prominent figure in these UNE cultural relations and a founder and then, somewhat later, the busy President of the Overseas Students' Association; 2) the work of A.C. Bussell who had both succeeded B.C.J.(Ben) Meredith in various town students' responsibilities and had long been in charge of organising assistance with English language problems; his team of advisers on the College included several Fellows of Wright, with J.S. Ryan having responsibility for older Chinese background students, especially those trying to produce long essays or theses; 3) the more formal language/literary expression and editorial help from Professor Keith A. McKenzie who is acknowledged for this in many issues of the cultures - bridging annual, Small World; 4) the fact that, apart from the OSA's dialogue and work with various community-based groups over a large area, and similar visits to rural properties, etc., members would be invited to speak to interested Australian groups/ join them in picnics, musical activities, etc. Wright College was foremost in all of this work.