Australia Awards scholars and exchange students from La Trobe got their first taste of Aussie Rules football at Marvel Stadium, right in the heart of Melbourne. The city is ranked one of the best in the world for students and its sporting culture is a big reason why.
Cheering fans, sirens, and big tackles made for a strange but fun experience – especially when you don’t know the rules. For one student, the biggest thrill was simply stepping into a sports stadium for the very first time.
Carlton’s clash with Port Adelaide introduced the students to the thrill of AFL footy for the first time. The fast pace, the siren blasts, and the energy of the crowd made it hard not to get caught up in the excitement – even if most of them had no idea what the rules were. That confusion just made it more fun.
But the night wasn’t only about the game. It was the first time La Trobe had Australia Awards scholars from the sponsored program sitting alongside visiting semester exchange and study abroad students. Side by side in the stands, they swapped stories, guessed at the rules and laughed together at the twists and turns on the field.
Sanjog Parajuli, who manages the Australia Awards program at La Trobe, said: ‘For many of our scholars, this was their first live footy match – and it’s these kinds of memories that make their time in Australia unforgettable’.
Brett Smith from the Learning Abroad team said, ‘It wasn’t just about the footy – though Carlton’s win helped – it was about connection, culture and feeling part of something bigger’.
A special thanks goes to La Trobe Sport for making the event possible. Their commitment to student engagement through sport continues to play a big role in helping international students feel welcome and connected.
By hosting events like this, La Trobe shows it’s not only about study. It’s also about giving students chances to experience culture, build community and feel like they belong.