US Consul General addresses Notre Dame students

The new United States of America Consul General, Dr Kenneth Chern recently visited The University of Notre Dame Australia during the first semester Orientation Week. Dr Chern came to Notre Dame to talk to the new study abroad students - here from various American Catholic universities for the semester. He spoke to them about what to expect from the exchange experience and how important it is to enjoy the opportunity they have been given. “Make sure you get the most out your semester here. Perth is booming at the moment, there really is a lot going on here. Get out and visit the beaches and the river and try too see as much of Western Australia as you can, as it is quite unique,” said Dr Chern He raised some important topics; drawing attention to issues students may face being in a foreign country, such as how Australians may have a different perspective on world politics and how drinking, driving and drug laws vary from those in the States. He also highlighted how the US Consul can help them as American citizens in Australia. Mr Chern took up his duties in Perth in August 2007. His immediate prior assignment was as Deputy Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; before that he served as Deputy Director of the Office of Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore Affairs at the US Department of State. Media contact: Michelle Ebbs 08 9433 0610, 0408 959 13