2014 WA International Education Program of the Year

The University of Western Australia’s winning Language and Cultural Exchange (LACE) program was established in 2004 and has grown from 46 participants in 2005 to 676 participants in 2014. It is a ground-breaking intercultural friendship program that provides ongoing opportunities for international postgraduate students and staff from different cultures, language groups and disciplines to interact socially in regular free, fun, family-friendly events.

With its mission to ‘Make a friend; make a difference!’, LACE has been successful in reducing such feelings of dislocation and isolation. LACE has provided regular, meaningful social interaction for thousands of students, many also indicating improved English language proficiency, cultural understanding and academic performance.