2024 WA INTERNATIONAL VET STUDENT OF THE YEAR

THE CISWA WA INTERNATIONAL VET STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD IS ABOUT RECOGNISING THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION THAT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MAKE TO THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY.

CISWA seeks to acknowledge an international student, who has demonstrated academic excellence and has contributed to enhancing the student experience both in the school and in the community.

In selecting the recipient of this award, the student’s achievements and contributions during their time as an international student in Australia are taken into consideration. Additional weight is given to any activities which promote interaction with Australian students and with the local community.

This Award is sponsored by the Department of Training and Workforce Development. The winner is presented with a certificate, trophy and $500 prize money.

2024 WA INTERNATIONAL VET STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Awardee: Ivan Tarakanov

Sponsor: Department of Training and Workforce Development

This year’s award winner is Mr Ivan Tarakanov, a Diploma of Screen and Media student at North Metropolitan TAFE. In addition to excellent academic results, his referee attests that Ivan “has shown an exceptional passion, ability, creativity and community-oriented approach to the many projects he has undertaken”.

As a filmmaker, Ivan’s short documentary film “Follow my Voice” was a finalist at two international festivals in 2023 Orion IFF and Global Film and Music festival. As a professional dancer and choreographer, he is a member of the global dance community for over 15 years having toured in Europe, and worked in Japan, Israel, the USA and Russia. As a student, this year he was a finalist in the WA Training Awards for International Student of the Year.

In Western Australia Ivan has created groups with students and community members and staged several collaborative dance performances, raising funds for not-for-profit community groups while engaging with his peers and the local community.  Ivan also volunteered as a participant on the student panel at the CISWA Conference, making an excellent contribution to the topic “nurturing a sense of belonging”.

Photo: Derryn Belford of StudyPerth presents Ivan with his award

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must currently hold a student visa
  • Be enrolled or completed a VET qualification in 2024
  • If an institution or individual is nominating a student, they must be notified of the nomination.

2025 Key Dates

  • TBC September– Applications Open
  • TBC November– Applications Close (5pm)
  • TBC November – Judging Completed
  • TBC December – All award winners announced at StudyPerth AGM and End of Year Event

Selection Criteria

Selection Criteria Information

Self-nominating:

In 500 words or less provide a summary that addresses the below Selection Criteria:

  • Your contributions and achievements
  • Benefits to other students and/or the community of the student’s activities
  • All community and volunteer work undertaken

Nominated by a referee:

In 500 words or less provide a summary that addresses the below Selection Criteria:

  • The student’s contributions and achievements
  • Benefits to other students and/or the community of the student’s activities
  • Community and volunteer work undertaken

This award is proudly sponsored by