An international exchange student currently studying at Cobar High School has been named a finalist in the 2017 NSW International Student Awards.
Japanese student Mizuki Shimosaka has been studying in Cobar as part of an exchange program through AFS Intercultural Programs Australia since February.
Mizuki is studying Year 10 at Cobar High School and told The Cobar Weekly that she will be leaving Cobar in December.
Through the program she hopes to learn more about Australian culture and has reportedly become an invaluable member of her host family and the local community.
Mizuki volunteers with Cobar Girl Guides, and taught the girls origami and Japanese customs at their Japanese Day.
She also performed with her host sister at a Cobar Market Day.
According to the award nomination Mizuki is described as “quickly making her way into everyone’s hearts with her friendly smile and interest in our community”.
“Mizuki is actively promoting Japanese culture in Cobar enabling greater two-way cultural understanding and helping to build bridges between Japan and Australia,” the nomination said.
The awards recognise outstanding international students and organisations in NSW for their efforts in community engagement.
NSW International Education Advisory Board and Sydney Business Chamber Executive Director Patricia Forsythe said the annual awards recognise the contribution international students make to their fellow students, educational institutions and to NSW.
“International students add to the diversity of our community and share new ideas and perspectives with their fellow students,” Mrs Forsythe said.
Mizuki is one of three finalists in her category along with students from China and Timor Leste.
The winners of the awards will be announced at Government House in Sydney later this month.
