New and returning students attending courses at the Apia Samoa campus in Fabrication/Welding, Plumbing, Electrical, and Fitting and Machining recently participated in an Orientation and morning tea. 

Ms Francis Howes, ACEM Manager, Eastern division, said that the returning students shared their experiences, and gave advice that was particularly helpful for the new international students. Returning Samoan Plumbing student, Ese Paulo, spoke about Samoan cultural rules and the correct way to treat women and meet Samoan people, saying "The only way to properly meet Samoan people and to go into a Samoan home is through the front door."

James Matariki, a returning student from the Solomon Islands, told the new students, "When I received this opportunity to study this Australian qualification I thought it was a dream come true. Now that I am returning for my next block of study I know it is a dream come true." 

Ms Howes said that already firm bonds are developing between all the students; new and returning, and local and international.