Reintegration Workshop
Posted: 5 October 2019
Australia Awards in Mongolia conducted a Reintegration Workshop on 1 October 2019 at the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel in Ulaanbaatar. 11 alumni and four of their employer representatives attended the workshop. Distinguished guests included Ms. Narangua, representing the Cabinet Secretariat, Mr. Michael Marshall and President of AustCham Mongolia and Ms. Emily Serong, Alumni and On-Award Engagement Adviser of Australia Awards in Mongolia.
The workshop was opened by Dr. Alex Stephens, First Secretary from the Australian Embassy in Mongolia. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Mongolia, Ministry of Finance and Cabinet Secretary for their support to implement Australia Awards successfully in Mongolia. He congratulated the alumni on their achievements in successfully completing their studies in Australia. He emphasized the importance of completing the reintegration plans and implementing them in ways that acknowledge and recognize Australia’s contribution to Mongolia’s development. He encouraged everyone to be active and assured that Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is always happy to support the alumni activities.
The workshop included 2 sessions:
- Reintegration experience
This session of structured interactive discussions was facilitated by Mrs. Enkhtuvshin, Manager of Alumni and Academic Engagement at Australia Awards in Mongolia and provided opportunities for alumni to openly present their achievements and challenges in developing and implementing their Reintegration Plans to the group. - Open discussion on Reintegration Reflection
Ms. Emily Serong, Alumni and On-Award Engagement Adviser of Australia Awards in Mongolia facilitated this session. Alumni participated in group discussion on how to improve the Reintegration Plan, and what support or advice would assist them in implementing their Reintegration Plan successfully.
Many of the 11 alumni participants agreed that the most challenging part in implementing their Reintegration Plan was honing the skills and knowledge acquired in Australia to use in Mongolian culture and society. Some alumni are implementing their Reintegration Plans through professional networks and affiliations, promoting their profession and improving public awareness. Others are implementing their proposed activities ‘on the job’, even if their positions have changed.
Most alumni agreed and found that not only the academic skills they obtained during their Australia Awards Scholarship but also social and soft skills are useful for their career development in Mongolia.