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Five QUT students have been named by Lord Mayor Graham Quirk as 2013 Brisbane International Student Ambassadors.

The students are among 33 passionate new advocates from 29 countries who will share what it's like to study and live in the city of Brisbane.

``The QUT ambassadors include the first student from Zimbabwe to participate in the program, a student from Brisbane's Indonesian Sister City of Semarang and an ambassador from Malaysia who participated in the 2012,'' Cr Quirk said at a City Hall ceremony.

``As well as coming to grips with navigating unfamiliar campuses and a new public transport system, they will see the Brisbane Broncos play, feed dolphins at Tangalooma, visit the Gallery of Modern Art, tour the EKKA and much more.

``The ambassadors will also participate in media interviews, volunteer at multicultural events and help host official visiting delegations, particularly from Brisbane's sister cities.''

Acting Head of International Student Services Ms Yuen-Yee Lai today congratulated the new ambassadors from QUT.

``This is a fantastic program that gives students an opportunity to develop professionally in a number of contexts including leadership, marketing, and event management,'' Ms Lai said.

``Past ambassadors from QUT thoroughly enjoyed working with high-profile community members to advocate and promote Brisbane globally and share their international education experiences.

``The program also provides valuable internship opportunities to enhance their career prospects.''

Cherry Chong was one of QUT's 2011 Brisbane International Student Ambassadors.

The Hong Kong student said the program benefited all international students studying at QUT.

``Many of the ambassadors are also student leaders at QUT, actively engaging in international clubs and societies,'' Ms Chong said.

``International clubs provide a platform for incoming or existing students to ask questions and get an insight into university life in Brisbane.

``In addition, we strive to promote our culture and raise awareness of cultural diversity by contributing at university-wise events such as Harmony Day, QUT Multicultural Festival and Moon Festival.''

Cr Quirk said international education was Brisbane's biggest export industry, injecting $5.1 billion into the local economy and generating more than 20,000 local jobs.

The 2013 ambassadors were selected from 178 applicants - a 140 per cent increase since the program began in 2009.

The honorary appointments last for one year.

In that time, the ambassadors will use a variety of social media and digital tools, including Facebook, Twitter and the recently relaunched Study Brisbane website, to communicate their real life experiences.

The student ambassador program was established by Brisbane Marketing's Study Brisbane program in 2009 and is open to both domestic and international students in Brisbane.

QUT 2013 International Student Ambassadors:
Yuan Ma, China - studying professional accounting
Revanth Araveti, India - studying IT
Neysa Pratignyo, Indonesia - studying business and engineering
ShaoCheng Heng, Malaysia - studying integrated marketing
Nyarai Chapingidza, Zimbabwe - studying entertainment industries

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Media contacts:
Danielle Koopman, Brisbane Marketing, 3006 6256, 0402 968 131, dkoopman@brisbanemarketing.com.au
Kate Haggman, QUT Media, 3138 0358, kate.haggman@qut.edu.au