Building Belonging on Campus: UQ Voices Choir for International Students

QI Supports Community Choir for International Students in Brisbane

7 April 2025 I The Queensland Institute

*UQ Voices perform at the Queen Street Mall.*

At The Queensland Institute, we believe connection and community are essential to student wellbeing.

That’s why we’re proud to support UQ Voices—a community choir for international students and friends—bringing people together through music at The University of Queensland (UQ).

Established in 2021 through a collaboration between Professor Genevieve Dingle and PhD candidate Rong Han (UQ School of Psychology), alongside language education specialists Vicki Bos and Fiona Wiebusch, UQ Voices has grown into a vibrant space for intercultural connection and belonging.

During semester, weekly rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00–8:00pm at UQ’s St Lucia campus, and the choir welcomes students and community members alike. At its peak, the choir comprised 76 students representing 20 countries, reflecting its diverse and inclusive nature.

WhatsApp Image 2024-04-17 at 8.52.30 PM.jpeg

What Students Are Saying

In a study published in Australian Voice, choir members highlighted the profound impact of UQ Voices on their university experience:

“I feel more relaxed and happier after choir practice; it's a great stress relief.”
“Joining the choir helped me make new friends and feel part of a team.”
“The teachers create a welcoming atmosphere that makes learning enjoyable.”

These testimonials underscore the choir's role in fostering social connections, emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging among students.

Ongoing Support and Recognition

In its early years, the choir received generous sponsorship from Allianz Care Australia (2021–2022) and is proudly supported by the UQ School of Psychology, Teaching in Harmony, and The Queensland Institute (QI).

QI continues to play an active role in supporting UQ Voices—facilitating rehearsals and performances, managing social media, liaising with community partners, and contributing to research into music and mental health. Our consultant, Vicki Bos, is the Musical Director and Conductor, and a key contributor to the choir’s research output and community impact.

In recognition of its contribution to global education communities, UQ Voices received a 2024 Commendation for the Simon Greenall Award for Building Communities through English, sponsored by IH London and Macmillan Education.

Key Performances

UQ Voices opened the English Australia QLD PD Festival on 22 March, showcasing the choir’s energy and impact within the international education community. You can watch their heartfelt rendition of Australian artist Tones and I’s “Cloudy Day” here.

The choir’s next public performance will be the End of Semester Celebration Concert on Friday 20 June, held at the Queen Street Mall Stage from 6:30–7:30pm. Audiences can look forward to a vibrant mix of reimagined cover songs—from pop favourites to classic rock anthems—sung with the unique spirit and harmony that define UQ Voices.

Publications and Media

The choir’s work has been recognised not only on stage, but also through publications and media that explore its role in fostering connection among international students.

🎧 Leading Notes Podcast (2025)
“Five Keys to Connection: Belonging for international students through singing” Hosted by Dr Melissa Forbes, with Vicki Bos. Listen to the podcast HERE
📄 Australian Voice Journal Article (2024)
Bos, V., Han, R., Wiebusch, F., Broughton, M. C., & Dingle, G. (2024). UQ Voices: Building a community choir for international students following the global pandemic. Australian Voice, 25. Access the full text HERE
🎤 TedXUQ Talk (2024)
How do we use a choir to build a community? Access the full talk on YouTube HERE
📱 Follow the choir on Instagram
Keep up to date with rehearsal information and performances at @uq_voices on Instagram HERE