Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury-Wodonga is hosting two European research students keen to develop their skills and soak up some Australian culture. Mr Fabien Fabrègue from France and Ms Anne Voigt from Germany are spending time at CSU's School of Community Health under the guidance of diabetes researcher Dr Herbert Jelinek.  It was the chance to be part of cutting-edge research that attracted Mr Fabrègue to CSU. "The project I'm involved with is investigating whether a relationship exists between cognitive decline, inflammation and the role of diabetes. Dr Jelinek's research is at the leading edge and he's given me a lot of responsibility and autonomy in the internship." Ms Voigt is examining biomarkers in the blood, which can be used to identify if a patient has an increased risk of diabetes. "An internship abroad not only gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, but more importantly into a new laboratory culture," she said. "Methods and ways of devising the experiments differ greatly between countries and it is always better to be aware of many alternatives when presented with a new scientific problem."  Dr Jelinek said hosting international students provides a platform for CSU to engage with other universities. "Having international students provides the University with an opportunity to advertise its mission and research output as an important institution nationally and internationally," he said. "As the students move on, some end up in academia or industry and take their experience they gained at Charles Sturt University with them".