A visiting international expert on the transition of children from preschool to formal schooling will discuss the effects on children of starting school in a seminar to be hosted today, Wednesday 7 April by Charles Sturt University (CSU). Professor Inge Johansson from the University of Stockholm in Sweden will speak on Transition from preschool to school: some experiences from Sweden and future challenges at the seminar to be held at the CSU Murray School of Education in Albury-Wodonga. “In Sweden, nearly all children go to preschool before they start school up to the age of six years, moving from one state of familiar surroundings to new experiences, from one educational culture to another,” Professor Johansson said. “How does this affect the children and their forming of identity? What is the role of parents and teachers in the transition? What can we learn from research in this field and what are the challenges for the future?” Event organiser Professor Bob Perry said Professor Johansson’s visit highlights the importance the Murray School of Education places on bringing international expertise to regional Australia.