Tran
Vietnam
Institution: Australian National University
Before she was awarded a scholarship to study here, Tran did not understand why students moved to Australia for their university education. Now she encourages others to seize the opportunity to study at an Australian institution.
“Australia is a good place. I used to ask Vietnamese people why they let their children go to Australia to study. Now I really understand why,” she said. “I am impressed by the excellent facilities provided for teaching and studying. The libraries, computer labs, software and enthusiastic staff have helped me and all the other students a lot in our study.”
Tran is impressed with the range of skills she is building at university: “After a short time of studying here, I realise that the courses not only provide all the knowledge I need but also the self-confidence and independence.”
Tran acknowledges that it can be difficult at first to adapt to studying in a foreign country. However, students can make the most of the support services and the advice of other international students.
“I received lots of help from my international friends and the university staff. Australian people are very friendly,” she said. “At the moment, Australia seems to be my second home.”
Madeleine
France
Institution: Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE
After years in the workforce, Madeleine decided that she wanted a change of career. She enrolled in an Australian vocational institution, and is now gaining new skills in aged care work, improving her English and embracing the Australian lifestyle.
“I wanted to make a shift in my career and eventually consider having a new one,” she said. “What I like about studying in Australia is the multiculturalism, the opportunity to improve my English and the quality of life, which is very good here.”
Madeleine is impressed with the education she is receiving and is confident that it will help her to build a new career, either overseas or in Australia.
“The quality of education is very good. The teachers are highly qualified and take every unit seriously. Even if I am not planning a full-time career in aged care, I am confident that I can get a part-time or casual job easily, wherever I go. There is an increasing need in this field. The fact I bring along a new language is very positive,” she said.
Madeleine lives in a flat close to the centre of Melbourne and is enjoying the local lifestyle and social activities.
“It is good living in Australia and particularly Melbourne. Australia is a very multicultural country, people are very warm and as a French person with a Cameroon background, there are some similarities concerning the way people behave, the weather and even plants,” she said.
Qazi
Bangladesh
Institution: Monash University
Qazi is enthusiastic about his Australian studies in electrical and computer systems engineering. “The quality of education is undoubtedly very advanced. In my first year we used all the latest equipment and gadgetry in our labs,” he says.
As well as covering the latest developments, Qazi says that his course caters for industry requirements, and prepares graduates to use technology. Work experience and a practical emphasis are also valuable to him. “I strongly think that my Australian degree will earn me a successful career in my field.”
Qazi is happy with the student resources on campus. “You can use the practical labs and even the computer labs pretty freely. I never find the various facilities in the university crowded. As a result you can work with ease.”
Smaller class sizes allow extra attention from lecturers and tutors. “It helps you a lot in the long run. Staff are helpful, and lecture notes are regularly posted online so that students can catch up should they miss a class,” he says.
Although Qazi misses his family back home in Bangladesh, he says that living overseas strengthens you as an individual. And you are not on your own: “I find Australian people very friendly and they will help you in any way they can. It’s like living in a new family away from your family.”
Qazi does point out that international students need to budget carefully to pay for living expenses. However, living in a residential hall on campus has worked out well for him. “As all the bills are included in one payment each month, it’s very convenient for students like us.”
Qazi is already considering further study in Australia—he hopes to take advantage of the many opportunities for engineering research.
Tebaua
Kiribati
Institution attended: James Cook University
Tebaua came to Australia to study a master’s degree in marine biology: “one of the best in the world for marine biology”. She finished her qualification six months ago and is thrilled with the education she received.
“The programs are very well-structured, and the lecturers are amongst the best in the world in a field of research such as marine biology,” she said.
“An Australian education is more recognised and has a higher level of education compared to the Pacific Islands’ institutions, with regard to lecturers, programs and English language.”
Tebaua’s qualification impressed employers. She has already won a job and suggests that other graduates start applying for jobs early.
Tebaua also has advice for those who are thinking about moving to Australia for their university studies.
“Get the most out of it, as Australia has one of the best experiences to offer in education. The staff are well trained and they have a friendly approach towards teaching. Start networking in your field of study while you’re there as you’ll be contacting those specialists in your field, in the Pacific or home country.”
Arne
Germany
Institution attended: University of the Sunshine Coast
It is no surprise that Arne easily found work as a business consultant after he gained his second master’s qualification in Australia. However, he says that it was not only a strong academic record which helped him to win the position; his employer was impressed with his overseas experience and fluent English.
“The HR person of my company was in Australia studying as well so I had a good icebreaker at the beginning of my job interview,” he said.
“The fact that I was overseas for ten months and therefore speak English fluently was important.”
Arne describes his masters program as being “of high quality.” The course coordinators were senior lecturers who had worked in the industry for many years. All of the materials and case studies were practically orientated and up-to-date.
With both German and Australian master qualifications, Arne has experienced the two different education systems. He values the Australian approach to learning.
“In the beginning it was hard to keep up with the pace. When you get used to it, it is the better system. You steadily learn your stuff and write several papers during the semester. In Germany there is one big exam at the end, so you put all your energy in that. But up to ten exams in two weeks gets you in trouble. There is never enough time to learn all the stuff,” he said.
“If you really want to remember what you have learned, the Australian way is the right one.”
Mariani
Colombia
Institution: Sydney TAFE
Mariani loves the education and lifestyle in Australia so much that she’s currently studying her second course here. What’s more, she’s already planning her next course in Australia. “I am going to finish this diploma and then do a Diploma in Education to become a commercial cookery teacher.”
In fact, Mariani thinks of Australia as a second home. “I like the quality of life, clean buses, trains, beaches, parks. I like hanging out with friends from other countries who I met at TAFE. It’s great fun!”
Mariani is thoroughly satisfied not only with the quality of her Australian course but also with the teaching and equipment available to her. “TAFE is very practical and technical which is what the world needs at the moment. The teachers are amazing,” she says. “The building is incredible and the equipment is sophisticated.”
If Mariani had to give advice to people considering studying in Australia it would be an enthusiastic: “Come! It’s full of opportunities, young people, culture, art, music, food!”
