Name: Lavvina Thiyagarajan

Age: 21

Country of origin: Malaysia

Course: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB.BS)

Why did you choose to study in Australia?
I chose Australia as it is close to home, has good university medical programs and is a nice country.

What are the best things about your course and/or UNSW?
I enjoy meeting interesting people and learning about the Australian way of life in the ‘bush’. I had never heard about that before!

The ‘self directed learning’ in my course differs a lot from the ‘spoon-feeding’ I had throughout high school. It gives me a lot of freedom in the way I study. I am able to develop my own way of learning.

UNSW’s campus is beautiful with little cafes and big lawns everywhere.

How will your course in Australia help your future plans or career?
I plan to work as a doctor either in Malaysia or overseas. This course has enabled me to interact and mix with people from various countries. It helps in developing a better understanding of people from various cultures and backgrounds.

What do you most enjoy about your Australian life?
I enjoy the freedom to live on my own and make my own decisions. Public transport is efficient and it’s so easy to get around and visit places. I love the weather in Sydney, the beaches and the parks.

Have you been involved in social activities and/or made friends in Australia?
I live on campus at college so I get to interact with all sorts of people from Australia and overseas. I have made many Australian and International friends. Some of them have already come to Malaysia to visit!

In my course I have been involved in productions such as ‘Med Show’ where I have been able to interact with many other medical students, both international and Australian.

What advice do you have for other students from your country coming to study in Australia?
If you feel homesick, join the Malaysian Society and attend a barbeque or something. Once you hear people’s Malaysian accents you’ll feel right at home. You will make friends. I was homesick for two weeks but it did get better.

Join a club too. It’s a good way to meet friends.

Studies are important but a big part of uni life is participating in activities so try to create a balance.

Attend plays and productions by the university or faculties. They are usually very good!