Student stories
Studying: PhD in plant pathology
Home country: India
The most important reason I chose to study in Australia is the cultural diversity. The Australian education system is very organised. Highly qualified staff help raise the quality of education. Plus educational tours and the practical approach help students’ understanding.
After completing my degree and some experience in Australia, I will be able to get a job anywhere in the world in a related field (agriculture).
The things I particularly like about studying in Australia are the cultural diversity, the high standards of education and the Australian way of living. Lots of friends make it easy to live happily and feel at home in Australia.
It’s a very good idea to pursue studies in Australia if one is really serious about his/her career.
Studying: previously studied senior secondary school in Australia
Home country: Malaysia
I think the quality of education that I am receiving is excellent and invaluable. The teaching methods used here are very different, creative and in some ways more ‘exciting’. The Australian education system also places emphasis upon extracurricular activities, which contributes towards making us students more all-rounded and knowledgeable.
The experiences I have gained from studying here are priceless—I’ve definitely become more mature as a person, and my level of self-confidence has definitely increased. I have also learnt to be more independent and to think more on my feet. The huge emphasis here upon teamwork and creativity has definitely improved my cooperation skills and resourcefulness, which are vital in the increasingly competitive and developing workplace present today. Australia’s education system is highly recognised in all parts of the world, and it has an excellent reputation.
Living in Australia has certainly been interesting, different, and without a doubt an experience that I will cherish forever.
Studying: Master of Business (Banking and Finance)
Home country: Vietnam
The main difference between studying here and in my home country of Vietnam is the approach to study. The Australian education system offers me a flexibility I value. I can choose my favourite subjects and my timetable. The practicality of the course is another advantage. Having real-life situations incorporated into the assignments and presentations has helped me gain skills in practical problem-solving, which will be valuable in my future career. Finally, just as important is the critical thinking encouraged in each student’s study. You are encouraged not to take everything for granted and are expected to challenge even your admired tutors/lecturers.
For me it is not how many High Distinctions you get but how much you learn from your study. The best thing to come out of my study is probably the training in independent learning – a precondition for lifelong study.
Studying: Master of Business (banking and finance)
Home country: Indonesia
In Australia I am completing a Master of Business (Banking and Finance). Each week consists of two hours of lectures and a one-hour tutorial. Assessment is based on the quality of contribution to your assignments and your final exam.
I like the teaching method here, which combines lecture and tutorial times, as I feel it leads to a better understanding of the course material. The university also has a computerised library and administration system, which makes finding my books, lecture notes, additional reading and units for each semester much easier.
I chose to study in Australia because of the quality of its universities and the proximity to my home country. It took a little time to get used to Australian culture as I had never been here before, but once my host country helped me acclimatise I began to feel at home and enjoy life here. Now I rent a place near my campus on my own and do everything for myself. So far, I like Australia.
Home country: China
Although I have travelled in a few countries around the world, Australia is, in my mind, the most beautiful and hospitable. The fresh air and comfortable weather make me enjoy everyday life here. For me, who had been taught with a stuffy education policy for a long time, it was very exciting when I found that Australian universities offered me the opportunity to freely choose the courses I liked and wanted to study. The most special thing about studying in Australia is the assignments. They are more concentrated on practical applications, which means that instead of the recitation of basic principles and concepts, we get to put our knowledge into practice and analyse the problems presented. The work that goes into these assignments can sometimes be time consuming, however, the feedback and results have built my confidence.
Furthermore, living here I am able to experience real life. I have had to learn how to cook for myself, arrange my time and life. I feel I am growing up.
Studying: Master of Nursing
Home country: Indonesia
In my opinion, there are several aspects that differentiate studying in Australia and in my country, Indonesia. First of all, there is a broader range of subjects offered by Australian universities. In terms of educational facilities, the universities provide a better atmosphere to study in, with most facilities being supported by advanced technology. Thus, students have more opportunity to be creative and innovative.
In addition to the academic environment, students have the chance to be more independent since most Australian universities deliver programs that encourage active learning participation, particularly for postgraduate students. In addition, the flexibility in relationships between students and lecturers provided in the university facilitates the freedom to express and share opinions or ideas without feeling any hesitation or fear. I believe that studying in Australia gives me more chances to improve my skills and knowledge, which will be useful for my working life. Additionally, it gives me more self-confidence for my future and motivates me towards higher achievements in terms of my career.
Along with the academic atmosphere provided, I chose to study in Australia because it offers so many interesting and enjoyable places to visit. The multicultural society challenged me to get involved although I faced a language barrier. However, I can still communicate with most local people as they are friendly and helpful. It has given me the opportunity to live with students from other countries; therefore, I have learnt how to understand and be more tolerant with people who have different habits and backgrounds. Generally, I really enjoy studying and living in Australia because it has introduced me to new horizons and given me great experiences that I will remember for my whole life.
Currently studying: journalism
Home country: Germany
My name is Iris Pufe and I’m from Germany. I interrupted working on my PhD in political science at home to study a semester of journalism in Australia.
I liked the down-to-earth teaching style and that the classes are more practically orientated than at my home university. Australian universities focus more on technical means. German education is more scholarly and formal (we wouldn’t call our tutors by their first names), although still very liberal.
Australia was for me a sound cross-cultural and interpersonal experience. I lived in a university residence with 250 students; my flatmates were from Hong Kong, the Seychelles and Papua New Guinea; there were only a few floors between me and all the major cultures, languages and religions of the world!
Studying in Australia? Yes, I would recommend it. The society is diverse and colourful and the people are friendly, in a way you will probably not find at universities anywhere else.
Currently studying: Bachelor of Business (accounting / banking and finance)
Home country: Vietnam
Australia seems a mysterious place to many people. Most of us think Australia is a place where kangaroos hop around, and everyone greets each other ‘G’day mate!’. Australia has a rich culture which is more than that. It is a place where international students can learn a lot: learn to live, learn to grow up and learn to be independent.
The reason I chose to come to Australia is quite simple. I have an aunt, who is not a citizen, who advised me to come to Australia for a better education.
I spent my first year in Perth, the capital of Western Australia, completing my foundation studies. The quiet and peaceful city of Perth helped me to settle in and get to know the Australian way of life. Coming to Australia involved changes in all sorts of ways and the foundation year has helped me to adapt to them all, from food to cultural changes.
After the foundation year I decided to move to Melbourne for further tertiary study. I am currently completing a bachelor degree. The education here is more practical than in my home country. We gain actual knowledge by doing the assignments. I really enjoy the feeling of receiving grades for assignments I have put a lot of effort into.
Living in a multicultural country you get to know people from all around the world. I am really enjoying my Australian experience.
Home country: Argentina / Brazil / USA
Studying abroad in Australia is a unique experience. Having lived in five different countries, I can immediately single out Australia as having one of the best qualities of life in the world. Furthermore, its education is rigorous and challenging with a strong international flavour. Unlike in America, the education in Australia is more focused towards what you are studying and your social life is concentrated outside the university, allowing you to have a more balanced and rewarding experience.
It is impossible to single out one best thing about studying in Australia because there are simply too many. The ones that come to mind are the depth of the education, personal growth, friendships, and the cultural awareness. What I liked most about living and studying in Australia was the independence I felt. At uni, teachers don’t harass you about doing your homework or going to class, it is understood that it is up to you to do it and is in your own best interest. In Sydney, the lifestyle is a very independent one that allows for a lot of personal growth along with the opportunity to meet a lot of different people and make many new friends from all across the globe.
My Australian university is world-renowned with a large international student base. It offers an amazingly balanced experience filled with very strong courses, diverse clubs and societies, and a relaxing environment perfect for meeting people and making new friends.
Take advantage of everything Australia offers and you will have a memorable university experience that will serve you your entire life.