Updated July 2021
Hi, my name is Shivaali Vanshika. I was born and brought up in Rakiraki, Fiji. In 2018 I was awarded the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours) at CQUniversity.
Continue reading From Fiji to Rockhampton – how the Australia Awards Scholarship changed my life
Hello, my name is Shane D’Silva and I am in my final term of the Master of Information Technology at CQUniversity Melbourne campus.
The past two years has truly been a fast-paced, mind-blowing experience. By blood, I hail from India. However, I have lived in Kuwait for almost 18 years.
I spent two years in Dubai as well as another couple of years in Qatar. I am truly grateful for my father who continues to work so hard to have provided our family with the opportunity to experience life in those countries.
When I was younger, I had always wanted to study abroad in America, Canada, UK or Australia. However, I was presented an opportunity to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science & Engineering at one of India’s most prestigious private university, Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
I completed my studies and then set my sights on being able to start my life abroad. I went through days after days, agents after agents conducting tedious research into universities all over the world to pursue my master’s degree.
Continue reading Eager to learn – my unforgettable experienceI touched down in Nouméa, New Caledonia, late on the evening of January 5, 2020, for an adventure of a lifetime. I was excited to be moving overseas, although somewhat scared, especially at the age of 18. However, I knew this exchange would be an amazing opportunity to grow and develop, as well as improve my French!
I am here to study, intern and undertake language training for 19 months, thanks to the New Colombo Plan Scholarship.
Continue reading Arriving in New Caledonia
Hello, my name is Aesha and I come from India. My study journey started from getting a visa grant to landing in the liveliest city in the world: Melbourne.
Being an international student in Australia has been — and will continue to be — a lifelong learning experience. It has not only brought opportunities for me to extend beyond my horizons and enhance my qualification but I have also made some good friends.
Every moment I am here is a lesson in itself because it has made me stronger, confident about my instincts, beliefs and self-esteem level.
Continue reading Every day is a lesson — discovering myself and capabilities
My name is Kaixiang Zhu and I come from Guangzhou, China. I am currently studying a Master of Information Technology at the Rockhampton campus.
Before I came to Australia, I was told this is a country extremely close to nature. “Animals there are much bigger in size than any other place in the world, such as spiders, ants, crabs, lizards, etc.”
With anxiety, I flew to Rockhampton (Rocky) in Central Queensland, which was the first place I arrived in Australia, and thus my first impression of every aspect I gained of Australia is based on Rocky.
Continue reading From China to Rockhampton — a unique learning experience and internship opportunityHello, my name is Krishna Sen, I am from a small town in Nepal called Chitwan and am currently studying a Master of Human Resource Management at CQUni Sydney campus.
I left home at the age of 15 for Pune, India after schooling for my higher study. I graduated from one of the renowned universities of India, Savitribai Phule Pune University and it was tough for me to decide what to do next. I wanted to do a masters degree but was confused from where.
Then I thought of Australia — one of the most popular destinations for international student and not once have I ever regretted my decision.
Continue reading From Nepal to Sydney – how CQUniversity became my second homeHello, my name is Niraj Thapa Magar, I come from Nepal and I am studying a Master of Management for Engineers at CQUni Sydney.
I still remember those days when my parents used to be unhappy with me because I couldn’t get into any government jobs after my undergrad studies. For them, I should have a stable job, a stable source of income and a house before 30 — but, it’s so funny to say that I am nearing my 30s and I have none of these.
But, I am proud that my parents have always been supportive of my decisions. I wouldn’t be here in Australia without their support. In my 25 years, I have never been abroad before so studying in Australia has been one of the most exciting journeys of my life.
Continue reading From Nepal to Sydney - Keep Learning, Keep Sharing
Hello, my name is Sara Manka. I grew up in a small family with lots of laughs and love in a small village in Albania. My mum always motivated me to study abroad and experience life in another country, and I always dreamed of living in a big and busy city.
I was about to finish my high school studies when one of my relatives offered to help me come and study in Australia. I always dreamed of becoming an accountant because I really enjoyed maths and I was interested in economics.
Yes, dreams do come true! Soon I found myself in Melbourne studying an Advanced Diploma in Accounting. Continue reading From Europe to Melbourne — Making Dreams Come True
“One of the greatest discoveries a person makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do”.
Henry Ford
Living in our home countries, speaking fluently in the local language, knowing where to find our favourite dishes, how the transport works, what to do and what to avoid doing, what´s right and what’s wrong, meeting friends everywhere, knowing where to go to enjoy our favourite hobbies and studying or working in our majors is not a hard deal.
We are, of course, habituated to our daily routine. However, sometimes we need to get to that inflection point that drastically challenges our cosmovision and changes our behaviour.
Continue reading From Colombia to Melbourne – my journey, experiences and adviceYou might be waiting to receive an offer for your dream university degree or perhaps you’ve already enrolled in the next term but what do you do while you wait to get started?
We all know it can be overwhelming starting university, it’s a big change in our lives – how do you even prepare? Well, we’ve put together a quick 7 tip guide on things to do before you start so you are feeling confident and ready on day one but most importantly excited.
Check out our list below and make time to chat to our student recruitment team at one of our online chat sessions with any questions you have.