Hi everyone, I’m Madihah Husna Mohammad. I came from Malaysia and I am pursuing a Master of Architecture at Deakin University. Before Australia became my second home, I worked in Malaysia with my degree in Architecture from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). I had heard a lot about Deakin at that time, as it is a great choice for students who want to pursue study in architecture. When I first came here, everything was far more fun than I expected!

Remembering the experience of when I first stepped onto the land of Australia was that I was full of excitement. I can still clearly remember when I was picked up by a Deakin staff member from Melbourne Airport and he showed me around Geelong city. My first impression about the city and the country was that it was absolutely enthralling. It is a clean city, and has a great view of the waterfront. I also had opportunities to explore all the beautiful scenery here in Melbourne.

Being an international student, I have found no difficulties in making new friends and adapting to the culture. I feel no alienation here and it overwhelmed me because being a Muslim, and wearing a ‘hijab’ wrapped around my head, this foreign environment actually welcomed me. In fact, with a smaller number of Muslim students here, it surprised me to find out that the university actually had proper prayer rooms and there are even taps provided for us to take our ablutions.

Being an international student, I have found no difficulties in making new friends and adapting to the culture. Living my life here in Deakin, I have found that the people are very helpful and always support the students, particularly the staff, lecturers, and my classmates. When I had difficulties in my life, the International Student Advisers helped me a lot. Whenever I have problems in my assignment writing, I sought help from a study support consultant and the writing mentors at the library. The lecturers are always friendly and they would always greet me enthusiastically whenever I was in the school. My new friends here also made me enjoy my time at Deakin. The language barrier is not a problem.

Since stepping off the plane last year, I’ve learned that all my initial fears and worries were unnecessary. Being an international student in a hijab has not deprived me, because living and studying at Deakin University is very multicultural and it is a welcoming society indeed!

Hello，I’m BoRui Deng. I‘m 16 years old and I come from China. Now I’m studying in the North Geelong Secondary College.

My “Australian parents” are Ali and Sef. Both of them are Iranians. They give me a good care. I also help them as I can. We became a family, not just a landlord and a student. The place which I am living is close to the beach. We have two cats and one silly dog（always brakes my clothes. When I got to the house, I was surprised the house was so nice. I ‘m very lucky to live with them.

Some people asked me why I chose Australia, Geelong and NGSC. Australia has a beautiful and unique nature and it also has a safe social environment. People are kind and welcoming. It’s a good country to live and study. When the study abroad agencies asked me which city you want to study, I said Melbourne, because I have been to Australia on 2014 and went to many state capital. I thought Melbourne was the best city to study.When the study abroad agencies gave me the school introductions, located in Melbourne and near cities, I saw the introduction of NGSC. That was the first time that I learnt about Geelong and NGSC. As I researched the information about Geelong, I got to know that Geelong is quiet and peaceful city. Geelong also has many beautiful views likes the beach、forest and high mountains. The left picture is Southern Ocean and the right mountain is called The You Yangs. I have been to there. That is lovely，isn’t it?

The main attraction for the North Geelong Secondary School is its teaching resources: good facilities, intelligent teaching methods, excellent teachers and caring for students. When I first came to school ，I faced many difficulties，such as hard to understand what the other people said strange classmates, different teaching style etc. Luckily some students and teachers gave me a hand, especially Mr. Dawson and Mr. O. They are taking a lot of care to me and gave me much help，like my parents. I am very grateful for them，I will never forget.

Some people ask me if I have any advice to future international students. Yes，I just have two pieces of advice. First, don’t be shy to talk with other people. It’s the best way to practice your English and make new friends. If you have any problem that you can‘t solve, just ask other people. They will be glad to help you. If you don’t say anything，everyone will think you are fine.

The another one is study hard. Some international students become lazy after they come to Australia，because the school is easy and has more freedom than their country‘s schools. Never be undisciplined，it’s very important. Remember，you come to Australia for study.
I hope I can meet you in NGSC.

The word Kardinia of Kardinia International College is Tasmania Aborigine word which means sunrise or new beginning. There are many international students. Everyone is very friendly whether they are international students or not.

School is big, large and awesome. Teachers will support you to improve your skills. There are bunch of subjects so we can choose and develop our skills.

Geelong, where Kardinia International College located, is very beautiful city with beach. Average temperature is warm and nice.

I’m living in nice homestay with wonderful homestay parents. They are so kind.

  My friends are also kind, nice, friendly and awesome.

  The main special event I have enjoyed was founder’s day. It was very different to

  my country’s founders day.

  KIM Weonjoon(Grant)

Kardinia International College에서의 Kardinia라는단어는타스마니아어보리진단어로, 여명과새로운출발을의미합니다. 학교에는많은유학생이있으며, 유학생이건아니건모두친절합니다.

학교는크고넓고멋집니다. 선생님들은실력향상을위해도와주시며, 우리가실력을쌓을수있도록많은선택가능한과목이있습니다.

Kardinia International College가위치해있는절롱은해변이있는멋진도시입니다. 평균기온도따뜻하고좋습니다.

저는현재착하고멋진 Homestay Parents와함께 homestay를하고있습니다.

제친구들또한착하고, 멋지고친절합니다.

학교에와서제일특별하다생각한일은개교기념일입니다. 한국에서의개교기념일과는판이하게달랐습니다. 

“I chose The Gordon because I wanted to study Diploma of Community Services Work and it is the only place in Geelong that is accredited by ACWA (Australian Community Workers Association). I love being a student at The Gordon! We have very passionate, skilled and experienced teachers who challenge and empower us at the same time – to learn more, to research, and to build up our strengths and skills to become better workers.

I am not working in the field yet, but I am sure I will be well prepared for employment. Being an international student in the class with Australians is definitely a very good experience! I have got the opportunity to improve my English skills, to get insight into Aussie slang and to find out more about the Australian lifestyle, customs and culture. I wouldn’t want it any other way! ”

Marjetka Gojkosek
Diploma of Community Services