"I didn't choose my Career, my career chose me."

Florence won an international scholarship to study a Master of Architecture at Deakin University. She talks about the pathway that led her to study Architecture and how much she loves studying at Deakin.

Five years ago I could never have guessed or hoped to be where I am today: here, in Australia, studying for a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy – Environmental Science) within a prestigious and flourishing research group. I began my journey to Deakin University by undertaking a master’s degree by research at the University of Central Lancashire, where I developed a passion for analytical chemistry. I loved that I could begin to understand and explore the world around me using techniques that were at my disposal. A few months into my master’s degree, I received an email from my supervisor asking me if I had any interest in moving abroad for a PhD. I almost dismissed the email, surely I wouldn’t be lucky enough to get on any PhD, let alone move abroad!

A short few weeks later, I had a meeting with Dr Xavier Conlan from Deakin, who had stopped by for a fleeting visit after a conference in Europe. Xavier recommended applying for a PhD at Deakin with Professor Stephen Haswell, who had a PhD opportunity developing Lab-on-a-Chip devices within the Centre for Regional and Rural Futures. A day after having a successful viva examination for my master’s degree, I had the interview for my PhD. Little did I know, less than three months later, I’d be making the move to Australia.

The day I found out I had been awarded the scholarship and accepted onto the PhD, I felt every single emotion you could imagine. Panic at the thought of taking on this huge new venture alone, excitement and anticipation to see what the future held, and finally sadness at leaving behind friends and family.

I arrived, totally out of my depth, studying an area of research I had no experience in. My PhD project involves the development of a Lab-on-a-Chip device – basically a miniaturised diagnostic device – for the detection of performance enhancing drugs in thoroughbred race horses, which requires different aspects of engineering, chemistry, biochemistry and physics. I relish the challenge of building these devices and see a bright future for Deakin University with the miniaturisation of complex diagnostic techniques into these portable devices.

On the 22 February 2015, I boarded the plane and made the move Down Under. The sayings took a little adapting to… apparently responding to everyone with, ‘Oh, very well thank you and yourself?’ is not exactly what is required when asked, ‘How ya going?’. Everything here was new and exciting: waterfalls, the Great Ocean Road, wineries, forests, trying to figure out what a snag was (not a thread on your jumper apparently!), etc.

When I arrived at Deakin, I truly felt at home. I was welcomed not just by a support network as a student, but as a friend into a tight knit community with open arms. I haven’t looked back since.

The opportunity to study abroad was too difficult to resist when I was offered a place at Marcus Oldham College to study Horse Business Management. Horses have been my greatest interest since I was young.

Studying at Marcus Oldham has provided an unforgettable educational experience for me to study and stay in a foreign culture. Australia’s culture is a totally new experience for me as I have grown up and live in an Asian country.

I will always remember and appreciate all the assistance, guidance, care and warmth from the staff at Marcus Oldham. As an international student, I felt they were attentive to the welfare of a foreign student and always willing to go the extra mile. The experience at Marcus Oldham has also compelled me to be highly independent, especially when it involved looking after a horse that I leased from the College, going to equestrian competitions and finding and arranging practical work placements.

While studying abroad, I enjoyed the opportunity to discover a totally different culture, meeting local and other international students as well as working on horse properties in Australia and New Zealand.

After completing studies at Marcus Oldham, I worked in the Equestrian Centre at Penang Turf Club as an Administrative Executive and teaching basic riding lessons to beginners (after completing the introductory riding instructor’s course). Currently, I am the Racing Officer (Head of Department) at Penang Turf Club.

If you are thinking of studying abroad, take the opportunity when you have the chance. The experience of studying abroad is absolutely remarkable. I will forever cherish the wonderful memories attained at Marcus Oldham.

It was very overwhelming to come study in Australia. However, Kardinia and all the teachers helped me to get through all the challenges.

As an overseas students in Kardinia, the school has always been helping me since the first day I came here. They helped me get used to this new environment with their advices. There is an oversea student- coordinator to look after the oversea students. I am pleased that I can always talk to her when I need help and she is always happy to give us a hand. Besides, the teachers are very nice and friendly. I remember when I first came here, they always asked me how I was which meant a lot to me because you can feel that you are part of the school and people are willing to help you out.

Geelong is a beautiful city and I really enjoy the life here. I like to go to have brunch with my friends on Pako or in town. There are many lovely restaurants and cafés in Geelong. Nevertheless, Geelong is located near beaches and I love to go to the beach in summer. It is a great idea to spend your summer on the beach.

I am glad that I have this opportunity to study in Kardinia, everyone is very friendly and happy help you. I also enjoy the atmosphere here, Kardinia is a place where you can make a lot of friends and indeed, to learn.

WONG Yi Man (Alexa)

出國留學是一件既興奮又緊張的事。在每位老師和同學幫助下，我很快就能夠適應這個新環境。

作為一個海外學生, 感到緊張是無可避免的，幸好Kardinia每位同學和老師都會不厭其煩地幫助我，好讓我們有一愉快的校園生活。在Kardina, 有一位國際學生輔導員去管理和照顧學生的需要。當我遇到問題是我也會去尋求她的協助。當遇上學習上的問題，老師也會很樂意利用他們的課外時間去幫助我們。

Geelong是一個空氣清新，環境優美的城市。我非常享受這兒的生活模式。我喜歡和朋友到市中心的咖啡店，買一杯咖啡。這兒也有一些亞洲餐館，當我想念家鄉菜時我也會去光顧一下。天氣方面，除了和北半球的氣候相反外，整體溫度是非常舒適，不會太冷也不會太熱。夏天時我們可以到海灘沖浪和游泳.

我感到十分榮幸可以為Kardinia 撰寫這篇文章同時也高興可以在Kardinia 就讀。我十分享受Kardinia 的學習氣氛和這裡的一切。