Balaji is studying a Doctor of Philosophy at Deakin University, Geelong and has a Masters in Engineering in Industrial Metallurgy. He was awarded a full Postgraduate Research Scholarship at Deakin and has been nominated for two of the university’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) annual awards. He has also been a finalist at the international youth science event and the British Council’s ‘FameLab’. At Deakin, he is an academic mentor, as well as an International Orientation Coordinator supporting new international students. Balaji also engages in community roles including in the ‘Good Start Breakfast Club’ for the Australian Red Cross, and as a learning support volunteer with EdConnect Australia.

There are several things I love to talk about in life: family, food and Australia. A year and a half ago I decided to depart on the adventure of a lifetime and so I packed up and moved from the small town of Otterburne, Manitoba, Canada to Geelong, Australia. In my mind I had decided that if I was going to go anywhere, I wasn’t going to go just half way across the world, but rather, all the way! So now I am a second year medical student at Deakin University and I have completely fallen in love with Australia.

To be honest, I had always been a homebody; however, after living in a small town for most of my life, I decided to see what else was out there. I had always wanted to become a doctor and I decided to mix my passion for medicine with my newly discovered passion for travel.

At the Deakin University Waurn Ponds Campus

After many hours researching on the internet and filling out what seemed to be a million applications to different universities in Australia, I was accepted into the Deakin School of Medicine’s Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery degree. To be honest, there may have been some screaming and jumping on my bed when I found out. For me, going to Deakin University just made sense. The staff at Deakin that helped me with my application process were so helpful and supportive. I loved that the Deakin School of Medicine was rurally focused and put a lot of effort into recruiting students from a variety of academic backgrounds, cultures and countries.

"For me, going to Deakin University just made sense. The staff at Deakin that helped me with my application process were so helpful and supportive."

Some beautiful views at my campus

So several months, a costly ticket, and one very large suitcase later, I was off to Australia! Coming to Australia has been the most amazing and terrifying experience of my life. I did not know a single person, so it was a big adjustment getting settled. However, it took very little time for me to make new friends. Australians are such welcoming people and everyone that I met helped me feel at home.

Australians are such welcoming people and everyone that I met helped me feel at home. The best part of living and studying in Australia is the weather and the beaches. Coming from the middle of Canada, where there is no ocean and it’s horribly snowy and cold for 5 months of the year, it still amazes me that I can just go to the beach and walk in the ocean at any time of the year.

The surf coast just past Torquay

When I’m not studying, there are so many things to do, whether that be going to the surf coast, exploring nature, going into Geelong or Melbourne. There are so many good cafés and restaurants in Melbourne, and there is an amazing Canada Day celebration every 1st of July! It’s also so easy to travel within Australia and I have visited both Tasmania and Perth so far.

Vineyards along the Tamar River, just outside Launceston, Tasmania

Watching the sun disappear into the ocean at the iconic Cottesloe Beach in Perth, Western Australia

I still have 2.5 years left in Australia, and while there are days that I miss home, I have never regretted my decision. The experiences I have had studying at Deakin and living in Australia are some of the best I have ever had. I cannot wait to see what the rest of my time at Deakin has in store for me!

I decided to study Agribusiness in Australia as a pathway to expand my agricultural production knowledge and build on experience I gained back home in Zimbabwe. Studying agribusiness abroad would be the best way to learn global agriculture dynamics and transfer the knowledge back home.  

I am happy to be studying alongside budding, ambitious and like-minded Australians who are passionate and tuned into agriculture. The mixture of farming backgrounds at the college has added value and quality to the educational experience. The course delivery is from an in-depth industry perspective which makes the course relevant to the outside world. The flexibility of the course structure, delivery and access to facilities has allowed me to study and still nurture my small family. The study tours of China, Hong Kong and New Zealand capped off the whole study experience.

Marcus Oldham is a small community with significant outside influence. The great sense of community, comradery and heritage made it easy to settle in, network and be part of. Meeting students who came from all across Australia has been a natural introduction to the diversity of the country. Marcus Oldham has brought out my ability to adjust to new environments and social settings and to find a niche role within any group. The best way to enjoy the Australian culture is to get involved and have a go. In amongst the multicultural array of the country, I have experienced the complexity of many regions through travelling, the rich natural landscape, the great outdoors and the sporting culture of Australia.

With a year to complete the Bachelor of Agribusiness, I hope the refined business skills will propel my career further. Currently, I am the Assistant Mushroom Grower at Parwan Valley Mushrooms, Victoria.

Studying abroad gives a different perspective on past experiences and natural knowledge. The moment you step out from your doorstep you open yourself up to the world. Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to see a different way of doing things and create memories for life. There is a lot to learn and remember you also have just as much to offer.

"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.