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.

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
Diploma of Laboratory Technology

“The Gordon TAFE went beyond my expectations in the quality of education and training. The environment at the Gordon is very inclusive and supportive, not only by teachers but also people who work in campus and even other classmates.

The thing I enjoy the most about the program at the Gordon TAFE is that is a very hands-on program. The Gordon TAFE experience does require from you as a student to be a proactive learner and to persevere when obstacles get in the way, but the most amazing thing is you will never face none of them alone, no matter whether is a personal issue in your life or an academic one.

I believe Laboratory Technology is a very interesting area to work at for those who appreciate, like laboratory work and Science. I see that in the Healthcare area, laboratory work is a growing field, with lots of work opportunities, and multiple challenging pathways to generate an impact in other people’s life and even your own.”

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.

Studying abroad is a very interesting thing. Fortunately, my father has an opportunity to be a visitor of Deakin University, which is in Geelong this summer holiday. Because of this, I am able to go to Australia to study for nearly a team.

I first heard and came to Geelong last summer holiday, but I haven’t study there. This time, I go to North Geelong Secondary College for study. Before I came there, I only knew Geelong is a city in Australia which has a very good location. It is in a gulf on the South Coast of the country, and it’s also in the Victoria state that is called the Garden state and the Education state. But now I know the people there are more hospitable, the drivers there are more polite, the equipment there is more useful, and the air there is much fresher and clearer.

Studying in Geelong is very easy if you do very well in English. Because of this, the most important thing about study here is to understand the teacher’s words and expressions of language. Now I’m looking forward to speaking English fluently. If you are a new international student who will study in NGSC and want to get some recommendations from me, I can only tell you that don’t expect that you can understand every word of teachers, learn steadily step by step, and pay more attention to English.

When I go back to China and study in my school, I’ll tell my classmates about study in Australia. I’ll suggest them to study in Geelong just because it has perfect location, friendly residents, amazing environment, kind teachers, and excellent schools.