Hi, my name is Yang Ying and I come from China. I came to Deakin University to study and I am currently undertaking a Master of Landscape Architecture. Australia is an amazing country - from the moment I landed at Melbourne Airport, I was curious about my new home.

I feel lucky that I chose to study at Deakin University’s Waterfront campus because of the incredible views and the friendly people in Geelong. Prior to commencing my architecture studies at Deakin, I studied a ten week English language course at the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI).

During my English language studies, it was really exciting that my classmates were from different countries such as Russia, Iran, India, Thailand, Philippines andVenezuela. I made many great friends – we studied together and shared our different life experiences with each other. The teachers were also very helpful - they not only assisted us in our studies but also found ways to help us relax such as arranging visits to the zoo and doing yoga classes together.

My time at DUELI was a turning point in my life because I learned new skills such as searching through documents and writing in English. For a Masters student, critical thinking, writing, and searching documents are all important skills. Furthermore, good communication skills are also important and having friends from different backgrounds has been a great help in learning about new perspectives, new ways of thinking and different cultures.

In my spare time, I like to travel with my friends and to participate in different activities. I have been to Lake Tyrrell, gone fishing, joined in the Zombie Show, took part in Run Geelong, enjoyed some volunteer work and travelled to other cities. By taking part in various activities, I feel like I am an active participant in society making a valuable contribution to the city of Geelong especially when I’m volunteering which involves giving up my time for the reward and satisfaction of helping someone perhaps less fortunate than myself.

I still have one year left before I finish my course and although my studies are sometimes challenging and stressful, I am confident about my future, since my life motto has always been ‘Study Hard and Play Hard’. 

Life in Kardinia International College                                                                                       

For me, it is my first time being so far away from home by myself. Living in an unfamiliar country and study makes my life full of challenge. I couldn’t tell how I exactly feel. Excited? Passionate? Confused? Or scared? However, every time when I met some problems I was able to overcome them, with the help from others and myself. Everyone in Kardinia are trying their best to make me feel like home. And I enjoy the campus, especially in spring. It is pretty to study at some place where flowers bloom. As the only child in my family, I never know how life will be with children sharing everything with me. But my homestay family gives me the opportunity to experience it. Our house is always full with children’s laughing, gigging and even crying. I love it. During the weekend, I usually hang out with my friends. We go shopping, watch movie, go rock climbing or go to some Chinese restaurant. Geelong is not as big as Melbourne, but it is such a fantastic city near by a beautiful bay. When the breeze kisses my face and brings me a salty taste, I really feel the enjoyment and peace that comes from the deep shiny ocean. I miss my family, my home and my country. But I know they would be more than happy for me if I could take a good care of myself and live happily. It is a path to independence, and I am on my way. I can see all the new challenges are waving to me. I believe the effect of hard working. And I hope everything will come through in the following year.

HUANG Luying (Ciel)

 于我而言，这是人生中第一次离家远行。待在一个陌生的国度学习让我生活充满了挑战性，而我其实并不知道该怎么去描述自己的心情。有激动，有热血，有困惑也有畏惧。然而每当我遇到困难的时候总有人支持着我，让我能够顺利渡过。而我的同学们也在用热情温暖着我，让我有家的感觉。我很喜欢春天的学校。四处花开就好像整个校园都沁进了花海。作为一个骄纵的独身子女，我从没和谁分享过自己的生活。但幸运的是，澳洲寄宿家庭为我弥补了手足之情的空缺。我们的家里随时都弥漫着孩子的欢声笑语，热闹并且温馨。在周末我经常和朋友出门购物、看电影、攀岩或者去一些中餐馆吃饭。和墨尔本不同的是，吉郎是一个秀丽的海滨小城。当我在海边散步，咸涩的海风亲吻着我的脸颊的时候，我会感受到深沉的海洋带来的安详。我很想念家里的亲人，想回家，想回国。可是我知道他们会在故乡为我的自立和成长而骄傲，他们会因为我快乐而快乐。出国是通向独立的历练，而我正在这条路上努力闯荡着。我似乎看见未来所有的挑战都在像我挥手，而我也相信着努力的力量。希望新的一年也一帆风顺。

Trinh's story at Kardinia International College.

Hear from former DUELI student Apinya how studying English in Geelong helped her realise undertaking her PhD.