Studying the Diploma of Equine Management at Marcus Oldham has been an amazing opportunity for me in helping to achieve my future goals. This year has already opened many doors into a world known to be difficult to establish yourself in.

With my ultimate goal to import and breed quality Portuguese Lusitano horses in Australia, Marcus is helping me understand the values of creating a strong business plan as well as providing me with all the knowledge I could hope to gain about the equine industry, and more. Choosing to become a student at Marcus has been one of the best decisions of my life so far. Marcus Oldham is helping to make my dreams a reality.

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.

I choose to study at The Gordon after a few recommendations. Studying the Diploma of Building and Construction, and the Diploma of Building Surveyor was a hard journey because I had to manage my time between the two courses, a part-time job and my lovely family. Now having finished and received my marks, the results are better than I could imagine.

The courses were well prepared and all the teachers ready to give the support students needed. The two years adequately prepared me for any work in the construction industry.

My time at The Gordon enabled me to further develop interpersonal and leadership skills, which has helped me in many aspects of my life. I feel very lucky to have been able to form some very close friendships through the course. Everyone had different skills and experiences to contribute, which was a great benefit. I feel grateful.

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’.