Studying in Melbourne
Writing this has evoked a deep nostalgia for my time as an international student. Wide-eyed and eager, at 17 years of age, I took a leap of faith. Armed with a one-way ticket, I exuberantly hopped on a plane to Melbourne to pursue my University degree. Now, if you ask what led to that decision, it would boil down to the fact that I was seeking adventure. Like any young adult, as I am sure, I yearned for independence and a taste of freedom—even if it meant moving thousands of miles away from my parents. They gave their full-fledged support with complete knowledge that I was beginning to pave my path and seeking the thrill of making my mark in the world. Here I am six years on: equipped with a myriad of stories and invisible battle scars that testify of the tumultuous journey.
The truth is, studying abroad is no easy feat. Nothing can ever prepare you. At times you will feel like a fish out of water, striving not to sink as you navigate a territory that can appear so alien. You will miss home immensely so much so that neither a video call nor postcard can alleviate the loneliness. No international student journey is ever the same. No amount of research can ever prepare you for what is ahead. More than anything, I advise you to just go—after all, experience is the best teacher one can ever have.
Be Hungry
Be excited to learn in the various experiences that await. Be it through walking down the streets of the city or meeting new people from all walks of life. They say the way to man's heart is through his stomach. I want to claim that the way to a city's culture is through their food! When you get to know a place's diet, you get to know its people. Nothing bonds a group of people more than a shared meal!
However, beyond the gastronomy, have an appetite for adventure. Each city, state and country have treasures—people, nooks and crannies, hole in the wall restaurants, art—that no other place can offer. Gems are waiting to be uncovered and stumbled upon. Be hungry to learn, get to know people, join clubs and societies, discover new interests and harness existing ones. Adventure is out there, and it is yours for the taking.
Find Your Tribe
It is so much harder to make friends when we get older, am I right? I made sure to join different clubs and societies. I did not just build friendships within my youth group, but I sought to expand my network in my workplace and university classes as well.
Friendships challenge us and help shape and reshape our beliefs, values and convictions. Through their wisdom and knowledge, I learnt what I needed to stand for. It opens your eyes and broadens your perspective. You will meet people who will help shape your principles. When uprooted from your home, these friendships will help keep you grounded and encourage you to grow. Most of all, they will be your support system when you feel homesick!
Make Yourself at Home
There were numerous times when I would pick up my phone and call my mom to hear her voice—nothing could give me more comfort!
You, just like I did, may one day doubt your decision to move. When assessments pile up, and all you want is a 'you can do it!' from loved ones. Or have instances when you want to quit your part-time job, but you know it helps mom and dad pay the fees.
Yet, nothing can compare to the feeling of getting that first HD for an essay you stayed up the whole night for, that first pay-check from a part-time job or walking the graduation stage with only one thought: "I did it!".
In reality, to study overseas is a privilege given to a select few and if this is a fortune that you have the honour to pursue, I encourage you to make the most of it! Know this: where you are planted is where you are called to grow. Even more, it is where you will bloom. Amidst all the challenges, your experiences will define who you are. So, learn to unpack your bags and settle in. The days are long, but the years are short. But for now? Make yourself at home.
