Etsuko
Japan
Institution: Central Queensland University
Etsuko has been so impressed with the quality of the Australian
education system that she plans to become a part of that system herself.
Her Bachelor of Learning Management (Japanese) qualifies Etsuko to teach
Japanese in the Australian school system. “There are many Australian
students and people who are keen to learn Japanese. I think that the
course I am studying leads to the career I want,” she says.
Etsuko was attracted to Australia for a range of reasons—financial,
cultural and academic. To start with, she found that living costs and
study fees in Australia were lower than in other English-speaking
countries such as the United Kingdom and United States.
Also, she knew she could feel “at home” because Australian people have
respect and understanding for visitors from different cultures.
“Australia is a safe and peaceful country to study in.”
Etsuko has made lots of Australian and international friends, and is
sharing a house with other students. “I can learn and exchange various
cultures and traditions.”
Etsuko has received plenty of on-campus support. “My university provides
an English support service to international students. The university
staff assist in their academic writing and speaking and give them advice
on grammar, spelling and referencing.”
Overall, she believes that the high quality of education helps
international students to build valuable skills and useful knowledge for
their future. “The staff and teachers in my university have
professional knowledge and great experience, and I find that the
teaching style is friendly and approachable.”
Having had such a positive experience of the Australian education system
already, Etsuko says she would consider continuing her studies in
Australia in the future. “In the future, I am thinking of doing a Master
degree in education in Australia.”