Putu
Indonesia
Institution: James Cook University
Putu chose Australia as the place to further her interest in marine mammal conservation for a variety of reasons.
First
of all, it was close to her native Indonesia, and within migratory
range of the mammals she planned to study. “Collaboration with
Australian scientists is very crucial in my future work in Indonesia,”
she says.
Also, Putu believed that the School of Tropical
Environment Studies and Geography was the best place in the Asia-Pacific
region for her to study her chosen field.
Since commencing her
postgraduate studies in Australia, Putu feels she has made a “quantum
leap” in her knowledge of marine mammal science. “This was mainly
because I did more in-depth literature reviews, discussions and
research, supported by online journals and easy-to-access expertise and
reference.”
The campus facilities for postgraduates were also
helpful. “My own working space with 24 hours broadband at the uni
provided a considerable support for my work.”
Putu believes that
students from developing countries can gain the most from international
study by pursuing a field that is not well developed in their own
country—then they can bring home their expertise.
“However, it’s
most important to choose a degree that you believe in your heart, be it
economics, social science, forestry, engineering, or others. To me, that
has proved to be a major driving factor,” she says.