My journey with Australia Awards Scholarship at Deakin University

It was today two years ago, I was working on my application for the Australia Awards Scholarship, a scholarship that hundreds of students in Cambodia want to obtain. Two years later, I am sitting here, in the library of Deakin University writing this blog article.

The Australia Awards Scholarship was first started in Cambodia in 1994, as a part of the Australian Government’s development assistance to Cambodia. This scholarship is now becoming one of the most competitive scholarships in the kingdom and it was my privilege to be selected as a Cambodian awardee for this prestigious opportunity.

My name is Seng San. I am a Cambodian awardee of the Australia Awards Scholarship and currently a masters student in business analytics at Deakin University. Deakin University is one of the leading universities in Victoria and was one of the first Australian universities to introduce the full masters course in business analytics.

With the other Australia Awards Scholarship recipients from Cambodia

When I first started my course at this university, I was surprised at how Deakin utilises technology to support and enhance students’ learning experiences. I love DeakinSync, a one-stop digital service where students can access everything that Deakin has to offer. I am overwhelmed with the resources from the library as well as from the unit chair in each unit. Believe me, if you are Deakin student and you have not checked some databases available in our online library, go and check it; there is so much interesting data and so many insightful industry reports which you normally need to pay for if you are not a student.

Apart from that, I am impressed with the live lectures, which I can attend from everywhere. I enjoy reading the discussion portal in CloudDeakin where students and lecturers discuss our weekly topics and assignments.

“I am impressed with the live lectures, which I can attend from everywhere. I enjoy reading the discussion portal in CloudDeakin where students and lecturers discuss our weekly topics and assignments.”

To be honest, sometimes I have no idea what to question; however, reading their conversations did help improve my understanding a lot and reveal some keys questions that I have never thought of.

All the slide presentations, reading lists, assignments and video lectures are all available in the students’ portal that students can access with ease. This has helped me become an independent learner and has played an important role in my academic performance.

I am also involved in some volunteer activities too. In July, I joined LIVE Project with Study Melbourne to consult and provide social media strategies to a not-for-profit organisation that works in indigenous education. This project allowed me to work with students from other universities.

The library at Deakin’s Burwood campus is a great place to study

Last November, I was also a volunteer mentor for Postgraduate Mentoring Program, organised by Faculty of Business and Law at Deakin University. This five week volunteer experience allowed me to assist new students to make sure they have a smooth transition to Deakin University and become an independent student. Because of these experiences, I was selected to work as a Student Leader in the DUELI Leadership and Internship Program at Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI).

I really hope that the rest of my academic journey at Deakin and in Melbourne will bring me more surprise, fun, excitement and interesting learning experiences. Upon my graduation, I am looking forward to bringing back all the knowledge, experience and networks to contribute to the development of Cambodia. Thank you, Deakin University, for this rewarding and challenging experience. Thank you, Australian Government, for this prestigious opportunity with Australia Awards Scholarship.

For further information about studying at Deakin and courses that relate to Business Analytics, visit our Data and Analytics page.