Business, India, Student Stories

Tips, tricks and techniques for a fulfilling international student experience in Australia

September 13, 2022 - 4 min read

My name is Girish Gupta and I’m a recent graduate of Deakin’s Master of Business Administration (International) and winner of the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Meritorious 100% Scholarship.

Choosing Australia and Deakin

Australia is known globally as one of the world’s most diverse and welcoming countries. It was always on my list because of the world-class education system, Aussie culture and beautiful beaches. Australia is incredibly multicultural with over 260 languages spoken in Australian homes. I had friends and family who were strong advocates for the plethora of opportunities that studying in Australia opens, all these facts contributed to my decision of choosing Australia as my destination of study.

One of the things that really stood out to me about Deakin University, is the focus on student satisfaction right from the first orientation day. During my time at Deakin, I was always satisfied with the quality of the education, lectures and the emphasis on the practical component of learning.

‘I’d advise all incoming international students to develop a clear study plan, learn new skills, network, participate in extracurricular activities and focus on their physical and mental wellbeing.’

Navigating university life as an international student

One thing is for sure, there’s a never dull moment at Deakin and my time was always filled with a ton of exciting activities. On the flip side, being an international student and living away from home, I had additional responsibilities like managing household chores and part-time jobs. Luckily, Deakin University Student Association had a lot of resources like calendars, task checklists and support groups that made navigating all my new responsibilities easier.

I also learnt about the Pomodoro technique which is a time management system that encourages people to work with the time they have rather than against it. Using this method, I was able to break my workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks that helped me remain focused and prevent burnout.

Making the most of the University life with clubs and communities

I’m not exaggerating when I say that there are a hundred different clubs at Deakin University. If someone has a passion for something, Deakin has a club for it. I was actively involved with the Debating Club and was selected as the marketing director of Deakin University Indian Club. These extracurricular engagements were a wonderful way to get connected with the University in a deeper and more fulfilling manner, meeting new people and expanding my horizons.

I would encourage all students to get involved with clubs and societies at Deakin. It will give them the opportunity to not only rub shoulders with people from different walks of life and cultures, but also to learn how to network with people and understand the very essence of the culture in Australia.

A great resource for any new international student that Deakin offers is Walk ‘n Talk. This program gives new students a chance to meet up with a group of fellow students and take a 20-minute stroll through Deakin’s scenic campus areas, guided by trained Deakin Student Wellbeing Ambassadors.

Advice for future international students

I’d advise all incoming international students to develop a clear study plan, learn new skills, network, participate in extracurricular activities and focus on their physical and mental wellbeing. All of these will be instrumental in helping them achieve their goals.

When I went out to get jobs in the market, employers did not ask about my grades. They were interested to know about the clubs I was a part of and the experience I had gained during my time at university. One thing that intrigued hiring managers was my experience with the Debating Club that helped me gain perspective about a range of topics including, but not limited to, my area of study.

To sum it up, international students should focus on gaining a holistic university experience beyond just books and grades.

Quick links

Do you want to learn more about Girish’s journey at Deakin? Tune in to the #DeakinConversations podcast where he gets real about his undying love for Punjab’s chole bhature, bell-bottom pants, his Deakin University campus and Debating Club! Discover Girish’s Deakin Conversations podcast episode.

Find out more about the Deakin University Student Association

Learn more about Deakin’s Master of Business Administration (International)

Find out about the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Meritorious 100% Scholarship

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As one of Australia's leading tertiary education providers, Deakin offers a personalised experience enhanced by world-class programs and innovative digital engagement. We lead by creating opportunities to live and work in a connected, evolving world.

#1 university in Australia for educational experience*
Top 1% of universities worldwide**
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* 2022 Student Experience Survey, based on undergraduate students, UA benchmark group Victorian universities.
** ARWU Rankings 2023
^^ 2022 Student Experience Survey, UA benchmark group Victorian universities.
# Australian Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2022 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).

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