We all take different pathways to tertiary education. Some start university straight after high school, while others start a degree later in life to boost their career or even change fields completely.
Regardless of how we get there, that letter of acceptance means exciting new beginnings, opportunities and experiences for international students.
Here, The University of Queensland (UQ) students Sumayyah Abdurrahman from Indonesia and Pauline Ramos Bessa Rebollar from Mexico discuss their excitement about getting a UQ offer and their experience as international students in Brisbane.
Sumayyah’s offer story
Having worked in several startups in Indonesia since 2013, Sumayyah’s passion for business development led to her applying for UQ’s Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
“When I began considering formal business education, I chose this program because not many countries offer such expertise in this space,” she says.
“In Indonesia… you can find MBAs everywhere, but not specialisations in entrepreneurship and innovation.”
Sumayyah says that after the Indonesian government granted her a scholarship, she immediately applied to UQ and was accepted soon after.
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“I remember getting the letter of acceptance. After I graduated with my bachelor's degree, it took almost 10 years to get the opportunity to study for a master's degree overseas,” she says.
“So, it's kind of like a dream come true for me. When [I got] that letter, it's like one of my dreams came true.”
After being accepted, Sumayyah received her visa and arrived in Australia in July 2022.
Sumayyah finished her master’s degree in 2023, graduating with a distinction average plus experience as the President of the Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation student committee.
“I think my family is so proud of me,” she says.
“They always tell their friends and colleagues that I completed my degree in Australia. It feels good making my family proud.”
Her message to current and future students is to make the most of opportunities like clubs and societies and study hard, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself along the way.
With more than 220 clubs and societies to join, UQ will help you to meet like-minded people and build confidence in your own ideas.
Pauline’s offer story
Pauline, a Bachelor of Environmental Management (Honours) student from Mexico, says that UQ’s location and high ranking for environmental studies were influential in her decision to apply.
“The University's proximity to the Great Barrier Reef made me believe that I would be looking at more marine case studies than if I were studying at a different university,” she says.
Fortunately, her hopes came to fruition. Pauline has had the chance to work at UQ’s Heron Island Research Station, located on the Great Barrier Reef, which has given her valuable experience in coral monitoring.
Pauline undertaking coral monitoring at UQ's Heron Island Research Station
Of course, moving abroad can be a big step for everyone involved. Pauline says her family were very conscious of her moving so far from home to study.
“At first they were concerned I picked a university on the other side of the world,” she says. “But once they realised the opportunity it represented in my career, they were happier than me.
“They made me feel very adventurous and special, which only encouraged me to go even more!”
Outside of class, Pauline says Brisbane is a beautiful city with plenty to do for students.
“The ferry (CityCat) as public transport and the road trips to different beaches and national parks are definitely highlights,” she says.
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