My Experience of Being Nepali Student in Australia [ By: Anna Gautam]
I am a Nepali girl pursuing Community Service in Sydney, Australia and overall, it has been so thrilling sometimes stressful but I learn a lot. It was my dream to study in foreign country which I did when I left my home country Nepal.
Arrival in Sydney
Looking back that beginning, I can still vividly recall the first ever impression I had when I got to Sydney, the energy I perceived in the city as well as the multicultural diverse nature of the place. There were many cars, various types of foods which are not available in my country, as well as the Sydney Opera House – an attraction that I never saw before. The first several days were rather intense; however, the pleasant people as well as the assistance of the university facilitated the process.
Academic Life
Overall, the topic of Community Service has been very interesting to research. The education system here stresses on the practice, and I have got that chance to get practical knowledge. The professors are friendly and more to the point you can easily get assistance from any of them. The different population in the class has been rich to me because I get to learn about the different views on issues affecting communities in different countries.
Challenges Faced
I realized that the hardest thing I went through is homesickness. ” Living in a foreign country makes it sometimes hard to be out of touch and away from loved ones. But then technology has pulled me through I am on a video call to my family and I am on other social networks.
Another issue was that the characters in the show used the Australian accent and Aboriginal people’s slang. At first, I could not comprehend this easily, but as I continued with it for instance in assignments and assessments, I got used to it. The university has language support services, these were very beneficial to me since they assisted me in enhancing my spoken language.
Cultural Experiences
Sydney is a culturally diverse city and I have gained cultural exposure having lived in this city. I interacted with Sydney at the event called Vivid Sydney and Parramasala which is a multicultural festival. These events also let me explain Nepali culture and see others.
I also chanced to be in the Nepali student’s association, they became my second family to me. It’s not limited to festivity where we share Nepali fairs, cook usual Nepali foods and being together and helping each other as per the need in student’s life.
Personal Growth
Expanding my education abroad has been very beneficial to me. The main changes in me are that I is more independent, confident, and adaptable. Operin along with managing studies, working for pay, and housework has also instilled the virtue of time management and the ability to multi-task. Participation in projects that are related to service learning has enhanced my views concerning social problems and increased my desire to serve the society.
Ever since I came to Australia as a Nepali student I have embraced many changes. The problems have effectively pruned me and the opportunities have enriched me. This way I see a good fortune to be enrolled in such progressive and friendly study environment. To other fellow international students, they should enjoy the process, make the most out of it, and it is alright to ask for help where applicable.