My time studying in Australia was a defining chapter in my career and personal growth. The decision to leave home and pursue my education in a country known for its world-class universities and multicultural environment was not an easy one, but it was undoubtedly one of the best choices I’ve made.

While I expected to grow academically, what living in Australia taught me the most was being adaptive. When I was looking for options after graduation, Australia was always a top contender for the combination of its diverse cultural landscape, globally recognized universities, and strong research focus that it provides. But the choice came with some difficulties, challenges, and great experiences as well.

Challenges while studying abroad

Well, the challenge part began as soon as I reached Sydney. After coming to a train station from the airport, I was parched. And buying the first bottle of a one litre water bottle taught me the first lesson. It cost just 2 AUD for the Australians, but for me it was more than 100 Indian rupees. At that very moment I realised that I’ll have to manage finances. Coming from a middle class family, I knew I can’t ask for much money from my parents as they won’t be able to afford it and will have to find alternatives to provide for me.

But when I arrived at the campus, I was struck by how accommodating the Australian people are. It was quite opposite to what I was warned about while leaving — that they’re racist towards Indians. It is absolutely not true and I can vouch for it. The student representative, who was in touch with me since I was in India and had helped me plan my travel thoroughly, warmly greeted me at the Bathurst station and arranged for my journey thereafter to the campus. And after that, whoever I met was always very kind and supportive towards me.

I was also awestruck with the education system there that not only encouraged academic excellence but also placed a strong emphasis on practical skills and industry engagement. This was another one of the great signs that my time in Australia would go far beyond just earning a degree.From day one, I had access to cutting-edge resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and an academic environment that promoted curiosity.

Australia’s multicultural society

Australia’s multicultural society had a profound impact on my worldview. In my classroom alone, I interacted with students from all over the world, which broadened my understanding of global issues, industries, and cultural perspectives. Meetings with Pakistani students were particularly great. As we shared great banters over cricket, we gelled a lot over food as finding Indian/Pakistani food in the campus was almost impossible and so we found Indian restaurants downtown and would meet regularly there.

This exposure helped me develop skills that go beyond textbooks — adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and a more inclusive mindset. In this international community, I also learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Group assignments, presentations, and discussions with peers from different cultures made me realise how varied perspectives can lead to richer, more creative problem-solving.

One of the greatest personal challenges I faced while studying in Australia was the sense of independence it fostered. Living in a new country away from family pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to manage my time, finances, and academic responsibilities more independently. To manage finances, I took up a part-time job at an Indian restaurant — yeah, the same one where my Pakistani friend and I would go three or four times a week. This experience helped me make me more resilient when facing challenges — qualities that have been crucial in navigating my career.

Initial homesickness

Dealing with the initial homesickness and the pressure of managing everything on my own taught me perseverance. Whether it was handling unexpected assignments or finding the balance between work and study, I learned to remain calm and focused under pressure.Australia’s emphasis on research and innovation also encouraged me to think outside the box and approach problems creatively. Whether it was through coursework or independent research projects, I developed a mindset of continuous learning — a trait that has served me well in my career so far.

Australian degrees are highly respected worldwide, and the practical skills I gained through hands-on learning made me more competitive. The most rewarding aspect of my time studying abroad has been the global outlook it gave me. My education in Australia wasn’t just about getting a job after graduation. It equipped me with the confidence, knowledge, and global perspective to make meaningful contributions to my field.

Studying in Australia was much more than just an academic journey; it was a life-changing experience that shaped my career in ways I never imagined.

The author recently graduated from Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia.