What are your most memorable experiences living and studying in Australia?

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My most memorable experiences living and studying in Australia were when I let myself experience things for the first time. I had firsts brought about by being in a vibrant and multicultural community, firsts from being back to school again and in a different educational system, and firsts because I took on new experiences and opportunities — even if I wasn't exactly sure how they would turn out. Many of these Australian firsts were exciting and enriching, but even the ones that weren't were deep sources of reflection and growth. Ultimately, my Australia Awards journey was memorable because, though I was clear on my goals and intentions, I let myself be uncomfortable in the process.

What makes Australia a good place for postgraduate education?

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Australia is a good place for postgraduate education because it promotes learning that is globally framed but locally rooted. Though lessons deal with high-level concepts and complex case studies that can apply anywhere, they also provide space to talk about the real people in those situations and the tangible implications on daily life. As an international student in the social sciences, I've found that this style allows for more contextualised learning since we can relate with the lessons in relation to our own experiences and knowledge. Along with fostering respect for what students can bring to the classroom, I appreciate how this creates clearer pathways to application of learning and even collaboration beyond the university setting.

As a Filipino scholar, what are you most proud of?

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As a Filipino scholar, I'm most proud of the moments I got to talk about Philippine advocacy efforts and development projects in classes and events I attended. On one hand, people really resonated with our work, and this concretised for me how truly world-class and pioneering we are. On the other, it also showed me how many social issues cut across borders, and the act of sharing opened up genuine conversations and opportunities to work together.

Give one word to describe your Australia Awards journey.

Freeing.

Now that you're back, how are you making a difference in your field/community?

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Empowered by my Australian education, I plan to make a difference by tackling social development issues with a more nuanced focus on community and the social aspects of change. Most immediately, I'm looking forward to implementing my REAP around health promotion in school settings, in support of both health and education goals, but also while innovating the processes of my host organisation.




Angela Garcia completed her Master of Social Change and Development at the University of Newcastle last 2024.