icon to start playing the desired text.
and
icons, where the
icon and click on it to start using the chatbot. Note that you need to wait for the website to finish loading.
My Australia Awards Story: Forging lifelong connections
What are your most memorable experiences living and studying in Australia?
My most memorable experience would be meeting diverse people, which I realised could alter your understanding of the world in terms of life, society, culture, laws and even education. The experience of knowing people from different backgrounds made me realise how limited my old views and understanding were. While living and studying in Australia, I developed an open mind on how similar Filipinos are with others and how different we also are from each other. I would say this had been a great lesson for me – to expand my take on things, which will be useful when I go back to work and contribute positively to our field.
Another memorable experience is witnessing how Filipinos would always find ways to connect. The Filipino community in Victoria is strong and thriving. They are most welcoming to Filipino students and are always happy to extend whatever help they can provide. Thus, bayanihan spirt is definitely alive, and we were able to enjoy our stay because of them.
What makes Australia a good place for postgraduate education?
Quality education and cultural diversity.
As a Filipino scholar, what are you most proud of?
I am proud of how engaging and welcoming our culture is, wherever we are.
As a Filipino scholar, I am proud every time we are chosen to represent our respective groups – whether as members of the student in our faculty or as Filipino scholars in Australia Awards events.
I was privileged enough to do both. I was invited by the Melbourne Law School (MLS) of the University of Melbourne as one of the student panelists during Student Life Panel discussion last 21 February 2024, together with fellow international students from India, Myanmar, and China. I was also invited to become a mentor during Mentoring session for Australia Awards Students Introductory to Academy Program - Melbourne Law School.
Lastly, we, Australia Awards scholars, had a good run as active officers and members of the Filipino-Australian Student Council of Victoria and we experienced the best of Victoria through the generosity of our Consulate General's Office and the Filipino community.
Give one word to describe your Australia Awards journey.
Profound.
Now that you're back, how are you making a difference in your field/community?
I am introducing good practices from my Australian education to my workplace, which can yield good results.
Mia Opendo completed her Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne in 2024.
