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: Unique Lessons of an Australian Postgraduate Education
What are your most memorable experiences living and studying in Australia?
My most memorable experience would be the people, how diversified the people you would meet and how it 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 had me realise how limited my old vision and understanding were, but as I was given the chance to live, study and enjoy Australia, I was able to explore being open-minded on the similarities we have as Filipinos with other and how uniquely different we also are from each other. These, I would say, had been a great lesson for me to better expand my take on things, especially as I will be going back to work and am expected to contribute positively to our very own field.
Another would be how we Filipinos 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 scholar, I am proud every time we, AAS scholars are chosen to represent our respective group - whether as members of the student in our faculty or as AAS scholars from the Philippines in AAS 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. Another invitation was as a mentor during Mentoring session for Australia Awards Students Introductory to Academy Program - Melbourne Law School.
Lastly, we, AAS scholars have a good run as active officers and members of the Filipino-Australian Student Council of Victoria where we were able to experience 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?
The implementation of REAP would have a great impact; and the possible introduction of good practices from my Australian education to my workplace may yield good results, if adopted.
Mia Opendo graduated with a Master of Laws degree from the University of Melbourne last 2024.
