If you are planning to study abroad and are interested in adding an international dimension to your career path, Australia is the place.

Pan is in Australia to gain exposure on event management

Heng does plumbing part-time to help with the rent

Blessed with a unique diversity of species that includes kangaroos and koalas, Australia is the most popular destination for international students.

In addition to the education system, it is a world-class tourist destination because of its culture, resources and beautiful landscapes.

Jason Heng Eu Jin, 21, from Malacca, says he loves studying in Sydney. “I am doing Hospitality Management in Commercial Cookery at Nirimba TAFE College in Sydney,” says Heng.

The college has a good mix of students and the courses are diverse and hands-on.

“My decision to study in Australia was spontaneous.

“Since my relatives in Australia tell me a lot about the country, I decided to get some experience (here),” says Jason.

“My mum is a teacher and my dad is a landscaper, and they have intentions to migrate to Australia.

“I plan to apply for permanent residence on completion of my studies.” Heng has adapted to the culture and lifestyle in Australia.

But the first few months were tough and lonely.

“I was homesick in the beginning. You have to motivate yourself, try to open up, and make yourself busy,” says Heng.

“The lifestyle is different. Now I find life in Australia relaxing.” During his free time he plays the guitar, drum, basketball and football. Heng works to help with the room rent. “I do part-time plumbing under the apprenticeship programme. I earn about A$400 (RM1,240) a week. Students are encouraged to learn a trade three days a week.” Heng also works as a part-time chef to fulfil his credit hours.

Gordon Pan Tze How, 23, from Sabah, says he is in Australia to gain exposure. Pan, who runs an event management company in Malaysia, is doing a Diploma in Event Management at Nirimba College.

“I wanted to learn the Australian way of organising international events. This will help me to develop my company.” Pan, who lives with his uncle in Australia, had no problems coping with the different lifestyle and learning new experiences.

“You meet people from contrasting backgrounds. You get the chance to mingle with the locals, Indians, Iranians, Chinese and Japanese, and learn about their customs.” For leisure, Pan goes fishing and travelling within Sydney.

Keith Ng, 25, from Seremban, decided to study Down Under to improve his skills and gain experience.

Ng, who is familiar with the Australian accent, is doing his Diploma in Hospitality Management at Challenger TAFE, in Perth.

“I love Australia, and Perth is so much like Malaysia. Perth and Malaysia are in the same time zone,” says Ng.

He has worked in a five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur and wants to learn about the hospitality industry in Australia.

Manivanan Dorsamy from Cameron Highlands, is pursuing Hospitality Management at Challenger TAFE.

Manivanan plans to set up a restaurant in Australia serving Malaysian cuisine.

“Australia is a great place to live and once I get my permanent residence status, I plan to bring my parents over,” says Manivanan.

For Nur Asyikin Abdul Wahid, 22, the first few months of her stay was trying.

“Some Australians were unfriendly, but when I stayed in an international student house, the residents were helpful.

“You get the chance to meet other international students, who are in the same situation as you are. It makes life easier in the beginning.” Nur Asyikin is doing her Certificate in Hospitality Management at Challenger TAFE. She wants to pursue her Diploma and Advanced Diploma at Curtin University of Technology.

Penang-born Nur Asyikin plans to help her father manage the family owned Abedeen Perdana Resort in the state.

The eldest daughter in the family, Nur Asyikin studied in Nilai College and her certificate course in Perth costs A$10,500 (RM32,550) per annum.

Following in Nur Asyikin’s footsteps is her cousin Atiqah Che Sahari, 21, who is also studying Hospitality Management.

Atiqah works part-time in an Indian restaurant in Perth.

Students can earn between A$18 and A$20 an hour working part-time. Atiqah plans to help Nur Asyikin at the resort.