Junyi from China
Moving from China to Mildura in regional Victoria, Junyi has immersed himself into the Australian society. Making Aussie mates, learning a new culture and even picking up new skills in photography, he has an inspiring story to share and some great advice for other international students on how to overcome homesickness.
Transcript for Study Melbourne Unplugged - Junyi
*Airplane landing*
*Music in*
Junyi
It was a surprise when I came to the Melbourne Airport, I could smell coffee everywhere. Before I came to Australia I had never touched a coffee cup. Now every morning I have a cup of coffee. Latte is my favourite.
When I came to Australia I was just 17. I think that is very young for most of the international students, most of them when they come to Australia they are about 20 but I came when I was just 17. I have been faced with a lot of challenges since I have been here. All you can do is try and figure out everything by yourself and you will get it eventually. I think it’s very helpful for your personal development.
Narrator
Mildura, Victoria is a long way from China, in both distance and lifestyle. Most international students who land on Victorian soil call Melbourne home but settling into a regional city has given Junyi a complete immersion into Australian culture.
This is Junyi’s story. This is Study Melbourne Unplugged.
*Music out*
Junyi
Lots of new students when they come to Mildura, they are always asking me 'do you get homesickness? Do you miss your family?' and I'm like 'no'. Because when I came to Australia, I chose to study abroad and be independent. Also, because Mildura is a small place, it's a very inclusive city for everybody and everyone treats each other like family. The local people, local students, all my friends, they invite me to their home to have dinner.
All of the friends I have made are Australian. I chose a good place. Mildura is a very good place.
Narrator
But Junyi didn’t travel all this way just to make some Aussie mates. It was the career opportunities an overseas education provides that was the original attraction.
Junyi
By studying abroad you get a new perceptive and concepts of various points of view and you come in close connection with the distinct culture. I think this is very good for your career, also your studies and for when you finish your studies and you have to work. When somebody is from China, I know what they like. And when someone comes from Australia, I know what they like. They take a cup of coffee in the morning and tea in the morning. It’s good to know how other people’s countries think and their ideology. That’s very good for studying internationally.
Narrator
Being focused on your career doesn’t mean being chained to your desk. There’s still time to expand your knowledge in other areas.
Junyi
Before I came to Australia I had never touched a camera before. Then after I came to Australia I thought 'I want to try to record my life in Australia'. So, I decided to buy a camera.
I contacted my high school and I said, 'can I take some photos for you?’ and they recommended me to the local magazine. We cover things including food, fashion, markets, bands and the local industry. Mildura grows oranges and grapes. I love being a photographer.
Narrator
Having finished high school in Mildura and chosen a career path in accounting, what’s next for Junyi?
Junyi
I am planning to finish an advance diploma next year in the first semester, that’s a pathway to La Trobe University so I can finish my bachelor of accounting degree. Then I'll come back to Mildura. It’s like home and so I might do a Masters in Mildura.
Narrator
Some parting advice. How to cope with missing your family and why confidence is key in dealing with stressful situations.
Junyi
If you are always needing your family, you will be less concentrated on your studies, which is not good. You should do some outdoor activities, participate in the local community and talk with your teacher when you get homesick. Be relaxed and be confident and positive, which I think is very important. Your mum and dad spent a lot of money for you to study overseas. You are also growing up, you are an adult. You have to try and figure out all the problems by yourself. You're not a child anymore, you're not a baby.
Also thinking of your dream. What do you want to do? Why did you come to Australia? When you move overseas you chose independence. You chose to come to Australia and you must get used to it.
When you are facing a disaster or struggle or tough question, you have to take it and when you get an award or achieve something also take it. You have to look both ways. Bad things, you have to take it. Good things, you also must take it.
*Music in*
Narrator
This is Junyi’s story. This is Study Melbourne Unplugged.
*Music out*