Prince Bhandari (Nepal)
Master of Engineering (Civil), Central Queenslander University - Melbourne
In a nutshell, what I can confidently say is travelling to Australia and studying in Melbourne has changed me from being a shy introvert to an outgoing extrovert leader who enjoys meeting people, presenting in front of people and taking challenges without hesitations.
Prince is currently completing a Master of Engineering (Civil) at CQUniversity Melbourne. He is passionate about creating positive change in the community which is reflected by his diverse volunteer experiences. A few months after moving to Melbourne, he was selected for Engineers Without Borders’ summer volunteer program, which inspired him to start his own chapter for the organization at his university. He also volunteers for the Bicycle Network, Traveller’s Aid Australia and is a member of the Campus Life Committee at CQUniversity. When he isn’t studying or volunteering, Prince is enjoying Melbourne’s great sporting culture and supporting his favourite team in AFL, the Richmond Tigers.
Oanh Thi Kim (Olena) Nguyen (Vietnam)
Bachelor of Social Work, Victoria University
No matter who you are, where you come from, you are always welcome to Victoria - this is your home. For those who are interested in studying in Victoria and about to study here, I believe this will be one of the best decisions that you have ever made. You can never tell the future, you never know what will happen tomorrow, what you can do is seize the opportunity when it comes to you.
Olena is currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work at Victoria University and she wants to use this degree to contribute and give back to the community through work with community and social service organisations. She has already made significant contributions to her local and global community through her work with the VU Cultural Diversity Group, the Global Youth Leadership Summit and Melbourne City Mission’s Youth Action Group. Olena has demonstrated strong leadership abilities during her time in Melbourne, co-founding the Vietnamese Alumni and Students Community in Victoria and she is a former Study Melbourne Student Ambassador.
Susan Saldanha (India)
Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Health Sciences, La Trobe University
Navigating the roller coaster ride that is university study comprising of its many charms and challenges, has been equally as daunting as it was rewarding for me. The key is to find the right support and to rely on it when you need it.
Since moving to Melbourne to complete her undergraduate studies, Susan has been a passionate and involved contributor to her community both at university and with local organisations. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce/Health Sciences at La Trobe University. She has career ambitions in shaping global public health policy and has travelled to Mexico City and London as part of her studies to undertake a short course and internship. She has shown great leadership skills as the President of the La Trobe Public Health Students’ Association which has developed successful programs aimed at tackling mental and sexual health issues across the university community.
Donny Doughty (Malaysia)
Bachelor of Business, Kaplan Business School
The welcoming and multicultural atmosphere is one of the many reasons Victoria truly provides the quality of education and living for international students. I have experienced how connected industries are through initiatives and projects the government has implemented in collaboration with various stakeholders such as Victoria Police, whereby education of safety was made and dedicated to international students.
Donny is currently studying a Bachelor of Business at the Kaplan Business School in Melbourne. In October 2018, he was selected as the sole representative for Melbourne Polytechnic at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnic Congress, where he met with young leaders from around the world and showcased the high-quality vocational education opportunities available in Victoria. Donny has volunteered at various student events including Harmony Day and Moodji Day and helped to establish Melbourne Polytechnic’s first soccer team. He is a strong leader and advocate for international students and was recently elected as Vice President of the Council of International Students Australia.