Natalia from Colombia

In a new country, adapting to a new culture and making a new home for herself, Natalia was thrown in the deep end in learning how to do things on her own. While there were initial hurdles to overcome, Natalia has found her place in Melbourne, living in the city ‘that is full of surprises’ – and a dream come true.

Transcript for Study Melbourne Unplugged - Natalia

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Narrator

The saying goes, you’re never too old to learn something new. But what happens when you’re learning them on your own, on the other side of the world in a country that doesn’t speak your language? That’s the challenge Natalia found herself navigating when she moved to Melbourne from Colombia.

Natalia

When I was in Columbia I used to live with my mum and my brother. So, if I wanted to buy something to eat I always went with my mum to go shopping. When I got here, it was completely different. I had to do things on my own, because no one is going to do things for me.

Narrator

How to find work, overcoming homesickness and how she fell in love with Melbourne.  This is Natalia’s story. This is Study Melbourne Unplugged.

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Natalia

I was always interested in learning English since I was a kid because, as you know, because of the influence of television, movies and media that surrounds you when you are a kid. It made a big impact in my life. But finally, when I finished my studies I decided I wanted to have something extra in my life. I have always had a passion for travel. Learning about new places and new cultures. I knew if I went to Australia it was going to be an amazing experience and I always wanted to do it when I was younger. When I was thinking of my future - maybe when you are 30 or 40 years old - it is going to be harder to travel and study overseas. That’s why I wanted to do it when I was young. This is the right time. I need to do it now, I don’t have kids or in a couple. I don't have any big responsibilities at this moment.

Narrator

Of the many cities to immerse yourself in English, Melbourne stood out for the many cultural opportunities.

Natalia

When I started looking for the place to go to I had Sydney as an option and Melbourne. Melbourne always caught my attention because I knew Melbourne was a city that is famous for its culture. You can find museums, theatres, film, restaurants, coffee. All this kind of stuff really caught my attention.

The coffee culture was one of the things that surprised me a lot. You can find coffee shops everywhere. On every corner. Every corner has a special café. That’s good. I feel very identified because, of course, Colombia is a country famous for its coffee so that is one of the things that I really like about Melbourne.

Narrator

Once making the huge leap to Australia, Natalia needed to find work and get settled into her new life. While finding work within a culture you are not familiar with can be challenging, Natalie found making a personal connection with employers gave her the leg up she needed.  

Natalia

I mean it was difficult in the begin but at the same time it depends on you. For example, when I arrived here in February, it was summer. I knew that in summer it’s easier to find a job rather than in winter. I needed to find a job ad I knew I could do it. I made a big effort. What I did was start sending resumes through the internet and went to the main street in Melbourne, like Chapel street, just walking around in the shops, that’s the most effective way to get a job. You can know the manger and say hello and introduce yourself.  That way, it’s easier because they see you are interested. Sometimes when you send your resume through the internet they don’t know you, they just see a piece of paper and they get a lot of resumes from other people. So, when you go personally to their shops it’s a good opportunity. You can talk to them, practise your English and stop being shy. It can sometimes be hard to introduce yourself to someone you don’t know but it’s a good chance. You will have more opportunities to get a job. My first job was as a kitchen hand in a restaurant and I learnt a lot there. It was a really good experience. Recently, I have been working as a freelancer. It’s one of the things I have wanted to do this year. Of course, my part time job in hospitality is good but at the same time because of my goal to   improve my English and to get involved with the industry, my professional industry, I start looking for opportunities to do freelance.

Narrator

While she has loved the lifestyle that Melbourne offers, coming here was ultimately for the benefit of her career.

Natalia

Learning a second language in my career is hugely important. It’s one of the most important things because if you know a second language you can find more opportunities, you can make more connections with different, not only with people from different countries, but also from different areas. I think English not only helps you to communicate with others and have a chat or something like that, but for my career it is crucial. In the media industry, the most important media newspapers, channels, magazines, all these types of channels are all in English. I know that if I learn a second language it will be better for me. I can create different strategies for companies where I’m going to work or if I want to set up my own business I can have the experience and knowledge and advantage of the second language to improve my chances of having a successful business.

Narrator

Although arriving in a new place is exciting, you have also just made a huge sacrifice. Leaving your family, friends and home country can be a huge challenge.

Natalia

That’s one the hardest things for every international student. It is very challenging. For me, it hasn’t been so bad because I am always in touch with my family. When I arrived here I felt very happy and I am still feeling very happy and they helped me overcome the homesickness I felt. I speak with my mum every day. Every day I speak to her. Just to say hello, how did you sleep, how are you going, how is everything in Colombia. So that’s very important that you keep in touch with them. Even when they are far away they are always your biggest support.

Also, you need to stay busy. I never stay at home. Never, ever. If I have some time off I always out. I go out to new places or just to walk or have a coffee or to the beach. That’s one of my favorite places. Going to the beach. It’s the perfect place to relax and think about everything. For example, if I must make an important decision, I go to the beach. I think it’s a good place to be in touch with yourself, to connect with yourself. That’s one of the things that helped me deal with the homesickness.

Narrator

And did Melbourne live up to its reputation?  

Natalia

It’s amazing. It’s a city that surprises me every day. Every day I find something different. Every day is so unique. Everything on the streets surprises me. The weather was hard for me when I arrived because I didn’t have seasons in Colombia. When I arrived here, it was summer but after a long time I started experiencing the seasons I thought, 'ok this is interesting'. The city changes with the season. So, you can find things completely different every day that makes you feel more interested. It’s a city where you can't get bored. You don’t have the time to do all the things the city has to offer to you.

This experience has made me a stronger person. A strong person. It helped me to know myself. How far I can go and what kind of things I can achieve when I am far away from home.

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Narrator

Thanks for listening to Natalia’s story. This is Study Melbourne Unplugged.

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