Felipe Alejandro Manzor - Chile, 21 June, 2023
Journey from home to QUT
I would say that the trip from my home to QUT has been the best thing I have ever done. I have had experiences studying abroad in Canada (as part of a university exchange program), New Zealand (to improve my English), and Japan (to learn about Japanese cooking and language), but this experience at QUT has been the best so far. The main reason is that the university is very good at giving students a true international experience and real-world focus.
Adjusting to a new country
I was born and raised in Santiago, which is the capital city of Chile. Chile is a country located in South America. It takes around 16 hours to fly from Chile to Sydney and 22 hours to reach Brisbane. Leaving your family for a long time can be difficult, but achieving a goal may be even more important.
Coming to a new country is always interesting and it takes a while to adjust to the new environment. One of the cultural differences I experienced while living here is seeing many people walk barefoot on the streets. I've also encountered large lizards in the parks and bats in the botanic gardens. Although it was initially strange, I'm now used to it.
One other thing that is very different from my home country, but I appreciate, is the respect shown towards the ancestors of the land. At the beginning of each class, there is a beautiful gesture of respect and understanding made in their honour.
Useful information to know before arriving
Before coming to Australia, I wish I had known more about the transportation system and daily life. However, I believe the best way to understand is by experiencing it firsthand.
Initially, I had thought that the Australian transport system was not good. But after arriving here, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's really good for traveling within the city. While it may not be the best for traveling around the country, it's certainly better than I had expected.
Learning the language
I have been learning Australian English, which has been a bit of a challenge. It took me a few weeks to understand some of the expressions that Australians use in their daily conversations. But now I'm getting better at it. I would recommend watching some funny and informative videos on YouTube before coming here as they can be helpful in understanding Australian English.
How to prepare for the move to Brisbane
Before embarking on your travels, it is crucial to thoroughly check all your documents such as your passport, driver's license, visa, and accommodation details. Don't forget to take advantage of the free wifi if available.
In my case, I didn't realise that my driver's license would expire in June, so I needed to take a test to get an Australian license. This can be difficult and expensive. It’s also important to be aware of all the documents required if you plan on stopping in other countries (such as transit visas you might need). A country that might not have required a visa in the past may now require one, so it's important to stay updated on the latest regulations.
