My Life as an International Nursing student

Hi, I’m Rewati Dhamala and I come from the land of Himalayas. I grew up in the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. I first came to Australia in 2017 to study Creative arts and media at Flinders University in Adelaide. I choose Australia because it’s an English-speaking country so I wouldn’t have the language barrier (I used to speak English in Nepal and was an English Teacher in Japan). I also know that an Australian degree is highly valued anywhere in the world.

I chose to study Nursing because my father had a major accident and he is now paralysed. I wanted to be able to support him. I personally choose THINK Health Education because I heard how good the student support is, how focused the course is on developing practical skills and the facilities looked amazing. I have personally witnessed it as a student so I am very happy with my decision and I truly enjoy my studies.

“I chose to study Nursing because my father had a major accident and he is now paralysed. I wanted to be able to support him.”

I started in February 2018. Orientation was a really important day to me and I personally think it is an essential first step for every student. We get to know each other and we also meet our educators and the Campus Life team. Plenty of advice is given to the international students such as how to find an accommodation? How to find a part-time job? What insurance shall we get? How to circulate in the city? Just to mention a few.

So far, I find everything about the course very interesting. Going to class every day is like an adventure to me! Every day I get to learn something interesting, making me even more confident about my decision to become a nurse. I get along with everyone in class I even started making new friends. I enjoy hanging out with my classmates outside of the campus, we invite each other to our apartments, organize dinners, anything really.

I love my new life in Australia. I am currently living in a share house in Adelaide with my husband and some friends. I came to Australia with my husband and he is very supportive. What I love the most in Australia is the people, everyone is super welcoming. I lived in Japan for 2 years but I never had any conversation with Japanese people on the train or anywhere else. Here, everybody is so open, they also respect you for who you are. I started exploring Adelaide and its surrounding beaches, it’s beautiful. Whenever I get some free time I choose a new destination to chill out with my husband and friends. I really don’t find it that difficult to be away from my country. Yes, I do miss my family and friends back home but I can call or skype them whenever I want. I am just in love with this beautiful place!

“What I love the most in Australia is the people, everyone is so welcoming. I lived in Japan for 2 years but I never had any conversation with Japanese people on the train or anywhere else. Here, everybody is so open, they also respect you for who you are. I am just in love with this beautiful place!”

Even though I haven’t had any issues regarding the language, I must say the teaching style is totally different from my country. Here, it is very focused on practice and the students are encouraged to participate. Whereas back home it was mostly theoretical. So far, this new learning style has been a great experience for me. I realise how beneficial it is and how much faster I can develop new skills.

THINK Health Education is like a family helping me to achieve my dreams. I would highly recommend it to anyone dreaming of becoming a nurse. And to any prospective international students out there, I’d like to say, it might be very difficult at the beginning but things will work out. Be patient, focus on your goals. And also, DO NOT MISS ORIENTATION DAY it’s essential especially if you are new in Australia!

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