IDP Student Alumni: Nikita, India

I was overwhelmed and confused on how to begin my journey for studying abroad. I asked my friend who was pursuing his studies in Australia for assistance, and he recommended IDP for guidance.

IDP proved to be the best choice I made for myself. My counsellor, Reena Devi (from IDP Andheri), has been a major part of my journey. She gave me the right course advice, helped in shortlisting universities and visa application process. IDP stood by its values of Community, Caring, Expertise, Integrity, and Quality and prepared me for my predeparture.

I am grateful for everything and everyone that helped me reach here. Staying away from home, family and friends as well as adapting to a new culture was one of the major challenges I faced. Secondly, the paramount issue that I encountered was regarding finding suitable accommodation.

Being an international student, it is very important to make good connections after you arrive. Attending the international student connect events will help you begin with the networking process. I was fortunate to meet my seniors and mentors. I approached one of my seniors with the hope to work part-time with an organisation that believes in sustainability. He recommended me to apply to hospitality organisations and with his reference and my experience, I was able to secure a part-time job within a month of arrival.

Australia is known as the land of opportunities due to its diverse landscapes and culture. I hope to work as a hydrogeologist in Australia to gain hands-on experience. I wish to give back to the country by applying my knowledge to solve difficult challenges in the water management sector.

Before arriving in your destination country, make sure to research and prepare for things like visa requirements, housing options, healthcare, and transportation. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident as you begin your studies.

Further, find friends/talk to as many people as you can. Being away from family and friends can be tough, so it's important to build a support system of like-minded people, be it classmates, advisors, or students from a different course.

Join student clubs or organizations, attend social events, and connect with other international students. Lastly, manage your time wisely. Balancing coursework, social activities, and personal responsibilities can be challenging, so it's important to manage your time effectively. Set goals, prioritize tasks, and develop a schedule that works for you. And lastly, enjoy yourself.

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We are excited to share the inspiring stories of our students who have previously studied or are currently studying abroad with the help of an IDP education counsellor. If this sounds like you, message us on Instagram to be featured on the IDP website.