By Amari Leiva-Urzua
Every year, TAFE welcomes over 3200 international students.
Becoming an emblem of the multicultural student community in Australia, TAFE NSW has strived to create a space of support and acceptance; two things every international newcomer looks for.
When asked why they chose TAFE, many international students have said that they sought it out because of its practicality.
“TAFE is much more affordable,” said Ukrainian student Rostyslav Oniehin. “They help you grow in confidence while keeping in mind the realities of needing to get a job.”
Oniehin has been in Australia for just over a year, studying a Certificate IV Screen and Media (Social Media) to pursue his love for post-production in video creation.
Lab Techniques student Khongorzul Bumtsend, also known as Honey, said she found TAFE unique because of its diversity and support when it came to learning.
“If you’re an international student like me and you don’t know what to do or how to start, I think TAFE is a good starting point with its short courses and small class groups,” she said. “There’s more connection and support between the teachers and the students.”
However, to be an international student takes a special kind of courage as these students venture from one home in pursuit of another.
“The hardest thing for me as an international student would be leaving my family, they all stayed in Europe and I miss them,” Oniehin said.
Journalism student Stephanie, who has come across the globe from Brazil agrees: “I miss my culture, my friends and my family.”
For Stephanie and many other international students, it also means having to face an entire new culture.
“When I first came to Australia my English wasn’t that good, so I was by myself, but TAFE became a place where I could always find someone willing to help me say, write or record something,” Stephanie said.
Language barriers are one of the biggest insecurities for international students. Luckily, TAFE has got this covered with its many English programs for all ages and abilities.
“TAFE has helped us grow with our English learning, they are very welcoming a friendly,” said students from the Adult Migrant English program (AMEP).
Colombian student Laura Salazar Diaz said that that she has never felt excluded in any way at TAFE. This has helped her gain confidence to pursue her passion for music alongside her English skills.
The student community in Australia is a mosaic of cultures. International students are at the heart of this, introducing new traditions and beliefs.
These students are invaluable to the community, inspiring a global curiosity and challenging us to open our eyes to the world around us.
To find out more about international student courses, events, or assistance, visit TAFE International.
Featured image: International students (Clockwise from top left): Rostyslav Oniehin, Laura Salazar Diaz, AMEP class, Stephanie, and Khongorzul Bumtsend. Photos: Amari Leiva-Urzua
