Where is your home country?

Pakistan

What do you study?

Master of Information Technology

Where do you study?

Charles Sturt University

What advice do you have for other international students?

Focus on your studies and take the opportunity to learn more about Aussie culture. It is a real privilege to study here, so respect local traditions and abide by the rules and regulations.

What opportunities has studying in NSW given to you?

I’m thriving here! My year in regional Australia has been amazing and I've had so many opportunities I didn’t expect. I’ve been involved in a workshop hosted by the local council to develop a future plan for the betterment of Port Macquarie. I have been elected as the National Postgraduate Officer for the Council of International Students Australia (CISA).

What has been your favourite experience in NSW?

Port Macquarie is a great place to live if you love walking along the beach looking at dolphins. The local community is getting better at making opportunities for international students to work here. I didn’t know much about Port Macquarie when I first arrived as a lot of my friends are in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, but I wanted to go to a regional area for the smaller class sizes and opportunity to be more connected with a local community. It has also been a great opportunity to improve my English!

I was really surprised by the cultural diversity in Australia. I’ve learnt a lot about different cultures from all around the world while living in one place. Being in a regional city though, I’ve learnt WAY more about Aussie culture and got to know the ‘locals’ more than I would have in a major city.

I am very proud to be elected President of the Charles Sturt International Student Association and have been able to share my passion for Charles Sturt as a Student Ambassador of CSU Port Macquarie. I am also one of the founders of the Port International Student Club (Students Without Borders) and share my skills as a Club Adviser.

I’ve been involved as a cricket umpire with a local club here. I love to learn about different cultures and share my culture with the locals. I hosted an Eid Celebration (Muslim festival) last year at my uni, Port Macquarie International Student Club hosted a Holi (Indian festival) and also recently had a massive IFTAR (Dinner) with all the CSU staff and students to share culture.

I have also been asked by the local media to talk about the issues international students are facing living in Port Macquarie

I am very glad to be studying in Port Macquarie and enhance my leadership skills while having so many opportunities. My experiences here will open up so many opportunities for me and I want to use what I’ve learnt for the betterment of other international students in Australia.