Gary Lee
The opportunity to study is Australia is extremely exciting, and the more prepared you are, the better the experience. I was fortunate as my sister and brother studied in Melbourne, so I had insights to the city (and country) at a young age, especially when I visited them while they were studying.
Although it feels like a lifetime ago since I first came as a student, I believe all potential students should make the effort to read up on the country and, perhaps, even watch a few YouTube documentaries or read blog sites on Australian cities, to get an idea of what to expect.
Or, a family member or friend will have connections with someone who has studied in Melbourne or other capital cities. You can hear first-hand what their experiences were like. The best way though to learn about a new place is by asking people who have studied, are studying or living in Australia.
Before departing for your studies, preparation is key. Make sure you pack accordingly, attend pre-departure sessions, learn about Australian culture, and enter the new environment with an open mind.
Be prepared to experiment, try new things and learn new things. It is normal to miss the food from home, and feel a little out of place, but give yourself some time to adjust and things (usually) fall into place.
Gary Lee (right) with Malaysia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dato Saifuddin Abdullah and wife, Datin Norlin Shamsul Bahri, and Malaysian Consulate-General, Mazita Marzuki at a meeting with the Malaysian diaspora in Melbourne on Dec 1.. Photo (below) shows Gary Lee during his undergraduate days with his friends at RMIT University during induction day.
Studying in Australia offers you lots of freedom, but that should be embraced with caution. You may now have money in the bank to manage. You have easy access to alcohol. And, you may get into relationships. All these experiences may be new to you. If you are unsure of how to handle these experiences, seek advice from friends and support services on campus.
What you do in the first few weeks can certainly shape the rest of your experience. I encourage signing up for different clubs and societies, attend orientation sessions and make the effort to make new friends - local and international.
Studying abroad means you are surrounded by people from around the world, so make the effort to connect with different people. Step outside your comfort zone. If your university offers day trips or day tours, join those if you can afford it as it’s a great way to bond with other new students.
It’s natural for us to connect with fellow Malaysians whenever we leave home. It can appear difficult at times, but if you keep an open mind, it is easier than you think in meeting new people.
Introduce yourself, share your story and invite them to share theirs. Go out for coffee, movies if you can with different types of people. When asked to do group projects or assignments, maybe join culturally diverse groups. It encourages growth and you learn lots from the process.
Volunteering is my biggest passion. Volunteering allows you to meet different people, lets you experience working in an Australian environment, practise your English (or master the Aussie accent) and you also get to acquire new knowledge.
Volunteering is great for your character development and helps you expand your networks and enhances your job resume. The majority of jobs are obtained through 'who you know' not 'what you know' so make sure you connect and build your resume early.
I volunteered for the Royal Children’s Hospital in my first year of university, and it’s by far one of my most memorable life experience. I spent four hours a week at the Starlight Express Room with critically ill children. The experience taught me so many important life values and improved my confidence in connecting with the local community.
I also volunteered for the RMIT Association of International Students. I was elected Publicity Officer in my first year, and President the next, which then on shaped my career to what it is today. I made some valuable networks which led to paid professional work, followed by a lasting career in international education.
Today, I am proud to call both Australia and Malaysia home. I love living in Australia. It is where I have built a career and life. But Malaysia is home too. It’s family. Malaysia will always a part of my identity - and if you judge by my eating habits, I am still truly Malaysian at heart.
My values are prominently Malaysian - I love diversity. I always respect elders, and I work hard - values that I have grown up with that have helped me build a successful and happy life in Australia.
Gary Lee is from Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. He graduated from a Master of Arts (by research) from RMIT University in 2006. Gary was the New Australian of the Year in 2016 and a recipient of the Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champions Leadership Award.