Real Talk: What It’s Actually Like Studying in Australia as a Filipino Student

Australia is a country full of opportunities that promote innovation, creativity, and independent thinking in its universities. This is why it’s one of the top study destinations for many aspiring international students, competing with European countries and the US in educational quality and in how they cultivate career readiness and globally-skilled graduates.

We know how overwhelming it is to research study abroad opportunities and figure out an entirely different educational system and culture. That’s why we did the homework for you by talking to a Filipino student, Nathan, who’s graduating this year with a Film and Television degree at Bond University on the Gold Coast of Australia.

In this article, we will highlight everything you need to know about what it’s actually like to study in Australia through firsthand accounts of Nathan’s experience. Hopefully, in the end, you’ll be able to map out your own international student journey and make better, more informed decisions about studying abroad.

Application Process

The application process to Bond is made more convenient for international students through dedicated people who are willing to assist. “Applying to Bond was easy and accessible thanks to the help of Lau Najari, the International Regional Manager of Bond. Whenever I had questions, I would ask him for help,” Nathan recalls.

“I advise others who are looking to apply abroad to be patient and calm. Applying to schools abroad can be a long and complicated process considering all the documents and exams one needs to take. It can be tiring but in the end, it will be worth it.”

For more specific information about the application process, click here.

Education System

At Bond, you will not become just another student in the background. You are always visible. Your lecturers will know you, and your tutors will invest time in you, so your learning will get the attention it deserves. What sets Bond University apart is its individual approach to learning and it’s why they produce graduates who get noticed above others.

With Australia’s lowest student-to-teacher ratio, you will thrive in smaller study groups and have access to unparalleled academics and technological resources. Bond ensures that their academics will know you by name and have an open-door policy that would allow you to chat with them at any time. As a future Bond student, you’ll also gain unprecedented access to their facilities and experience greater internship and work experience opportunities that couldn’t be accessed elsewhere in the country. Lucky you!

Student Experience at Bond

Bond University has been ranked Australia’s top university for student experience for the past 16 years. This is mainly because Bond values its student life and gives attention to its students.

“Its attention to its students [is what separates Bond from other universities in Australia]. The small student population allows faculty and staff to build a connection with their students individually and assist with more specificity,” Nathan says.

And if you’re a curious high school student who wants to see for yourself what it’s like, you can watch videos of their previous virtual “Open Days”. These are IRL and virtual showcases of their campus, facilities, and educational environment, as well as an opportunity to chat and engage with current and previous Bond students.

For Nathan, being a student at Bond and living in Australia has been teaching him “to grow up and become more professional” and that this experience can help him “adjust and transition into his professional career” later on.

Living Costs

Bond has a student housing plan for international students as well as other off-campus accommodation options, which can be found here.

In Nathan’s experience, he “sought advice from my mother who went through the same process as well and she helped with the preparation and even taught me things I should remember while I’m in Australia. But even with all her advice, moving to another country was still tough. I advise other overseas students to just have fun along the journey. Not everyone gets to study abroad, and we are the lucky few who get to experience a journey like this.”

In case you want to know more, feel free to reach out to Bond’s international team by dropping a message at international@bond.edu.au!

International Community & Culture

Studying abroad is fun but the smallest things can make it overwhelming, such as figuring out class schedules, talking to professors, and connecting with other students with different cultural backgrounds. “In a school with a lot of other international students, I have been meeting a lot of people from different corners of the world and it has been a great pleasure,” adds Nathan.

At Bond, it will be easier for international students to assimilate because of a friendly international student community, your visibility to your lecturers and tutors, and the vibrant Filipino community on the Gold Coast.

Nathan attests to that and says this of his experience with the Filipino community there: “The Filipino community in Australia is very welcoming. They are very quick to assist in almost everything you need most likely because they were in the same shoes as I was before. It’s nice and convenient to be able to ask for help from your countrymen and women.”

Advice for High School Students

For Nathan, his living and study experience in Australia and at Bond University is a dream come true. His mother also studied at Bond so that made his decision to study there easier and he got the encouragement he needed.

He also takes pride in the fact that “employers would be more attracted to a degree from Australia because the standard of education here is higher.” So he advises high school students who are looking into studying outside the country to go for it.

“If you have the means, then go ahead! You won’t look back at this experience and regret it. You can only go up from here.”

For more information about Bond University, you may visit their website.