
Khalifa Saleh Al-Mawali, Oman
Graduate of RMIT ELICOS, Foundation Studies (Science, Engineering and Technology), and Bachelor of Engineering programs. Currently studying PhD in Engineering.
‘My PhD topic is Techniques in Multi-carrier Modulation for Multi-media Communications in which we study different multicarrier schemes for optimising the data rate. We generally work in the field of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) but we focus on a technique called orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) that will be suitable for the Fourth Generation (4G) wireless communication systems. When I finish my PhD I hope to work in the technological field of wireless communication systems and digital signal processing. This is one of the emerging fields that has a great importance to the whole world.’

Khanh Tran, Vietnam
Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Food Technology).
‘I found the Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Technology) program to be very experimental…we were given many opportunities to work in chemistry, biology, physics and microbiology laboratories. We were also provided with practical experience, working in a pilot plant that had a lot of advanced food-processing equipment. On top of this, we went on many industrial visits to various factories around Melbourne such as Cadbury, Yakult, Visypak, Paul’s Milk, Bertocchi Smallgoods and Coca-Cola™.’

Stefanie Weber, Germany
Study Abroad.
“One of my priorities when choosing an Australian university was a central campus in the city. The fact that the RMIT city campus is in the heart of Melbourne manifested my decision. The international students are looked after very well at RMIT. There are a wide range of activities where all the nationalities come together”.

Mohammed Saif Al Saidi, Oman
Bachelor of Engineering (Manufacturing and Engineering Management).
‘RMIT’s strong engineering reputation, and Oman’s booming manufacturing industry are the main reasons why I chose RMIT. I am really enjoying the program so far, particularly the management courses. Because of the program I have also been able to join Engineers Australia, including the Australian Manufacturing Society, and Engineers Without Borders. I am really looking forward to volunteering for Engineers Without Borders as I think this will give me valuable professional experience.’

Mir Zaman Shah, Pakistan
PakistanCurrent AusAID scholarship studentMaster of Education (Educational Leadership and Management).
‘I guess it was very difficult for me to get a visa into Australia because of my frequent visits to Aghanistan and Tajikistan for work. I had to wait for eight months to get the visa. Eventually I wrote to the Australian High Commissioner in Islamabad, explaining my situation. It turned out she was RMIT alumni, so she began to take a personal interest in my story and assisted me with getting my passport and visa into Australia.
‘Because of the delays in getting my visa, by the time I commenced my studies at RMIT I had unfortunately missed all of the pre-academic programs and even the introductory classes. However, as soon as I got here, I felt like everyone knew my name and the difficulties I had gone through to get here. International Student Information and Support (ISIS) were fantastic. They helped me open my bank account and arranged for my stipend to go into the account automatically on the very first day I reached RMIT. The academics, advisors and lecturers were also very supportive. They monitored my progress and were very pleased when I scored High Distinctions and Distinctions in my courses. It was a very welcoming atmosphere to come into.’

Mareike Lattermann, Germany
Study Abroad.
“RMIT offers a great range of subjects in every area you can think of – especially in my area of interest, Computer Science. RMIT provided a fantastic infrastructure, and offered many subjects that we don’t even have in Germany. I definitely learnt more last semester than ever before”.

Fathmath Nishan, Maldives
Master of Education.
‘Professionally I am an ex English language and English literature teacher who now has management responsibilities at a school in the Maldives. I have also worked as a consultant and conducted teacher development and training programs in schools. RMIT’s Master of Education is building on my professional experiences to date. I am learning more about education research and leading and managing change. I believe this master’s degree will prepare me for my PhD as well as enhance future career prospects that may come my way.’

Jing Wei - Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering), Nepal
Foundation Studies.
‘Starting Foundation Studies is a big step for many students, including me. Being new and far away from home is not easy. However, the teachers and other students at RMIT College really helped me adjust to the new environment. I did so well, I won an RMIT Foundation Studies Scholarship for Academic Excellence!’

Sheeraz Memon, Pakistan
PhD (Computer Systems).
‘I spent a lot of time researching Australian universities prior to choosing RMIT. I chose RMIT because of the reputation of their communication engineering academics. They have strong backgrounds and have conducted years of research in my field of digital signal processing. Australia is also leading the way in this technology. I believe that studying my PhD at RMIT will provide me with high-class research skills and lead to an excellent qualification.’

Aruna Devi , Fiji
Masters in Laboratory Medicine.
“Melbourne is a safe, multicultural city that I would recommend to other students. Melbourne provides great public transport, shopping, has beautiful gardens and parks and the city is always lively with some sort of event going on. It’s a beautiful place with friendly locals.”

Juni Gurung, Nepal
Master of Applied Science (Information Security and Assurance).
“What I like about studying at RMIT is the small class sizes. I find that my tutorials are very interactive, and I really enjoy this aspect of my studies. Melbourne is a city full of life. The people are very friendly and welcoming, and there is so much to do. I am really enjoying myself.”

Left: Dian Trihastuti, Indonesia
Master of Engineering Integrated Logistics Management.
‘In my course I have no exams, just assignments. Because of this I found RMIT’s Introduction to Academic Program really helpful, I now know what my lecturer wants from me. For example, when submitting an assignment, I know my lecturer will want me to introduce the subject, identify the key points of the subject, and find examples that will support my argument. I also learnt the importance of referencing and using experts to support my arguments. This is very different to what is required in Indonesia.’
Right: Diana Shintawati Purwanto, Indonesia
Master of Laboratory Medicine.
‘When I graduate I will return to my lecturing job at the Faculty of Medicine Sam Ratulangi University Manado where I teach biochemistry. As a result of my studies I will encourage my students to develop analytical skills. I will want them to think for themselves and draw their own conclusions, using examples to support their argument. I want my students to become critical thinkers, like I am becoming.’

Akino Miura, Japan
Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship),
“I like Melbourne very much because there are lots of parks, which makes for a relaxing atmosphere. RMIT’s location, in the centre of the city, is not only great, but also convenient!”

Muizz Adam Nazmi, Malaysia
Bachelor of Architectural Design
‘RMIT’s lecturers have strong links with industry and through their experiences we understand how architectural practices work. As a student group, we work really well together and the labs are great, we even have access to laser printing, and that’s pretty cool.’