RMIT’s new international student check-in program will help international students by connecting them with Student Experience Officers, fellow international students, for a chat over the phone to discuss their needs, ask for help and connect with programs and other supports they might need.
Anthony and Nan are two RMIT international students and Student Experience Officers who, through the check-in program, will connect with fellow international students throughout the year to share their own experiences and offer advice and connect their peers to support.
Get to know Anthony and Nan and hear what they’re looking forward to about starting their new role!
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Nan Nan
Hello everyone, I’m Nan Nan from China, currently doing PhD of chemical engineering at RMIT University.
Anthony
Hello, my name is Anthony and I grew up in Indonesia.
At RMIT, I am studying a Master of Food Science and Technology.
What was your experience like as an international student at RMIT?
Nan Nan
I arrived in Australia in 2017 when I was 17.
As an international traveller who travelled from China to Australia, I was much more excited than scared to enter a completely new country.
My favourite thing about studying in Melbourne is how friendly people are as I was quite shy when I first came to Australia.
It was not easy to get up the courage and ask for help at the start, but when I did for the first time, my classmates helped me.
It took me a bit of time to understand that people make mistakes and it is absolutely okay!
You make mistake and you learn from mistakes. Be confident and be bold.
After pursuing foundation studies at RMIT University, I then started Bachelor of Chemical Engineering at RMIT University something I really have a passion for.
During four years of study, I gained lots of knowledge from my major and genuine friends from the university.
Anthony
Lucky for me, I arrived in Australia before Covid-19 happened.
I had a chance to travel to many great cities in Australia like Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, and Brisbane.
Based on that journey, I can say that Melbourne has a great vibe!
One of the most important things is that I always feel safe walking through the City, even at night.
It’s never been an easy task to study overseas. In the beginning, I was a bit hesitant to talk or communicate since English is not my first language.
But, the teaching teams and my cohort are very nice, and they help me to overcome my language barrier.
Of course, I miss my family and friends, but nowadays you can make a video call to celebrate special occasions together!
