Student Stories: Learning English and Finding My Path

Student Stories: Learning English and Finding My Path

My name is Raneem Al Rashdi, and I am from Oman. After receiving a government scholarship for high achieving students, I chose to study in Melbourne, Victoria, studying English for Academic Purposes at RMIT UP in 2025, and am now undertaking Foundation Studies.

RMIT UP Student Raneem Alrashdi wearing a blazer and standing in front of staircase
I was part of the Student Ambassador program and I really enjoyed developing my leadership skills – helping to organise events boosted my confidence and opened up my thinking. I particularly enjoyed introducing elements of my culture to my fellow students - and learning about theirs - through shared experiences such as food and cultural celebrations.

During my time at RMIT UP, I helped to put on Eid celebrations twice. It has been very special for me to do this, as a lot of people don't know Oman well and it's nice to introduce people to our culture. Every culture has its own events and special celebrations, but sometimes to others, they can seem weird or mysterious. I think sharing these events openly in the university or anywhere in the community makes it easier to connect to for others, and less weird! For example I really enjoyed participating in Lunar New Year celebrations - I had never heard of this before. 

I also enjoyed generally helping out whenever the Student Experience team needed help, and making videos for social media. I have a particular interest in digital media, so I really enjoyed recording some of our workshops so future students can see what it's like to study at RMIT. Helping to take initiative, organise events and get other students involved has all boosted my confidence and leadership skills.

Something that has become an area of interest for me is the idea of how to start your own business or project – this is something in the future I think I will now have the confidence to do. I'm also passionate about videography and visual learning, and feel there is crossover with my interest in supporting people to run their own business or project. All of these experiences mean I now see that I can be a leader in my community and for my peers.

I have always been a high achieving student. I was almost always in the top five at my school. I went to public school, and it wasn't common for students from my school to get scholarships. It was so competitive that some teachers wouldn't even encourage you to try, but I was lucky to have a teacher who had also studied in Australia – and she encouraged me to go for it. When the teacher focuses on you it makes a difference – she really inspired me to go to Australia! 

I was also lucky in that I learnt English at school starting from young age, and I was naturally good at English. Learning English here in Australia has been challenging for me. It's very different to Oman, and I found it was more difficult to get high grades as easily here. I am very proud of how I did in English for level 6 and 7 - I got good feedback from teachers, and my Foundation Studies teacher was also very impressed with my performance.

A group of 5 international students smiling with their teacher against a bright wall
I find the teachers here in Australia genuinely care about every student and help them to achieve their goals – they want you to improve your skills.

The attention from the teachers is equal and there is a low class size, so you have the opportunity to repeat things, to practice, to take your time and improve at your own pace. It's a really great learning environment.

I am on a pathway to study a Bachelor of Business Professional Practice at RMIT University. Before I entered RMIT UP, I didn't know what I wanted to focus on. I knew I liked the creative side of things, but studying marketing as part of my Foundation Studies course has helped me to choose what to focus on. It all came together for me. I felt I had the space and time to think about what really interests and motivates me here in Melbourne. 

I either want to own a business, or get a job. I'm still thinking about which way I will go. If I own a business, I have two ideas: to have a videography agency, or a real estate business. If I get a job, it will be in digital marketing. These ideas all really excite me. I know I need to be motivated no matter what pathway I choose – it will require hard work, lots of effort and time.

People's attention has gone digital. Young people are less likely to read - they want to see and experience things visually. Digital communication is a very powerful tool if we use it correctly. People all over the world now can access powerful information in a way they never could before. This makes isolation less likely. But then need for reliable, trustworthy content is more important now than ever.

As a visual learner myself, I want to make it easier for visual learners to learn. This is a career goal that I have discovered here as a student in Melbourne.

I was recommended studying in Melbourne by family members who already lived here, but I didn't realise how good it was until I actually came here! Studying overseas is a great way to meet people on the same path as you. You're learning the same language - but from all over the world. Practising your English together in everyday life is helpful but also fun, and it creates a really strong connection.

Ready to start your own journey? Explore our Foundation Studies, Academic English and other programs below.

RMIT UP Courses and Tests
06 July 2026

Share

Related articles

RMIT UP Student Raneem Alrashdi wearing a blazer and standing in front of staircase

Student Stories: Learning English and Finding My Path
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 06 Jul 2026

My name is Raneem Al Rashdi, and I am from Oman. After receiving a government scholarship for high achieving students, I chose to study in Melbourne, Victoria, studying English for Academic Purposes at RMIT UP in 2025, and am now undertaking Foundation Studies.

Three RMIT international students walking down Bowen Street

Fast Track your Future
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 22 Apr 2026

RMIT UP has launched Fast Track, a new accelerated pathway program for high-achieving international students. The first intake begins in July 2026 and applications are now open.

An RMT UP art teacher in a classroom working with students fro m South East Asia

Showcasing Foundation Studies in South-East Asia and China
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 22 Apr 2026

Hundreds of prospective students across South-East Asia and China experienced the hands-on, practical nature of an RMIT UP Foundation Studies class through interactive demonstrations delivered by our teachers across the region.

View all
aboriginal flag float-starttorres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures