How the Pandemic Helped Sean Realise His Aspirations to Study Nursing in Australia

The global pandemic was a time of sudden and unrelenting change. Whether that change manifested itself in living situations, work, or places of work, for many people the reverberations of that period are still being felt in 2024. This is especially true for Sean Fernando, for whom the pandemic was a time of uncertainty, but also one of new opportunities. Despite having only recently arrived in Australia at the time, the sudden impact of the pandemic helped Sean to realise the importance of frontline health workers, and thus spurred his desire to undertake studies in nursing at the University of Tasmania. We spoke with Sean about life going from Sri Lanka to Hobart, embracing a new country and culture, and the role played by IDP throughout his exciting journey.

Hi Sean! Just to start, where are you originally from? And what did you/are you studying at University of Tasmania?

I am from Sri Lanka. I am studying a Bachelor's degree in Nursing at the University of Tasmania. I also hold a Bachelor's degree in Economics at the Queensland University of Technology.

Prior to starting your journey, were you already familiar with IDP? If not, how did you find out about us?

My higher education journey began in 2019. I was fresh out of high school and I always wanted to pursue higher studies in a different country. I was referred to IDP Sri Lanka through a family friend who was a client a year before I finished high school. I took his recommendation and visited the IDP branch in Colombo. I enrolled for a Bachelor's in Economics at the Queensland University of Technology. I graduated in 2022.

I studied through the COVID-19 pandemic and my career aspirations changed as a result of it. I decided I wanted to pursue a career in health and nursing. When I needed help with the application process for the Bachelor’s in Nursing, I immediately knew where to go. I contacted the IDP office in Melbourne and got everything sorted out.

Growing up, had you always been interested in studying in Australia? If so, why?

Yes, I had always been interested in studying overseas. Australia, in my opinion, was a popular destination. I believe the reason for this is the quality of education. After high school, I researched many countries to decide where to pursue my higher education.

Australia stood out for its standard of living, up-to-date education, curriculum with both practical and theoretical learning components, and it’s cultural acceptance. It is a rich and diverse country. It’s also the third-largest study destination which makes it a hub for international students. I also had family friends and cousins who had studied in Australia to back up the claims.

When I wanted to change careers, I did not have to research any further. I have personally experienced the quality of education, the high standard of living and cultural acceptance in Australia, and therefore it was an easy decision to make.

Why did you ultimately choose Australia and the University of Tasmania (UTAS) as your preferred study destinations?

The University of Tasmania is well known for having a student-centered approach. It comprises both theoretical and practical assessments including professional experience placements which are vital for a course like nursing. UTAS tailors its courses with more focus on student engagement in study, which I believe is crucial in generating successful graduates. When I was visiting Tasmania, I happened to come across the UTAS campus in Newnham which I absolutely fell in love with. I contacted IDP Melbourne to check my eligibility and got into the 2023 intake.

How did our IDP counsellors and UTAS help you settle in to your new life in Hobart?

IDP counsellors were exceptional in their communication with the university on my behalf. They were prompt, and professional and always had time to answer any questions I had. On both occasions, I have had a positive experience with IDP.

UTAS helped me with providing information on what to expect in relation to the course. There was information on local services available to international students. I was also informed about services and facilities within the university itself that would be helpful as a new student. Student Support Services were also exceptional in the initial support they provided for me in getting things sorted for the first semester.

What surprised you most about Australia when you arrived here?

When I first arrived in 2019, I believe I was most surprised by how welcoming everyone was. I expected it to be a little nerve-wracking to say the least. However, it was not like that at all. I was easily able to make friends with the locals, who were supportive and who helped me to adjust to the local settings.

What attracted you to your chosen field of study?

With COVID-19, I had a change of thought on what I wanted to pursue as a career. Initially, I was interested in finance and economics. However, with the pandemic, I realised the opportunities in the healthcare industry. I also realised the significance of the health sector as a whole and the vital role of frontline healthcare workers, especially registered nurses. This realisation ignited a strong passion in me and a commitment to pursue a healthcare career.

Were there any aspects of studying in a new university and country which you found stressful or challenging? If so, how were you able to overcome these challenges?

Homesickness was a major challenge. Being away from family and friends leads to loneliness, and as such I regularly take video calls from my parents. Keeping them updated on what I’m doing helped a lot. I also took part in various events organised by the university to make new connections which also helped. Additionally, the culture shock can sometimes be overwhelming. While this wasn’t a major challenge for me, being friends with the locals definitely helped me to learn more and explore.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far?

I could not be happier with my choice to study in Australia. The education I receive here is top-notch, and I highly value it. I can already see how much I have learned about health issues, anatomy and physiology – areas that I knew nothing about just a few months back. It is also fulfilling to put what I have learned into practice during my placements and make a difference in people’s lives.

What’s some advice you would give to other prospective international students who aren’t sure where or how to start their journey?

One of the most important aspects of getting started is research. Establishing what you want to pursue as a career and figuring out what you need to get there is important. I can highly recommend IDP in this regard. I was given plenty of course options to choose from, and once I had set my mind on a course of study I was provided with a list of top universities around the world. IDP also offers advice when it comes to choosing a country for study. Once you have decided when and where, IDP can liaise with the university to sort out paperwork and enrolment whilst you get your goodbyes in order.

This interview was part of our ongoing series, ‘Student Success Stories’. Check out our previous entries below:

• Cheshna Boolaky

• Jaspreet Gill

• Manisha Shrestha

• Sarbjeet Singh

• Ratih Arruum Listiyandini