Geoffrey – International Christian University
Semester 2, 2024
Bachelor of Information Technology
Going on this trip really made me realize this was more than just a study abroad experience but also a chance to explore my interests and redefine my understanding of global culture. Finally, completing a personal goal I made since being a freshman was even better than what I expected! I couldn’t recommend studying abroad enough!
As a son of both The Philippines and Australia; I’ve always noticed that moving my life to a different country is extremely confrontational and makes you zoom out and figure out what a life could be like without knowing what you learn in a brand new
environment in such a fast pace.
How it all started
I graduated high school in The Philippines and noticed that throughout my time there; There were a lot of people coming from non-english speaking backgrounds who come to the Philippines for the sole purpose of learning English as the people are very approachable and the country tends to be more affordable than learning English in their home countries since English is a national language in conjunction with Filipino. My high school somehow was popular in both South Korea and Japan which was like a taste of studying abroad in my home country. After graduating I made it a personal goal for myself to do my own exchange and find out what makes these people tick and want to experience a similar adventure of learning a new language in an unfamiliar environment. I was always extremely fascinated by the strong rooted cultural practices and rituals that have been cultivated over generations from different countries perspectives.
Unique perspective
As an Yuin man (Aboriginal Australian) still connecting and discovering my roots, Filipino and someone who grew up in a unique family setting I never really knew what it was like to experience a culture that a majority of people can relate to. That is what drew me to International Christian University; a university with an emphasis on reconciliation and peace and its flexibility in being a liberal arts university. It completely challenged the university life I was familiar with up until this point. Every class always had a large mixture of different majors, international students and perspectives which made every single class discussion extremely intriguing as everyone would usually start with a preface of think processes that is completely different to how I would approach problems.
Communities
In my personal experience I noticed that most people I met have had their own personal (usually artistic) goals in life whether that be making music, unique food touring aspirations, or an interesting take on comedy performances such as plays or Rakugo 落語 (which admittedly gave me a nosebleed at times) there was never a shortage of inspiration all around you. It was always inspirational to walk through the large open fields and seeing a group of 5-7 people playing folk music while everyone walks to class just for fun! As for me; I joined the Culture and Diversity Japan club as I was very interested in the aforementioned discussions which opened my eyes to both Japanese culture as a whole and different perspectives throughout every event.
Reconciliation
I think ICU has a very interesting history starting out as a reconciliation effort after World War II by the American and Japanese Christians which brought me back to Australia in some cases as I have a lifelong journey to rediscovering my heritage being supported by QUT’s Oodgeroo unit who have been more of a family while I still discover my own. To think of all the different major choices by multiple countries that brought me to ICU and achieve great personal goals. I am grateful for this opportunity to study abroad and expand my horizons.
Final words
As you’ll read throughout the QUT Gone Global blogs you’ll see lots of great tips for your host institution’s country that were very invaluable throughout my application journey. I think the only tip I’d like to hammer home is to reach out to students who
come from that country or even better; your desired university. I was lucky enough to connect and become friends with the student who was exchanging to QUT! (Such a rare coincidence) You’ll seriously come out with lots of interesting and specific
tips and invaluable contacts if you just reach out! There are lots of eager people who are dying to share the excitement of studying abroad with you!
Random fact about ICU
There are a few playful nicknames for some of the small hills you’ll find around campus which I thought was really charming. The Yama’s (Bakayama, Ahoyama; Literally translating to Fool’s hill and other synonymous names) are famous for being open and grassy focusing on casual hangouts in the middle of rich nature. These hills were given these names since they are such relaxing places; they might encourage you to take a nap or opt to procrastinate with friends and ignore your student responsibilities which will forever be a core nostalgic memory as I walked by these hills everyday on the way to and from class.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
