Written by Natalie Mullins
Knowing I was moving to Singapore some time the following year I decided to return to Victoria to spend some time with family, work and save more prior to leaving.
I packed up what had been my life for the last four years, flew to Cambodia for my study tour, and on return drove back down south to Melbourne catching up with friends and working along the way.
This time of transition brought unexpected challenges as I learned that my initial university application was declined due to limited resources and the universities inability to accept full fee paying students. With no other option in my planned host location, it was a difficult moment that left me reconsidering my options and planning my next steps.
After careful thought and many conversations with the CSU global team, lecturers, family and friends I applied to Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. After receiving my acceptance, I submitted my variation request to NCP to change my host location from Singapore to Malaysia.
While awaiting approval, I sought out different opportunities and applied to attend a First Nations Study Tour organised by NCP. My intention was to deepen my understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture which I believed would be invaluable to apply in my workplace and share while undertaking my international studies.
In July 2024, I travelled to Cairns with 16 other scholars, where we spent a week immersed in cultural learning, fostering strong connections with both people and country. The experience emphasized the importance of traditional welcomes, acknowledgments, and the sense of belonging they bring, especially when navigating life in a new country. This was truly impactful, as it allowed me to develop First Nations cultural literacy in ways that books simply cannot provide and equipped me to share these perspectives with those I’d meet in Malaysia.
Upon returning to Melbourne with no update on my variation request I began exploring rental options, preparing for the possibility that my request might not be approved. However, just five weeks before my intended departure, I received the green light. Suddenly, it was all systems go as I had to arrange flights, accommodation, medical check-ups, and catch up and spend time with friends and family I hadn’t seen during my years in Queensland.
In a blur of those busy final weeks, my departure day arrived, and I have now been living in Malaysia for six weeks. The transition has been nothing short of an adventure.
Arriving 24 hours before Universiti Malaya’s “Week of Welcome – Exchange’ and was immediately swept into the excitement of orientation. The opportunity to meet new people, immerse myself in a diverse cultural environment and engage with the academic community has been rewarding.
Each day has presented new challenges, insights and a stronger sense of purpose in my NCP journey.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
