How living abroad brings personal growth

Hi! I'm Rency and I'm an international student from Kenya. I'm currently studying my Bachelor of Community Services at Acknowledge Education in Perth, Western Australia. 

I chose Perth for its favourable climate and affordability. I thoroughly researched, and I found that the Mediterranean climate and relatively low cost of living made Perth an ideal destination for international students to live a comfortable and manageable lifestyle. 

Growing up in Kenya, I witnessed firsthand the impact of community support on people's lives, which sparked my passion for community development and social welfare. I'm committed to making a positive difference, which is why I'm studying a Bachelor of Community Services. Back in Kenya, I had already completed a Diploma in Social Work, and I wanted to further develop my skills and knowledge in a field that enables me to make a positive impact on individuals and communities. Acknowledge Education offers high quality community services courses which made it an ideal choice for my academic and professional goals. 

Since arriving in Perth, my student journey has been highly positive and rewarding in all dimensions - social, academic, and cultural. However, like most international students, I faced my share of challenges when I first arrived. Adapting to the local cuisine, navigating unfamiliar transport systems, and overcoming culture shock - safe to say I was feeling homesick. But through perseverance and proactive engagement in the community, I was able to overcome these obstacles, and I slowly started to feel at home. 

Something I have had to navigate is learning how to handle complex situations without being able to rely on family support. When you move to a new country to study, you don't have your family close to you, so you have to learn to become more independent. But it's these experiences that have allowed me to grow, enhancing my adaptability and self-reliance. 

Socially, I have had the opportunity to create lasting connections with people from diverse backgrounds. This has been significantly enhanced by the support provided by StudyPerth. Their student hub and events have enabled me to connect with others, sharing my culture and learning about theirs. Not only have I gained a global network of contacts, but I've made meaningful friendships and learnt how to navigate cultural differences. 

Living, studying, and working in Perth has increased my confidence and resilience and prepared me to tackle future challenges. I have become much more adaptable, and I'm now more confident than ever to navigate new situations and thrive in diverse environments. 

For those thinking about moving to Perth to study, go for it! But it's important to be aware of the potential challenges international students can face, like culture shock and homesickness. To maximise your experience, it's crucial to be open-minded, focused, and practice in engaging with new cultures and communities. I strongly recommend joining the StudyPerth community, which provides invaluable support to international students and a space to meet others just like you. Living abroad can be hard, but the benefits of personal growth, cultural immersion, and academic enrichment are incredibly rewarding.