From India to Australia’s Coast: Geetika’s Journey

Leaving her hometown in northern India, Geetika set out on a journey that would take her far beyond anything she had experienced before. Choosing to study at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie meant not only pursuing her passion for IT, but also discovering a coastal lifestyle and a sense of independence she now deeply values.

Why I chose Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University was Geetika's first choice, although her family initially had concerns about her moving to a regional city so far from home.

"My parents were not quite sure because it's very far away. They were like, 'How will you survive? You have no relatives or friends here.'"

After receiving a generous scholarship based on her bachelor's degree results, she decided to take the opportunity.

"Now I feel like I made a good decision by seeing everything here."

Living in Port Macquarie as an international student

Although she has visited Sydney, Geetika says Port Macquarie suits her personality far better.

"Nobody, no place can compare as here. You can see the beaches and the mountains all at one place."

She enjoys the relaxed lifestyle, the short distances and being surrounded by nature rather than traffic and crowds.

"Everything is close by. You can go out whenever you feel like it, go by the beach or go shopping. Everything is available here."

Seeing the Ocean for the First Time in Australia as an International Student

Growing up in northern India, Geetika had never seen the ocean before arriving in Australia.

"I was like, 'Oh my God, what is this?'"

She was amazed by the waves and spent much of her free time by the beach during her first few months in Port Macquarie.

"Every day I wanted to go by the beach and sit there and watch the waves."

Studying Master of Professional Information Technology

Charles Sturt University campus.

One of Geetika's favourite projects involved IoT automation, where students created a connected system linking devices such as fire alarms and sprinklers.

Although she had never worked on anything like it before, the support from her lecturer gave her the confidence to complete the project successfully.

"Now whenever I see a fire sprinkler or alarm, I always think about what's behind it and how it's connected."

Making friends at Charles Sturt University

Geetika's interview took place in one of her favourite spots in Port Macquarie, Town Beach.

The university became Geetika's main place to meet new people through classes, festivals and student events.

"Students in my classes are from all different countries, so it's kind of amazing."

Studying abroad at Charles Sturt has also helped her become much more confident.

"I would say that I'm not an introvert now. It has become easy for me to talk to people because making friends isn't difficult anymore."

How studying abroad changed me

Flynns Beach, Port Macquarie.

Moving to Australia was the first time Geetika had lived away from her family. While she still misses them, she believes taking that leap has helped her grow both personally and professionally.

"It has changed me a lot, in many ways, and in good ways. So I'm glad I came here."

She is especially proud to be the first member of her family to study overseas.

"I think I'm the first person from my family to come here alone and study, so I feel proud of that."