Nepali Times talked to some Nepali students about their aspirations, hopes and their reason for choosing Australia
Pic: Rameshwar Bohara
Nepali students studying in Victoria University in Sydney. From right to left: Goma Garbuja, Roni Gurung, Abhilasha Pradhan, Saajan Acharya and Kenish Bista.
Nepali students have their eyes set on Australia due to quality education, good earning opportunities, better prospects and hopes of securing a Permanent Residency. These are becoming some of the main factors for luring Nepalis to universities Down Under.
“The reason they are attracted to Australia is both in terms of their career prospects and the pay. With a little extra effort they can easily settle here and support their families back home financially,”said Sunita Shrestha, International recruitment manager of Education Centre of Australia.
Information Technology and accounting are some of most commonly chosen subjects by the students. “One thing that is true is, out of the students who come here 99 percent want to settle over here,” said Shrestha.
Out of the many universities that the students come to, Victoria University in Sydney has become one of the popular destinations for the students. Nepali Times talked to some students of the university about their aspirations, hopes and their reason for choosing Australia.
Goma Garbuja, 22
“I came here two years ago. The studies here and in Nepal are definitely different. In Australia it is more about self study and one has to manage time for both work and studies. So it becomes very practical. In the future, I see myself settling here in Australia.”
Roni Gurung, 22
“While doing my BBS I got an opportunity to come to Australia and I took it instantly. It has been two years now and even I plan to settle here. Everything here runs in a systematic manner, and that is what I like most about this country.”
Abhisha Pradhan, 22
“After my A Levels I applied to Victoria and have been here since the last three years. I am currently doing my Bachelor’s in accounting and business. In the long run, I plan to settle here.”
Saajan Acharya, 26
“I came to Australia five years ago after having studied hospitality management. Here I am enrolled in a Bachelor’s program in Victoria University and am pursuing accounting and business management. I plan to return to Nepal and build my career in my own country.”
Kenish Bista, 25
“I studied hospitality management in Nepal and came to Australia five years ago to pursue my Bachelor’s. I feel there is a big difference in education systems between here and in Nepal. Back home it is mostly rote learning while in Australia the emphasis is more on practical learning. But after completing my Master’s I want to work here for two more years and then I will return to Nepal. I believe there are plenty of opportunities back home.”