Indonesian readings / Intermediate 1 / Education & Career

Studying Abroad in Australia: My Journey

Belajar di Luar Negeri di Australia: Perjalanan Saya

Ketika saya memutuskan untuk kuliah di Australia, saya merasa bersemangat dan sedikit takut. Saya memilih Melbourne karena kota itu dikenal aman, multikultural, dan penuh kesempatan. Proses pendaftaran cukup panjang: saya menyiapkan ijazah, transkrip, sertifikat bahasa Inggris, dan surat motivasi. Saya juga mencari beasiswa dan menghitung biaya hidup, termasuk sewa, makanan, transportasi, dan asuransi kesehatan. Setelah mendapat visa pelajar, saya mulai mencari tempat tinggal. Pada awalnya saya tinggal di asrama kampus agar mudah beradaptasi. Saya bertemu teman dari berbagai negara, dan kami sering belajar bersama di perpustakaan. Dosen saya ramah, tetapi tugas kuliah menantang, sehingga saya harus mengatur waktu dengan baik. Saya membuat jadwal belajar, menggunakan kalender, dan menetapkan target mingguan. Untuk meningkatkan bahasa Inggris, saya mengikuti klub percakapan dan menonton berita. Saya juga bekerja paruh waktu di kafe dua hari seminggu untuk menambah pengalaman dan uang saku. Hidup di Australia membuat saya belajar mandiri: saya memasak sederhana, mencuci sendiri, dan mengatur anggaran. Cuaca kadang berubah cepat, jadi saya selalu membawa jaket tipis. Saat rindu rumah, saya menelepon keluarga dan memasak makanan Indonesia bersama teman. Pada akhir pekan, saya menjelajah kota, mengunjungi museum, taman, dan pantai. Saya belajar menghormati perbedaan, menaati aturan, dan menjaga keselamatan di jalan. Transportasi umum teratur, namun saya tetap memeriksa jadwal dan saldo kartu. Setelah satu semester, saya merasa lebih percaya diri. Nilai saya meningkat, jaringan pertemanan luas, dan saya punya rencana magang. Belajar di Australia bukan hanya tentang kelas, tetapi juga tentang membangun karakter, mengambil peluang, dan bermimpi lebih besar untuk masa depan. Saya belajar cara menulis esai yang jelas dan melakukan riset dengan jujur. Konselor internasional membantu saya memahami aturan kampus dan hak mahasiswa. Saya ikut orientasi, mempelajari sistem kredit, dan cara mengakses layanan kesehatan. Biaya hidup memang tinggi, tetapi dengan perencanaan saya bisa hemat, misalnya memasak di rumah, berbagi kamar, dan membeli buku bekas. Saya juga memanfaatkan perpustakaan digital dan diskon pelajar untuk transportasi serta acara seni. Dengan dukungan dosen dan teman, saya menjaga keseimbangan antara belajar dan kehidupan sosial, sehingga kesehatan mental tetap baik.

English Translation

When I decided to study in Australia, I felt excited and a little scared. I chose Melbourne because the city is known to be safe, multicultural, and full of opportunities. The application process was quite long: I prepared diplomas, transcripts, an English certificate, and a motivation letter. I also looked for scholarships and calculated living costs, including rent, food, transportation, and health insurance. After getting a student visa, I started looking for a place to live. At first I lived in a campus dorm so it was easy to adapt. I met friends from various countries, and we often studied together in the library. My lecturers were friendly, but university assignments were challenging, so I had to manage my time well. I made a study schedule, used a calendar, and set weekly targets. To improve my English, I joined a conversation club and watched the news. I also worked part-time in a cafe two days a week to add experience and pocket money. Life in Australia taught me to be independent: I cooked simple meals, did my own laundry, and managed a budget. The weather sometimes changed quickly, so I always carried a light jacket. When I missed home, I called my family and cooked Indonesian food with friends. On weekends, I explored the city, visiting museums, parks, and beaches. I learned to respect differences, obey rules, and stay safe on the road. Public transport was orderly, but I still checked schedules and card balance. After one semester, I felt more confident. My grades improved, my network of friends grew, and I had an internship plan. Studying in Australia was not only about classes, but also about building character, taking opportunities, and dreaming bigger for the future. I learned how to write clear essays and do research honestly. International counselors helped me understand campus rules and student rights. I joined orientation, learned the credit system, and how to access health services. The cost of living was indeed high, but with planning I could save, for example cooking at home, sharing a room, and buying used books. I also used the digital library and student discounts for transport and arts events. With support from lecturers and friends, I kept balance between study and social life, so my mental health stayed good.