Lavanya Raj / The Hindu / 9 july 2012
I always wonder why I chose to do my Ph.D in a foreign university. The word “foreign” brings about many feelings in us — love, hate, fascination, and excitement. The word “university” makes us wonder in anticipation how a place of educational heaven will be like. I had all these aspirations too.
After three years of stay in Melbourne, I have come to know what individual work, struggles, intellectual satisfaction and achievement feel like in this context. I also understand that it has transformed me for the good. This penance has made me love Melbourne, still better — love my country/State.
I am a Ph.D research student (Educational leadership and quality in higher education systems) in Monash University. Monash university is ranked number 5 in Australia and 117 universally (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings). It exceeds certain expectations — Importance given to critical thinking, responsibility on the students to excel, freedom to discuss and debate, flexible study timings, global exposure, less importance to marks and more importance to practical application.
Of all the mentioned advantages, I relate to individual work the most because it gives time and scope to spend long hours studying/writing, sharpening the mind without external disturbances of having to score marks alone. Quality in terms of understanding the subject is given priority.
Educational quality includes technology like computers, student web portal, video conferencing, continuous seminars, workshops, conferences and multiple libraries with generous lending options. Bachelor’s and master’s students have the opportunity to do coursework and research, working individually and in a group at other times, with students from different countries.
Conveniences at campus include picturesque locales, kitchen facilities, cafes, restaurants, recreation spots, hair salon, banks, medical clinic and post office among other facilities. Student services include health care benefits and bus services between campuses. These facilities make life easier to be able to spend more time on studies.
The university provides opportunities to head and work in teams of varied interests — clubs, conferences, colloquiums and study groups. These opportunities will help you develop a global attitude that respects your own cultural roots. Living in a foreign country for extended periods of time can be exhilarating and enlightening. Travelling, learning the culture of the country, living differently tell you that life is all about experiences and what you make out of them. Adapting to a western culture is challenging even when we are exposed to western thoughts and styles of living. For example, university life puts complete focus on the student to perform. It transforms thought processes, making you meticulous and structured.
The beauty of living and experiencing a foreign land throws you into unexpected waters. Sometimes it is a smooth swim and at other, against the current. Nevertheless you can turn into a great swimmer — learning to respect the ocean and enjoying it. I wish I were more economically sound to pursue an international education; so, getting a scholarship before you take the flight is good. Knowing the university, networking with current students, finding accommodation beforehand can make the transition easier. Adjusting with housemates, shopping for groceries and cooking are skills you have to develop. A good way to take care of all this would be to read blogs and converse with current students.
City life is filled with activities to do — from theatre workshops and dancing to rowing and international cuisines.
All the best!
Ph.D Scholar - Leadership, Higher education and Quality
Monash University, Melbourne
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