Expanding on “Life in a Foreign University | How Australia’s University of Wollongong Shaping My Leadership Skills”
The article tells the story of a student named Shaurya Kansal and his experience studying abroad at the University of Wollongong in Australia. Shaurya comes from a humble family in Meerut, India, and had the opportunity to study in Sydney during his pre-schooling. This experience sparked his desire to study at top universities regardless of their location. He applied for the Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship at the University of Wollongong and was selected as the only international student out of ten recipients. The scholarship not only covered his full tuition fees but also provided him with various opportunities to develop his personality through seminars and interactions with the Vice-Chancellor.
Shaurya reflects on the application process for the scholarship, which required him to submit documents, grades, acceptance letters, and essays on leadership. He emphasized the importance of having achievements such as participating in national and international competitions and obtaining a high score on exams like IELTS or JEE. The interview process included discussing his goals, ideas for solving real-world problems, and his passion for entrepreneurship. Shaurya’s idea focused on building a malaria detector powered by AI to address the issue in rural India and Africa.
Shaurya describes his life in Australia as a magical experience, particularly enjoying the serene landscapes of Wollongong and the vibrant campus surroundings. He highlights the top-notch curriculum and facilities provided by the university, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning and practical projects. Unlike in India, Shaurya notes that the college experience in Australia is closely related to the real world, with opportunities to use industry-standard software and gain exposure to the tools used by top companies.
While his tuition fees are covered by the scholarship, Shaurya initially decided to live alone in a studio apartment to get acquainted with the new environment. He plans to find a part-time job after three months and enjoys cooking a variety of dishes, ranging from Indian to Japanese cuisine. He has made friends from diverse backgrounds, including Europe, with his closest friends being from France and the US.
Despite moving around frequently, Shaurya doesn’t feel homesick as he believes he carries his Indian culture with him wherever he goes. He maintains regular communication with his family and values their support. In conclusion, Shaurya encourages others to stay true to themselves, pursue their passions, and focus on making a positive impact on the world.
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