After moving to Australia to continue his studies, Mark has embraced the opportunity to build practical skills, experience life in Sydney and apply what he has learned to a new role in the city’s tourism sector.

Choosing Charles Sturt University Sydney

Choosing where to study was an important decision for Mark. After researching a range of universities, he discovered Charles Sturt University’s Sydney campus and decided it was the right place to continue his studies in marketing.

“As an international student, you have a lot that you have to go through,” Mark explained. “I was researching all the different universities, and then I saw that Charles Sturt University had a campus in Sydney.”

For Mark, the smaller class environment has been another positive part of his experience.

“The biggest difference was that Charles Sturt University Sydney had smaller class groups,” he said. “It’s easier to interact with everyone, work together and get your work done. Your tutors and lecturers actually help you as well.”

Putting learning into practice

A work-integrated learning subject became a particularly valuable part of Mark’s studies, giving him opportunities to develop practical experience in areas including management and recruitment.

Mark believes the experience supported him as he took the next step in his career and secured an operations role with a new tourism company in Sydney. The opportunity has given Mark a chance to apply skills developed through his studies in a workplace environment while continuing to build his professional experience.

Finding support along the way

Alongside practical learning, Mark values the supportive environment he has experienced at Charles Sturt University Sydney.

Smaller classes have made it easier for him to engage with classmates and seek assistance from teaching staff when needed.

“It’s easier to interact with everyone, work together and get your work done,” Mark said. “Your tutors and lecturers actually help you as well.”

For an international student adapting to a new academic environment, that accessibility has been an important part of his experience.

Making Sydney home

Outside the classroom, Mark has enjoyed discovering Sydney and adjusting to life in Australia.

“Honestly, it’s been amazing,” he said. “You have so many opportunities here. The food is amazing, and everywhere you turn, you have a beach, a mountain or really friendly faces.”

Mark has become particularly fond of Sydney’s sushi rolls and banh mi, while everyday Australian customs – from standing to one side on an escalator to hearing people say “mate” and “g’day” – have become memorable parts of his international student experience.

“People are really nice here,” he said. “When I’m walking to the metro in the morning, people say ‘good morning’ or ‘hello’. It’s nice being able to live in a city like this.”

Building skills for the future

For Mark, studying at Charles Sturt University Sydney has been about more than learning in the classroom. Through practical learning, support from lecturers and opportunities to apply his skills in a workplace environment, he has continued to build his confidence and professional experience.

His journey highlights how hands-on learning can help students connect their studies with the workplace and develop skills they can take with them into their future careers.