Studying abroad
by Shanaelle Inayatealy
The decision of studying abroad was not difficult. I have heard stories about studying abroad from my cousins and friends since I was young- about their student lives, differences in academics and the culture shocks they have experienced. With limited options for quality tertiary education in the country, qualification needs in Madagascar are often met by sending students to study abroad.
My first leap in achieving my study abroad dream has brought me to Malaysia. I started my bachelor’s degree in Asia Pacific University, one of Malaysia’s highest rated institutions for innovation and technology. However, the school was not as what I thought it would be- small city campus with little campus activities and lack of practical involvement in the program. I transferred to Sunway University after a year to complete my Bachelor’s studies in Corporate Communication.
After a deep reflection with my undergraduate experience in two universities in Malaysia, I realized I need to step out of this comfort zone and expand my horizons. The exposure in this country cannot fulfill my expectations.
I decided to take a year to work after my degree, hoping to discover my value and interest. As of currently, I am working in Madagascar as a sales representative of a trading company. This year truly has broadened my perceptions and helped me to decide what I want to do. I found my interest in the information enterprise management technology field, how IT impacted an organization. I was vexed when my illiteracy in this area has reduced my productivity but at the same time, I am excited to have discovered my passion !I have chosen Australia as my next studying destination. Undisputable quality of education, cultural diversity and friendly natives are the key deciding factors. Studying in this innovation-leading country will allow me to take advantage of their academic, technology and resource, inevitably will be beneficial to student that studies IT-related course.
I have been spending a considerable amount of time researching for university and program that fit me most. Finally, I have my attention locked at Deakin University, Master of Information systems. Deakin university is known as one of the prestigious universities in Australia that boasts an international student community for more than 150 nationalities. The fact of its welcoming spaces that value diversity and difference, vibrant campuses, emphasize on industrial connections and practice learning is all I wanted for my campus. Nothing will be better to study an IT Master in one of the universities from the Australian Technology Network.
I believe studying in Australia will open up my mind to new concepts and perspectives. I have noticed an industrial gap of these business intelligence from information systems and technology from my home country. Most of the companies in Madagascar are not updated and well-equipped with IT operations, including my dad’s company and factory. I have the confidence to practice the skills and knowledge that I will be learning to implement in my dad’s company and grow his business by aligning IT with business practices and processes.