“How has the Australia Awards Scholarship supported your (personal, academic and social) development?

Personally, multiculturalism is positive. Observing diverse cultural realities allows us to understand the differences and not to judge hastily those situations that appear to be contrary to what normally happens in our countries. On a different level we all share similar problems and concerns. As for Australia, it’s been interesting to get to know a family better, understand some of their practices and values and living together in spite of our differences.

Academically, studying on your own is much more relevant. Teachers and tutors guide you, but the learning process is mainly carried out by the students. This is why time organization, pressure management and adequate resource management are vital to achieve objectives. In other words, you must be efficient when handling your skills.

How will your studies in Australia help you achieve the development objectives of your country?

An integral way of analysing the different problems that governments face is of great importance. Problems aren’t isolated, they are the combination of economic, political, social and administrative factors, among others, and that’s why the analysis and successful solution of the problems require various tools. Public policies success is not merely a technical matter. You must understand the interests that motivate the different stakeholders, and have effective communication.

From another perspective, the Masters in Public Policy allows you to get to know and develop different tools to carry out a better analysis and an integral formulation of public policies for any public matter.

What challenges have you faced (difficult part) and what has been the most gratifying thing about that experience (reward), in any area: academic, professional, English language, new friendships, life in campus, universities and teacher’s quality, travel experiences, etc.?

Language has been the main challenge. Not being proficient in the language can generate difficulties when relating with local students or in work-related matters.

The first months of adaptation are also difficult, particularly where there are no other students from your country. The same process repeats itself after finishing studies, but this time it is caused by the tension and uncertainty of going back to your home country and starting a new adaptation. In fact, the student is always in an adaptation process for the first year, it doesn’t matter if it’s an arrival to a new country or the return to the home one.

The most gratifying things have been, first, to complete the Masters after all the tension that the study period involves, time in which the student is constantly under pressure. The possibility to travel to other Asian countries has also been relevant. And finally, living with an Australian family meant a lot to me in personal terms.

Any message you want to add for future candidates to the Australia Awards Scholarship for Latin America:

Australia is a really interesting country because its people are very close to those from Latin American countries. Although they may seem selfish, they appreciate the growing multiculturalism, especially that related to the Asian influence and immigration. Australia is also a good option to get closer to Asia.

Maybe Canberra doesn’t have the facilities that other cities like Melbourne or Sydney have; but academically speaking, ANU and Crawford School (particularly) are a real challenge. The pressure for results is always there; the teacher’s quality and the facilities that the university provide are fundamental for the studies success. Besides, it is one of the top universities in Australia and the world, what guarantees a unique experience, especially when your effort is rewarded”.