Name: Jie Bu (Chris)
Country: China
Hi, everyone, my name is Chris and I’m a bursary student at La Trobe in Sydney. I’m studying the Bachelor of Business with major in Management. One of the reasons I choose to study this programme through Sydney Campus is because it offers fast track which has three semesters per year with the ability to complete the degree in two-years full time. Another reason for studying with La Trobe is the university has an excellent reputation and the majors it offers are quite useful in any type of career path students will choose. Furthermore, compared to traditionally large class sizes, small size classes look more attractive to me because it improves interaction between the students and lecturers, which helps students solve some problems immediately on class and also helps lecturers get feedback from students so they can quickly change their current teaching strategies to get student better understand the lecture they are delivering.
Many people have asked me the question: “why do you choose La Trobe?” I have nothing more to say rather than simply “why not?” When I just arrived at Sydney, I experienced homesickness for about the first a few weeks after my arrival at La Trobe, but the homesickness slowly began to disappear because La Trobe has done a very good job in its social programs to help create a family orientated atmosphere. For example, La Trobe held a number of social and sporting events for us including Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas Party where we have many enjoyable and affordable opportunities to meet new people, get to know Australian culture and make the most use of our free time. As an international student, I am made to feel so welcome!
Moreover, academic staff members here welcome students who have difficulties in certain subjects to ask them any questions and are very friendly to solve their study problems. For instance, they analyse students’ needs and difficulties and work out an individual study plan for them. This one-to-one mentoring enables students to concentrate on their areas of weakness and find good ways to improve. Students may contact any lecturer who is currently teaching the subject they are studying via e-mail or seek for help face-to-face. In addition, La Trobe offers a modern and friendly studying environment for the students. For instance, students can have full access to the online database to search e-journals for their assignments and log in student online which enables them to check their personal details, get academic results, check enrolment and see recommended text books via La Trobe University website. Also, students in each campus can visit resource website to find up-to-date information for the subjects they are studying.
Now, I can honestly say that I have had the best two years of my life while I am studying with La Trobe, because I have become from a person who had no idea of what I was getting myself into to one who has learnt a lot about Australian culture and business knowledge. Mostly important, I have learnt about myself and what I am going to be in the near future. Thanks, La Trobe, I’m proud of you--you are the reason I smile! |
