Student : Patrick (Paddy) HUGHES - Irish

Course : Certificate IV in Horticulture

Paddy first came to Australia as a backpacker and picked up some work in Waroona.
On his return to study in Australia Paddy contacted his previous employer to find work that would relate to his field of study.
Paddy chose to study Certificate IV in Horticulture at SWIT, Bunbury Campus due to the close proximity to Waroona where he currently lives. The flexibility of his chosen course suits his lifestyle and he enjoys the weather and relaxed pace of life in the South West.
He is thoroughly enjoying the course and is appreciative of the support provided by his lecturer’s.
Paddy is aiming towards sponsorship and permanent residency and would like to find work in the Landscaping industry in the future.

Student : Lyset JASI - Zimbabwean

Course : Diploma of Nursing

With family in Kalgoorlie Lyset was hoping to study close to that location unfortunately the course was not available at that TAFE campus. Lyset chose to study at South West Institute of Technology, Bunbury Campus as she prefers a regional location rather than the city.
Lyset is currently studying the Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing) and her lecturer’s provide her with excellent support. Lecturing staff always have time to talk when Lyset requires assistance. Lyset would like to pass on her personal appreciation to SWIT lecturer’s Sandra Palmer, Julie Pearce, Ruth Phillips, Jenny Boxsell and Marjorie Byrne for all their support.
The fact that Bunbury is a City and still has a regional feel to it with a not too large population and a great climate are just some of the reasons Lyset is enjoying living in the South West.
Lyset would like to achieve permanent residency and find employment in the nursing field.

Student : Norashikin (Nora) A MAJID - Malaysian

Course : Diploma of Children’s Services

Last year, Nora chose to study the Diploma of Children’s Services at Bunbury Campus of South West Institute of Technology, preferring the atmosphere of a smaller regional college to that of a large college in the metropolitan area.
On completion of her studies in Children’s Services, Nora decided to continue her studies at Bunbury – this time the Certificate III in Aged Care. She remembers being unsure about her choice at first but has settled well into the course, finding it interesting. It has also given her the opportunity to meet more people.
Nora appreciates the support she receives from her lecturers and comments that the Library and Student Services staff provide her with any additional support that she needs.
Nora hopes to become a resident and to use her qualifications to obtain work. When asked what she liked about living in the South West, her response was:
‘I like everything! I like the town, the beaches, the people – everything!’

Student : Kazutaka (Zoo) SUMI - Japanese

Course : Diploma of Hospitality

Zoo is currently studying the Diploma of Hospitality and chose the South West Institute of Technology, Bunbury Campus as he prefers a regional setting to a metropolitan one.

He finds study here different to study in Japan where the majority of the students were a lot younger.

Zoo finds the balance of mature age students to young students in his course provides him with a great opportunity to interact on a number of different levels.

The climate and environment of the South West attracted Zoo to the area and the central location of Bunbury provides easy access to Perth City then, heading south you have the Margaret River wine area to explore all within 2 hours of Bunbury.

Zoo’s goal is to take up permanent residency and achieve employment in a teaching role.

Student : Tonderai ZONDO - Zimbabwe

Course : Diploma of Nursing

Tonderai originally applied to study in Perth but as the course was full, he was offered a place in the South West at Bunbury Campus of South West Institute of Technology. After arriving at the Institute, he quickly met other students from Africa and settled well.
He states that the local people were very helpful and accommodating when he first arrived. He remembers one local student offering to take him around the town as he didn’t have a car, which made him feel welcome.
Tonderai is studying the Diploma of Nursing – Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing, which he has found challenging as he didn’t study science back home. However, he has found his lecturers and placement supervisors to be very supportive, which has helped him to progress. Being able to access the library with his 24 hour card has helped him to carry out the research he needs to do for the course.
Tonderai’s plan is to complete his Diploma and he is thinking of going to uni after this to continue with nursing.