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Study in Australia

The 8 Types of International Students You'll Meet When Studying in Australia

Published by Afterschool.my on Jun 11, 2018, 09:44 am

Whether it’s your first time studying in Australia or you’re flying for a second time to complete your postgraduate studies, one of the best parts of studying abroad is meeting lots of different people in your journey. While we may be stereotyping here a bit, you know you can spot at least one of these quirky characters in a group!

Without further ado, here are 8 types of international students you will meet when studying in Australia that we’ve identified:

1. The Overly Outgoing

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This person is already looking through the brochures and in-flight magazines feat, planning their next outing and finding out where the hot brunch spots are. They are always eager to go out regardless of time or day and is ten weeks ahead of everyone else who’s still adjusting to the different time zone. You’ll want to join in on as many plans as you can, but remember not to go overboard! Make sure you can properly balance your studies and leisure time while still having a good time.


2. The Big Brother (or Sister)

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This parent-figure is the ‘mother hen’ of the group. They have probably travelled on their own before and are more knowledgeable in matters of organisation and order. They’ll check up on you once in a while if you’re feeling overwhelmed or even if you just need someone to talk to. If you’re panicking about being so far away from home alone for the first time, it’s a great idea to stick with this person, especially when you’re still settling in!


3. The Transparent Tourist

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This person will let everyone know that it’s their first time abroad. In some cases, it may not even be their first time, yet it’s painfully obvious that they love being a tourist in a foreign country. Everywhere they go, their handy camera or mobile phone will get to work and snap photos of… well, everything! They’ll try to get selfies with kangaroos, and recreate the funniest or coolest poses at iconic hotspots around Australia. For the perfect photo op, tag along and capture all the best moments of your time abroad for you to fondly look back on.


4. The Horribly Homesick

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This person might seem like a real downer at first, but it’s only because they really, really want to go home. They can be found moping in their room at nights, Skyping their family members and friends from home or showing off photos from back home. It’s not their fault—perhaps they’ve never been away from home for so long, and the fear and nervousness of being alone in a strange new world is amplified with their homesickness. It’s nice to be wistfully thinking of home once in a while, but too much until it gets distracting can be unhealthy. You can help them get out of their funk by sharing your own experiences with them.


5. The Intimated Introvert

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This person also stays indoors a lot, but not because they’re moping. They’re either studying or reading, or just avoiding the public. Sometimes you rarely see them at all around campus, and yet miraculously they’re there in your exam hall or they’ve shown up at graduation! Though you can’t make people change, do try to include them in any small group activities so that they won’t miss out on travelling! After all, what’s the point of studying overseas if you’re not going to venture out and see what’s around?


6. The Beach Buff

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As everyone knows, Australia is well-known for its 10,000 beaches! The Beach Buff will gravitate towards beaches either for hardcore surfing or just to laze around on the beautiful white sand with a cool drink in hand. They are more laid back and prefer to soak up the sun and breathe in the sea salt air. The Beach Buff is the go-to person for all the best beaches, so tag along to enjoy Australia’s best beaches while you’re studying!


7. The Eclectic Expert

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The Eclectic Expert is a singlehanded pro in everything there is to know about the country. They’ve been to Australia more than just ‘a few times’; it’s practically a second home to them. From listing down the best cafés and restaurants to knowing the most affordable places to get trinkets and gifts, this person can be your guide about everything Australia. As friends come and go, this person will be invaluable to you as you are going about your daily life and studying in another country.


8. The Fellow Foreigner

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This person, like you, is probably new to the whole study abroad scene as well. They’re just as clueless as you are, and taking it all in slowly and steadily. This person may end up being someone you see in passing in between classes, or grow to become one of your closest friends as you explore Australia together!

Did you manage to spot the type of international student you are? Chances are, there’s at least one of each (or someone with a few combined) in every group of friends! No matter which type you are, the key takeaway from this is to learn how to balance your fun leisure time with your study time. There are lots of things and places to explore in Australia, but remember that you’re also there to study (first and foremost!) so finding that balance is important.

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