From the Philippines to Australia: An international student ambassador’s story

To many international students, Brisbane, Australia is lesser-known than Melbourne and Sydney. To most visitors, it’s usually a waypoint for those heading to the Sunshine Coast to the north and the Gold Coast to the south. To 22-year-old Filipino Arabelle Dominique Madria, however, it’s her new home “with so much to offer.”

Hailing from the city of smiles, Bacolod City, Philippines, Madria is in Brisbane, Australia to pursue a Diploma in Leadership and Management at Queensford College. She is also one of 40 Brisbane International Student Ambassadors, chosen to tell their real-life Brisbane stories via social media to their network back home. We spoke to Madria to find out more about what exactly the country’s third-largest city has to offer, what’s it like to be chosen as a student ambassador and what her plans are for the future:

Tell us about yourself. Why did you choose to study abroad?

Growing up, I was so dependent on my family and friends back home and I knew that relying on them would take me nowhere. I have big dreams in life, so that made me decide to get out of my comfort zone and explore a world relatively new to me.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by arabelle madria (@bellemadria) on Aug 29, 2020 at 1:38am PDT

Why did you choose to study in Brisbane, Australia? What do you like most about studying here?

I always found Australia to be a very interesting country and I’ve heard stories that the international student scene here is beyond amazing. What I really love about studying here is that I get to challenge myself and every challenge shapes me into the woman I am meant to become. I have discovered so much about myself; my strengths, my weaknesses and what I am capable of doing. Brisbane is a beautiful city that offers so much. I love the culture and the arts and I am so happy that the scene here is booming!

Tell us about your most memorable time at university/Brisbane

Last April, I was appointed as one of 40 Brisbane International Student Ambassadors. I consider my appointment as my most memorable memory here. I love my country, the Philippines and I am so blessed to represent it!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

so happy to announce that i have been appointed as an International Student Ambassador for the beautiful city of Brisbane, Australia! i am proud to represent the Philippines and along with 39 other ambassadors, i get to be a voice for 95,000 international students in the city. Brisbane has so much to offer and we cannot wait to share it with everyone!

A post shared by arabelle madria (@bellemadria) on Apr 30, 2020 at 2:59am PDT

What are your top recommendations or advice to others planning to study in Australia?

Do not be scared to explore and try new things. Brisbane is a city that has so much to offer and if you just lock yourself up in your own tiny shell, you will surely miss out on a lot!

What are your plans for the future?

For now, I am just focusing on finishing my course and from there, I will see where the wind takes me.