International student Eric finds his hospitality home in Melbourne

For International student Eric Wong Sheng Yoong, studying hospitality at Melbourne Polytechnic has developed essential skills to start his career in the food and service sector.

How did you come to Melbourne Polytechnic

Melbourne Polytechnic was recommended to me by my Educational Consultant in Malaysia. They had previous experience of sending students to Melbourne Polytechnic and they said that it is a good place to study with a nice environment. I am happy that I enrolled at Melbourne Polytechnic for my studies. I believe I made the right decision because I love studying here.

Advantages of studying at Melbourne Polytechnic

The course emphasizes developing practical skills. Therefore, while theory is included so that we know, we learn how to translate theory into practical applications. I realised the importance of this once I started working part-time because what I had learnt at Melbourne Polytechnic was very useful for me. They prepare us for the real-world. During the practical sessions we interact with real paying customers.

There is an advantage in studying this course when considering career opportunities.

Student Life

Coming from Malaysia, it took me a few months to get used to the Australian culture. But I soon made friends from around the world and the student experience has been wonderful. My friends help me in various ways. The lecturers at Melbourne Polytechnic are very supportive as well.

You simply need to ask and they will help you.

Why Melbourne, Australia?

I love to experience new things. If I had stayed in Malaysia I would have completed college and started working, which is the process for everyone. But, I wanted to experience a new lifestyle by studying abroad. I wanted to see other cultures and how they live. I always wanted to come to Australia, and it is after arriving in Melbourne that I learnt about the city.

Melbourne is a beautiful place to live with great people from diverse backgrounds.

Life changing experiences

This is the first time that I am living away from my family. Being in Melbourne during the lockdown, which was the longest in Australia taught me many lessons. Therefore,

I have learnt to live alone and become more mature, and independent. I love living in Melbourne and my aim in life is to be happy.