Yohei Okamoto (Japan) - 2008 VET Award (current Award Holder)
I came to Perth, Australia to undertake my Advanced Diploma of Tourism Management at the Perth Institute. The course is designed to gain a wide knowledge of the tourism industry and practical skill of travel operations.
As well as enjoying my study in Perth, I have been able to take in the sights on my bicycle. I am crazy about bicycles and brought two bikes from Japan to Perth. I have had the opportunity to participate in a Road Race in Perth, and I went riding around the Southern part of Western Australia in my summer holiday.
I have found the natural beauty of Western Australia to be sensational, with its stunning beaches, breathtaking deep forests and amazing wild life.
My Endeavour Award experience has made me realize, particularly in my field of study, that there is a lot you can learn outside of school. I believe my Endeavour experience will be a significant part of my career development.
Hilal Wahab (Iraq) - 2008 Endeavour Research Fellowship
The Endeavour Award has given me the opportunity to enrich my scientific research and to make many new friends. My experiences with my Case Managers since the beginning of the Award were terrific. I never felt that I was in a foreign country, but was warmly and thoughtfully cared for, through prompt replies to my enquiries and sincere efforts to overcome any relevant issues I had.
The main part of my research work focused on the computational modeling of the architecture and reactivity of biologically interested molecules and numerous organometallic complexes. That is, we were doing chemistry by computer. I gained significant experience and expertise from my collaboration with my Australian colleagues, from which I am confident, will have a profound influence on my research career.
The Endeavour Fellowship also opened doors to establishing ongoing links with Australia. I submitted a proposal for a reciprocal cooperation agreement between LaTrobe University and University of Technology, Iraq. On return to my home institution, I strongly recommend to high quality students, academics and researchers to undertake research and learn in such a unique country that is Australia.
I would say that I found Australia to be a multicultural country, an excellent example for the integration of various nationalities.
I am honored to be an Endeavour Award Alumni, and that I would welcome other opportunities in the future to carry out research in Australia.
Dahlia Apodaca (Philippines) - 2008 Endeavour Research Fellowship
The most prestigious Award that I have achieved in my professional career is to have been granted with the Endeavour Research Fellowship.
Never had it occurred to me that my pursuit for a PhD in Chemistry degree at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, will lead me to Australia. I am just truly blessed to have been chosen as one of the Endeavour Awardees! I even dubbed it as “the time of my life.”
Indeed, my stay in Australia through the Endeavour Fellowship, allowed me to accomplish several things. Academic wise, I was able to expose myself to new techniques associated with the technology of molecular imprinting and to acquire the skills necessary in the conduct of experiments involving this field of study. I intend to use this technology in developing analytical methods for various applications such as quantifying toxic compounds such as warfare agents and metal pollutants and in creating sensors for environmental monitoring.
On a personal note, undertaking this Award in Australia has really been a big adjustment for me. I could say that having lived in Australia made me an even better person and further strengthened the values I already possessed. Also, through the Endeavour Award, I gained new friends of various nationalities and become acquainted with their customs particularly the Australian culture.
It was a wonderful journey! I hope that this worthwhile experience of mine further inspires other people especially the young ones (in the Philippines) to excel in whatever field they are into. I would like to use the knowledge and skills I gained from my Endeavour experience in leading my countrymen, to dream more, to yearn to learn more, to perform better and hence in the process, allowing them to achieve excellence.
Annina Schmid (Switzerland) - 2008 Endeavour Europe Award
Receiving an Endeavour Europe Award offered me the opportunity to start my PhD in 2008 at The University in Queensland and to further explore the phenomenon of dual nerve injuries.
My studies investigated whether an inflammatory reaction with activation of the immune system may be responsible for dual nerve lesions. Furthermore, I studied whether conservative interventions are capable of reducing the local inflammatory process in patients with nerve compression injuries.
My studies helped to further understand the phenomenon of dual nerve lesions which will possibly lead to improved treatment strategies for this patient population.
Receiving the Endeavour Europe Award not only gave me the chance to start my PhD free of financial burdens at other end of the world. Most importantly, the professional support from my Case Manager and the Endeavour Awards Team allowed me to fully concentrate on my studies.
The professional and personal experiences and connections established during my Award period will persist well after the completion of my PhD. Overall, the Endeavour Award offered me a truly inspiring experience!
Manuel Diaz (Philippines) - 2007 Endeavour Executive Award
My Endeavour experience was something I will forever be grateful for. The administrative support from the Endeavour team, particularly my case manager, was superb. It was very personal and very professional – personal because you’d feel the specific attention being given to you, and professional because everything went smoothly for me as I travelled to and from Australia. My host, Dr John Weckert and the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics (CAPPE) received me quite well.
I was given my own office space at the Australian National University, in the company of some of the country’s (and the world’s) most respected ethicists and philosophers. It was almost intimidating, but the warmth of the people at CAPPE made my stay in Canberra most plesant and rewarding. That is not to mention the cultural immersion I went through, having the chance to experience Australian culture first hand. To top it all off, I was able to bring my wife with me, who was pregnant with our first-born.
In sum, my Endeavour experience enhanced me in more ways than one, and I sure hope to get the same chance again at some future time!
Maria Lille (Estonia) - 2007 Endeavour Europe Award
I have had great experiences during my Award year. It was a journey full of challenges and hard research with its ups and downs. The Australian educational system differs from Estonian one and it was interesting to explore new approaches through an international scholarship.
The Endeavour Award enabled me to focus entirely on my studies and enjoy my stay in Australia. The Australian lifestyle is relaxed and very friendly which made me feel very welcome.
I encourage anyone to apply for an Endeavour Award and experience the advanced research possibilities, Australian lifestyle and magnificent landscapes.
Freddy Kalidjernih (Indonesia) - 2007 Endeavour Research Fellowship
The overall experience I had during my 2007 Endeavour Indonesia Research Fellowship was excellent. I truly enjoyed my stay in Austrlaia and have unforgettable memories of my fieldtrip and research in the country.
In some ways, the Endeavour fellowship has enabled me to contribute towards strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Australia and Indonesia and bilateral ties between Australia and Indonesia through my work. I have also been able to build international linkages and networks with some Australian scholars and scholars from other countries studying or working in Australia.
It is my belief that I have achieved what I set out to achieve. Not only have I obtained new knowledge, but also reached another (higher) level of intellectual capacity. This was made possible by the friendly and invigorating intellectual atmosphere as well as the world-class facilities available at my host-institution, the Australian National University. Also was the excellent support and assistance from my academic advisors, my case manager and of course, the Endeavour Award Team who were extremely helpful to me throughout my fellowship.
I encourage Indonesian scholars to apply for the Endeavour Awards. It’s a ‘lifetime’ happy and rewarding experience.
Tamie Honda (Japan) - 2007 Endeavour Vocational Education and Training Award
The fact that my dream is being supported by an Endeavour Award gives more meaning to my life. I greatly appreciate that I am given chance to study so I always try to make the most of it.
Teachers at TAFE are very helpful and passionate, making study enjoyable. In the Remedial massage course I am undertaking, students share the passion and vision to work as a part of health profession. Studying with my classmates encourages me.
When I have free time, I visit beaches and parks near TAFE. Beautiful nature in Sydney always keeps me relaxed.
This Endeavour Award has given me not only a chance to study but also to meet wonderful people and experience various things in this beautiful country.
Karma Nidup (Bhutan) - 2007 Endeavour Postgraduate Award
I could not believe when I read an email from the Endeavour team, stating that I had secured an Endeavour Postgraduate Award. I was ecstatic when I received the award letter. I feel extremely proud to be the first person from Bhutan to win prestigious Endeavour award to do my PhD in a top Australian University.
Through this, I would like to encourage all the potential Bhutanese academicians and researchers to apply and compete for various Endeavour Awards offered by Australian Government.
I arrived in Sydney in July 2007 together with my wife and two little boys. My family loves people and ways of Australian life. My son is enjoys his school and wishes that it wasn't closed on Saturdays!
I already find myself drawn to an area of research that is most engaging. I also find myself dealing with new and challenging concepts. I look forward with great eagerness to the rest of my candidature, immersing myself in the research process and being part of the growing research culture within the Faculty of Veterinary Science of the University of Sydney.
By sponsoring me and many fellow Bhutanese, Australia is greatly contributing to the development aspirations of Bhutan. On behalf of the Government and people of Bhutan, I would like to thank the Government and the people of Australia for training and educating Bhutanese like me.
Sunita Masani (India) 2007 Endeavour Executive Award
Having received the prestigious Endeavour Executive Award from the Australian Government - Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, I was prepared to commit time and intelligence in making the most of the opportunities which come concomitant to the award. I was determined to maximise the opportunity of visiting one of the most sophisticated economies of the world.
I planned my visit to Australia – Sydney, during the court vacations of the Bombay High Court, so as not to greatly compromise my existing practise in Mumbai. Sydney was chosen as the centre for my training in Australia as I had a support base in the form of school friends who were married and settled there.
Since time was a constraint and much to be explored in that limited period, I chose to further maximise this by opting to be at two different law firms rather than be associated with only one firm. On hind sight, this decision proved to be sound on more than one grounds. Firstly, I gained from observing the work practises and people in two different firms. Secondly, I made more acquaintances and friends. Thirdly, a calculated risk I took, on my ability to quickly assimilate the essence of situations and facts, allowed me to spread myself thinly, without substantially compromising on achieving depth to my training.
Coming from a developing nation, where the economy is still struggling to reach sophistication, it was especially fulfilling to experience life in an already developed nation – where the government has to grapple with different problems (environment, drought), as distinguished from India, where our people are fighting poverty, illiteracy and corruption.
As far as the legal system is concerned, I found the firm’s practices to be on a much larger scale - more partners and a high degree of specialization. In India, since the firm structures are smaller (a maximum of 20 partners under the Indian Partnership Act), work profile of each partner is spread out to different laws and varied.
As regards the educational sector, I found the academics were mostly one time barristers or solicitors who preferred to teach and/or write on their respective areas of interest. Some of the academics also worked as consultants to the larger law firms, a practice which is similar to the one found in my law school. However, the facilities offered by the institutes to their students, were far greater – especially in terms of electronic access to data bases. Most of the students attended lectures with their own lap tops to take notes and the post graduates were already working either in law firms, corporates or with the government, a practice similar to the one found in India.
My experiences in Australia could be compared to that of a person who has had his first taste of a gourmet platter and would enjoy having the rest of it as well. At least two years in law firms in Sydney / Brisbane combined with undertaking short study courses on environmental laws, would be ideal for furthering ones development professionally.
Vasileios Kappis (Greece) - 2007 Endeavour Europe Award
Australian academic institutions offer world-class standards in education and the Endeavour Awards was designed to offer high-achieving students the opportunity to fulfil their academic and professional aspirations.
Pursuing post-graduate studies at a foreign institution can be a daunting task, challenging the student’s ability to adapt to a new environment and stretching scant family resources. Australia, a prosperous and tolerant nation, has no match in exploring the full potential of an individual.
A vibrant community characterized by a unique legacy of diversity and coexistence reflects on an academic tradition of the highest standards, where cooperation fosters innovation.
At the same time, the combination of a generous financial package and continuous interaction at a personal level offered by the Endeavour Awards meant that practical matters would not detract me from concentrating on my studies.
Following graduation, the recognition of excellence that comes with an Endeavour Award will also open many doors in a highly competitive employment market. In this regard, an Endeavour Award is a truly lifelong asset.
Jianwei Li (China) - 2007 Endeavour Asia Award
The moment I received the message that I got the Endeavour Award, I knew that I would enjoy my study in Australia greatly. And starting from that moment, the assistance from the Endeavour Awards team was always on time and covers all aspects of arrangements, as trivial as how to set up my profile on the Endeavour online system and as vital as visa application and study arrangement at the university.
This helped me settle down in a new environment very quickly and turn my all attention to study and research work in the Uni. Six months of uni life lies away. From knowing little of maritime law and policy I could now confidently say I know something. This is due to the hard and most supportive work from my teachers in the Australian National Center for Ocean Resources and Security of the University of Wollongong.
They are so patient with my millions of questions and so ready to help a new-comer of their academic world. The Center also offered me all necessary study facilities, beyond my expectations. Of course the continuous encouragement from my boss and colleagues in China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies is an inseparable part of my Endeavour Awards experience.
My one year experience in Australia under the Endeavour Award is, and will always be one of the highlights in my life.
Yasir Al-Khateeb (Iraq) - Endeavour Vocational Education and Training Award
I always wanted to study abroad. The Endeavour Awards, gave me the opportunity of making my dream come true. I can say, without any doubt, that the experience of having studied in the Australia represented – and indeed represents – a turning point both in my personal and professional life.
I very much enjoyed student life. I joined lots of sports clubs and social societies including the Arab Society where I made lots of good friends and had a lot of fun.
I am studying for the Advanced Diploma of Telecommunications Engineering. I think getting an Australian degree will help me to get a good job in the future. Living and studying in Sydney is great.
The train and bus network is excellent and I find it is so easy for students to get around. The Muslim prayer room and the library are also very useful. I use a lot of the facilities at the collage such as the, library and students union. I regularly go to the gym, attend boxing classes as well as yoga classes. I also use the library when preparing my coursework. The course is full of students from different backgrounds and cultures.
Aside from the students from your course, you can make friends through various social events I was pleasantly surprised by the relaxed and friendly attitude shown to international students when I arrived in Sydney. The Endeavour VET Award is perfect for me as the structure of the program allowed me get a very good experience in my field.
I will be very pleased to receive my Advanced Diploma, doing this course has given me a lot of confidence in myself. Finally the most enjoyable aspects of studying at TAFE are the inspiration I get from my classmates, my tutor who makes me think in new ways.
Studying in Australia is a fantastic experience.
Sri-anant Wanasen (Thailand) - 2007 Endeavour Postgraduate Award
I am very thankful and grateful to be awarded with the Endeavour Postgraduate Award. This award not only has given me a chance to enroll in a PhD program in Agricultural Science at the University of Tasmania, it also has given me the opportunity to meet and work with some of the world’s renown scientists at the University and from other countries.
I think networking is an important tool toward success in every possible area of work. We do learn more from each other than doing things alone. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with other professionals in the field.
This has been a truly rewarding and positive experience. Aside from the great research practices, this award also provides me a chance to learn different about cultures. Since my arrival, I have had a privilege to meet many wonderful people in Australia and make new friends.
Again, all these would not be possible without this award. I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity. I strongly recommend anyone who is interested in further learning and want to travel the world to apply for the Endeavour Awards. It is definitely more than worthwhile.