Meet former Foundation Studies student Valerie To

Where did you grow up?

Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR

Why did you want to study overseas?

I was seeking to acquire global skills and better academic knowledge.

Why did you choose Australia?

I'd never been to Australia before, but felt like Australia would be a good place to study abroad. Melbourne is always rated as the most liveable city and I feel like Melbourne is a chill and friendly city.

Why did you choose Trinity College?

I am interested in doing psychology and media and communication studies and Trinity College provides foundation studies for these subjects.

Also, Trinity provides compulsory English subjects such as EAP (English for Academic Purposes) and literature, which allowed me to learn more academic skills before I entered the University of Melbourne.

How would you describe your experience at Trinity College?

I would say remarkable and valuable.

I would love to recommend my friends to study at Trinity College. To be honest, I was not very confident in my ability to speak English fluently during high school, but the teachers in Trinity College are very supportive, which gave me the courage to speak more and practice more.

Moreover, I really learned a lot at Trinity College. For instance, I learned many foundational psychology theories, which has been very useful for my study at university. It gave me a sense of what psychology really is.

The teachers also explained all the theory in details that were even more clear than in the university.

How would you describe the students at Trinity College?

In Trinity, I had the pleasure of meeting numerous friendly individuals, and the college itself feels like a close-knit community that offers the opportunity to form diverse friendships.

Although we may be studying the same subjects, everyone has unique interests, which makes for fascinating conversations over lunch, while discussing essay content, brainstorming new ideas for media homework, or even studying together.

How would you describe the teachers at Trinity College?

The teachers at Trinity College are highly skilled, enthusiastic and encouraging. They use various teaching techniques, including discussions, group work, and practical exercises to help students gain a better understanding of the subject matter.

For instance, during a media and communication lesson, we were learning about various camera angles and lighting techniques. The teacher allowed us to take pictures of our friends using different angles for 10 minutes, which helped us apply the theory we learned in class.

Moreover, the teachers are always ready to offer support and guidance to students outside of class. They are approachable and willing to help students achieve their academic and personal goals.

Were you nervous about moving to Australia?

Without a doubt, I felt quite apprehensive when I relocated to Australia, primarily because I had never been to Melbourne before. My main concern was not being able to make new friends in an unfamiliar place.

Despite this, I was enthusiastic about living independently and expanding my knowledge in the field of psychology.

Photos taken by Valerie in Victoria, Australia

What were your first impressions of Melbourne?

Upon my arrival in Melbourne, I immediately felt at ease and comfortable. The weather was excellent, and the proximity to nature was a welcome surprise.

I understood why Melbourne had been consistently rated as the most liveable city.

How did you find the transition to living and studying in Australia?

I found it quite easy for the transition to living in Australia and starting Foundation Studies. This is mainly due to the orientation programs and extracurricular activities offered by the college, such as visiting the zoo. These programs have proven to be immensely helpful in aiding my transition and have allowed me to thrive in this new environment.

What is your favourite thing about Australia?

The atmosphere and environment of Melbourne are undoubtedly ideal for studying abroad. I find great pleasure in spending my time leisurely wandering around the city, gazing up at the clear blue sky, enjoying my brunch, and generally unwinding.

What is your favourite thing about Melbourne?

The food. I enjoy visiting the South Melbourne market with my friends, where we can find fresh and affordable seafood.

Furthermore, Melbourne is known for its excellent brunch, and I have had the pleasure of trying many of these restaurants, which have all been incredibly delicious.