Testimonials

HARVEY, TESOL STUDENT 

Completing a TESOL Certificate IV has always been something I wanted to do. I looked into online courses while I lived in London, but with more research I discovered a lot of employers look for the classroom certification. I thought the Brisbane College of Australia offered a good program, the timetable suited my work schedule and Carmelina ended up being an excellent teacher of teaching!

I would like to now gain more teaching experience in Brisbane, before I head to South America to live and to teach English. I'm currently learning Spanish, so being immersed in the culture and lifestyle over there, while teaching my first language, will make for an exciting experience!

MARNI, BUSINESS STUDENT

I chose Brisbane College to further my education it was because they were responsive to the things that all I need and gave their best service that they could offer. My experience at BC was one of the memorable moments in my life; I had the chance to meet new friends, experience new culture and discover new things. I know it was hard for me to understand the accents of my other classmates from different nationality but good thing I had a teacher who was too supportive and helpful for everything I must learn and I must know. She was not just my teacher but a teacher who could be your living diary. It was rare to have a lecturer that who will ask about what was going on in to your life but I was blessed to have Ms. Carmelina Lanza who was very patient and intelligent for assisting and tracking my progress until the end of my course.

In addition, I really enjoyed studying to this school because of the excellence of our faculty and the learning’s I gained which will help me broaden my mind about how business works.

It is not the period of being a short time or long time you have been there in my school l but the happiness that I felt.  I had fun meeting those different students from other country and some of them become my good friends. BC is just one way for me to stretch from my comfort zone and enjoy the good life.

MANDEEP, CHILDREN'S SERVICES STUDENT 

I did my Advanced Diploma in Children Services in June 2012. Now I am working as a Director in Long Day Care Centre.

I still remembered, when I came in Australia in June 2009 from India. I was so nervous about study, work and lifestyle. But I got so much help from Joseph, Marie and my teacher Katie to settle down. They provided social reference for my first resume and I got a job as a nanny which was related to childcare. As soon as I finished my Certificate III, I got a job in childcare centre as an assistant.

When I finished my Diploma then College staff gave us help to extend our Visa. I promoted as a group leader after completion of my Diploma. Then I started my Advanced Diploma, it was totally different from my job and Diploma. But our teacher Sai gave us extra classes and examples from her experiences so I confidently finished my Advanced Diploma in June2012. As soon as I finished my study, I got a job offer from WA as a Director with great package.

 At last I would say that I am really thankful to Brisbane College of Australia to give me such a big support to settle in Australia. I love you my College and Miss those days.

Thanks a lot 

KERRY, TESOL STUDENT

Taking on an English teaching course was a daunting prospect for a semi-retired professional aged in his 60s.

It was a challenge I had been considering for a few years – in fact, I had done one subject, Nature of Language, for a post-graduate Certificate IV in TESOL at University of Southern Queensland (USQ) in Toowoomba, but because of circumstances that arose, had not proceeded further.

However, I still remained interested in gaining a qualification. When the chance arose through Brisbane College (which also offered me a 50% scholarship to cover half the cost), I decided to take it though it meant commuting from my Sunshine Coast home three days a week.

Not for one minute during the course did I regret the decision though grappling with tenses – present simple, past perfect, future continuous and the rest – was itself a challenge after so many years of using language without having to recall how or why it works.

Back in the early 2000s I decided to undertake full-time studies for an Arts degree at USQ in Toowoomba where I was living. I was proud to finish with a GPA of 6.05/7 including a HD for Romantic Literature – during the semester for that subject I spent several weeks overseas including an inspiring visit to Dove Cottage, home of the Wordsworths, who were at the core of the subject’s focus.

In my late 20s I had entered journalism without completing a degree through the then more common path of a cadetship; previously I had spent some years in banking and other roles including the Army and service as an infantry soldier in the Vietnam War. In journalism I rose through the ranks to become an editor before going over to the ‘dark side’ of government media and subsequent community relations and corporate communications roles.

After completing my degree I moved to Brisbane and spent a few years back in government media with Queensland Health – a period that was not without significant challenges; then I was in a contract role part-time with Ergon Energy with whom I had worked previously in a regional role.

Since that contract expired last year I have been doing some casual work such as writing, editing and proof-reading from home on the Sunshine Coast. Now I hope to pick up some work – maybe voluntary or paid – ‘teaching English to speakers of other languages’.

At the college I enjoyed the inter-action with younger people – teacher and students – from varying backgrounds and the challenge of two-hour practical teaching sessions. A ‘prac’ lesson I particularly enjoyed was one I volunteered to do ‘About Australia’. You can see the Power Point at this link

Thanks to all of students and staff I was involved with at the college: bondezirojn en la estonteco

ANNA, ANIMAL SCIENCE STUDENT

How dreams come true

It’s been 3 years since my graduation from Brisbane College of Australia with the Diploma in Animal Technology. Although the course was preparing animal technicians, it also gave us graduates most of the necessary knowledge for a veterinary nursing career through the additional skills and knowledge obtained during work placement.

I’m an international student and my Australian story is something to be thankful for. When I first arrived in Australia back in 2015 and 2016 to volunteer with bats at the Australian Bat Clincic, I made the decision to stay and dedicate myself to working with animals. I came back to Australia in 2017 to start my learning journey with Brisbane College of Australia.

After graduating my Certificate III in Animal Technology, I was encouraged by my Trainer Sandra and College Director to continue my study, so I took another year to get a Diploma. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. This was not only because it gave me more advanced theoretical knowledge but because it is extremely difficult to get a vet nursing or animal tech job with just the Certificate III. If you check some advertised positions, they all require the minimum of Certificate IV (to be a Qualified Vet Nurse).

At the end of 2018, I graduated with the Diploma of Animal Technology and was encouraged to take further studies at University by my Trainer Sandra. I entered the University of Sunshine Coast for the Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Ecology. I absolutely loved it! The most memorable learning experience was our field trip to North Stradbroke Island where we spent 3 days at the ocean research station. Now I have the last semester to complete before I graduate.

Over the years, I’ve also written several articles which have been published, for example the Moscow State Zoo website, provided consultations for a few news media portals and books, regularly consult several state zoos overseas and have helped with advice for about 200 private international bat owners (where such ownership is legally allowed) and rescuers via online consultation. In 2018 my science article ‘Orphaned baby care of flying foxes raised by one carer and by multiple carers’ was published by the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquaria in the annual book ‘Scientific Research in Zoological Parks’. In 2021 my other article ‘Flying Educators’ was published by the Chester Zoo (England) and ‘The Roost’ magazine by European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

In 2021, I achieved one of my biggest life goals which was to get a job at a veterinary clinic as a veterinary nurse. I credit this to the many different workplaces where I volunteered and gained valuable knowledge and information. I find the role challenging but rewarding and every day I’m learning a lot. When you start working in a clinical environment you have to remember so many things from computer systems and hydrobaths to dentistry and surgical assistance, from diets and medications to lab skills and taking care of the equipment. We have our own lab, where we perform most of the tests which took me several days to learn/remember. All of us, even those who have been working there for years have their notes with them.

From the first day I realised what a great idea it was to write down many things step by step. On your college placements and when you start your career, I highly recommend you do the same; make sure you always carry a pen and notepad in your pocket, don’t be afraid to ask questions, use every chance to practice, volunteer and take every educational opportunity wherever you can – every training and workshop you are interested in.

I would also advise to collect all your certificates and keep them both printed and in an electronic way. Attach all of them to your portfolio and constantly update your CV. Often, just a resume is not enough. Buy a folder with clear files and insert all the evidence of your achievements there. It’s good to have a digital portfolio as well. There are many free websites with tools which will help you to create one. Even when you’ve got your Diploma and lots of volunteering experience, it is extremely difficult to get a vet nursing job without a real clinical experience. If you are on your way to the graduation or have just recently completed your course, try to get as much experience at the clinical environment as you can, even if it’s an unpaid one.

For increasing chances of job opportunities, don’t only apply for advertised positions – print your CV and leave it at the clinics where you’d like to work. Also call and ask about available jobs and send your CV and portfolio via email. Keep trying even if you don’t get the role or placement. Sooner or later, if it’s your real passion, you’ll get your dream job. Just trust yourself and believe in your goals.

This job isn’t easy both mentally and physically however it’s unlike other industries. You have to give it your all and in exchange it gives you a very special environment with people who are equally as passionate about animals and are learning as you are. And for sure, it’s all worth it.

Welcome to the animal career journey!

OUR STUDENTS HAVE STUDIED WITH US FROM ALL ACROSS THE GLOBE 

My English has become more confident and my writing skills have improved very much within a short period of time. This is because my teacher asked us to write a diary every day, which she then corrected for grammar and so on. Here, the teachers are friendly and really helpful.