If you’re an international student thinking about studying in the Northern Territory (NT), you’re probably wondering what life is really like up in Australia’s north.
For Lakshi, Kinley and Fadziso, their expectations about life in the NT didn’t quite match the reality they discovered once they arrived! Read on to learn more about their experiences and the opportunities they’ve found in the NT.
What is the weather really like?
The NT is famous for its tropical weather. But the weather is more variable than you might expect!
First off, it’s not always wet and humid! Both Lakshi and Fadziso were pleasantly surprised by the dry season, which runs from May to October. Lakshi, who moved to the NT from Sri Lanka to study accounting, didn’t realise how cool it could get in the mornings and evenings.
“My expectations about the NT being only hot, sunny and full of crocodiles were definitely not quite right and that’s one of the fun things about discovering the Territory for yourself!”
Fadziso, originally from Zimbabwe and now studying mechanical engineering in Darwin, explains that the community really makes the most of the weather with dry season events.
“There’s so much going on outdoors. I’ve been camping, driven out to the outback, attended music and cultural festivals and watched a movie outdoors. There’s always a community event happening.”
Even though you can expect cooler weather in the dry season, the humidity through summer can be a bit of a shock. Kinley, who came to Darwin from Bhutan and is studying software engineering, says she underestimated the humidity.
“There’s a big difference between reading ‘hot and humid’ online and actually stepping outside and feeling your hair give up immediately,” she says.
Breathtaking scenery
Before she moved, Lakshi had no idea the NT was filled with such a variety of stunning natural landscapes.
“I knew it had a tropical climate and unique landscapes, but I didn’t realise just how beautiful and diverse its natural environment would be,” she says.
Lakshi’s favourite places to explore include Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park, Katherine Hot Springs, Mataranka Bitter Springs, Berry Springs and Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles).
Closer to home, Lakshi enjoys exploring the mangroves and the changing tides, as well as the fruits of the landscape at Darwin’s famous markets.
“Finding many of the fresh vegetables and ingredients from my home country there has helped satisfy my cravings for food from home and made me feel a little closer to my culture while living in the NT.”
First Nations Culture
For Fadziso, one of the most special things about the NT has been learning about First Nations culture, which has genuinely changed how she sees and appreciates where she lives.
“The other thing that's really stayed with me is the strong presence of Aboriginal culture and the respect shown to the traditional owners of the land. You are constantly reminded that there is a much deeper history and connection to this place than what's on the surface.”
Tight-knit community
One thing you might not know about living in a smaller city is that communities tend to be well connected.
“Darwin is a smaller city so it has this warm, close-knit feel that I didn’t expect,” says Fadziso. She found that she would meet someone once, then run into them again and again at different events. If you keep showing up and getting involved, you’ll meet lots of familiar faces!
Lakshi has been able to connect with people from different backgrounds and different communities across the NT through study, work, volunteering and community programs.
“The biggest surprise has been how connected and welcoming the community can be… I discovered that being in a smaller community can actually create more opportunities to meet people and become involved.”
Overflowing with opportunities
Despite being a remote region, the NT is jam-packed with different opportunities for international students.
Lakshi has been able to gain valuable practical experience outside the classroom.
“I never expected that my student journey would include community education, emergency services volunteering, networking events, leadership opportunities and working with organisations such as the Australian Red Cross. Now, I feel I am a proud Territorian.”
For Kinley, learning to put herself out there has led to a wealth of career opportunities, including her first job in Australia.
“I came here thinking opportunities would mostly depend on your qualifications, experience, or the perfect CV. But I quickly realised that people also really value genuineness, confidence and the effort you make to connect with others.”
There are lots of scholarships and opportunities available for international students in the NT. When Fadziso won a Minister of Equality Scholarship for Women, she got to meet the donors in person and chat with them.
“The people here are genuinely willing to invest in you and help keep your dreams moving.”
