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Student Testimonial

Name: Haleigh Hamilton
Age: 19
Sex: Female
Country: United States of America - Los Angeles
Course: Bachelor of Education

Chose Newcastle

' It has been my dream since I was probably 7 or 8 years old to come to Australia. I did not know how I was going to get here, but I knew that I would find a way. The way, I found this past year, was through studying abroad. Everyone says I am so nerdy for doing this, but I went and studied the background of each possible university in Australia that had the courses I was interested in. Newcastle was the one which kept sticking out in my mind. I did not want to go to a school in a big city, but wanted to be close enough to one so that if I needed to get away I could. Sydney is only a 2 hour train ride away, it is perfect. I think Newcastle has some of the most beautiful sites, especially the beaches. I am so glad I decided on Newcastle.'

The Best Things

' I chose to have an education major because I love being around children. I want to help make a difference in a child's life and I feel becoming a teacher would be the best way to do it. My institution back home is really small, around 3,500 students. It's kind of a small town feel where everybody knows everybody. I think that is one of the best parts of my school.'

Future Studies and Career

' Each subject that I am taking right now transfers back to my home University as a course that I need for my major.'

Newcastle Life

' I am from Southern California and it is a really fast paced life. Here in Newie [Newcastle] it is so much slower than I expected, but I like it. Newcastle seems "home-like", most people are very friendly. One day I was at Woolys [supermarket] and I forgot to bring a pen to mark off my shopping list. I asked my roommate if she had a pen and right then this lady turned around and said, "Do you need a pen dear?". I was taken aback . No way did I ever expect someone to be so kind. I will always remember that lady at Woolys.'

Are you happy with the support?

' It was a little hard getting help from the faculty offices. Sometimes they didn't know what I was talking about. I was then directed to Student Enquiries and they knew exactly who I needed to talk to, to get my question answered. If Student Enquiries does not have the answer they will find out who does.'

My Advice

' Make sure you do not need pre-requisites for the course you are trying to enrol in, check and see that all the possible course you want to take will transfer back home, there is a Big W (Wal-Mart) [large general goods store] and a Target [large general goods store] close by so do not bring it unless you absolutely have to, and most of all… Come with an open mind, your life will be changed forever!!!! :) '

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