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Student Testimonial

Names: Juan Carlos Aguero & Osvaldo Rojas
Age: JC:30, OR:31
Country: Chile
Course: PhD Electrical Engineering

Choose Newcastle

'We chose to conduct our PhDs in Electrical Engineering at Newcastle, because Graham Goodwin a world-renowned professor in the field of Automatic Control was available to be our supervisor. A previous lecturer from our home University (Universidad Technic Santa Maria) who had also carried out a PhD at Newcastle, told us of the great experience that he had had at the University.'

The Best Things

'The University of Newcastle has such great facilities. We have a well-equipped office and the support that we have received is second to none. The research higher degrees office is very friendly and helpful and the information is available straight away and if it isn’t the staff have contacted us! It’s a very pleasant difference. There is also a stream of international researchers visiting the University on a regular basis. We have also had great opportunities to attend many international conferences in Europe, Singapore, and the US, amongst others.

I (Osvaldo) hope to further my career in Australia in a research centre where I can continue my research with a post doctorate. The fact that the Faculty is world-renowned will mean that I have opportunities all over the world. With so many passing international researches, I have made contacts, which will be invaluable for my future career success.'

Newcastle Life

'(Juan Carlos)…the weather is great! I love the sports facilities on campus. The lifestyle in Newcastle is relaxed and the city is just the right size. Not too large to get lost in amongst everything, but large enough to keep you busy and having fun. Meeting people from all over the world is also very exciting. The University seems very interested in nurturing the cultural background of all of the students and the Cultural Awakenings festival is a great chance to get to know everyone and to be proud of our culture. There is a postgraduate society here that organises a variety of activities such as Breakfasts, BBQs and workshops on how to submit a thesis, and technical writing styles. They have been a great help and in the process we have been able to network and share ideas with the other researchers on campus. There is also free English language support here, which has been really helpful.'

Our Advice

'We had a pretty funny experience when we first arrived. In Chile it is customary to give women a kiss on the cheek when we meet. That’s not the case in Australia. People here are friendly but this was seen as a bit strong, and we soon learnt. Improve your English when you get here and make an effort to get out and meet everyone. We have had an excellent experience and strongly recommend Newcastle!'

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