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My journey from Cambodia to Australia: Why I chose Federation University

Written by Bora Chea · 14 January 2025 · 4 min read
Discover why Bora Chea from Cambodia chose Federation University to study in Australia. He shares how larger universities can feel overwhelming, while Federation offers a community where you truly belong. Read the full story to find out why Bora made the choice of studying at Federation and how it turned out.

Federation University Mt Helen campus in Ballarat

Hi, I’m Bora from Cambodia. 

I’m currently pursuing my Master of Teaching at Federation University in Ballarat, Australia. My journey here has been quite an adventure – from growing up in a small village in Cambodia to finding my passion for teaching. Here’s my story and what it’s really like to study abroad.

From humble beginnings to my Australian dream

I come from a very humble background – my father is a schoolteacher in rural Cambodia and my mom is a stay-at-home farmer. Growing up, I studied hard and earned a scholarship to study chemistry in Cambodia.  

After graduating, I got a government job and worked there for a few years, but I wanted to do something else with my life. So, I went on to pursue a master's in environmental science, which initially seemed like a great option, but I found myself struggling to find work in my field in Cambodia. I applied to various NGOs, but despite my qualifications, I didn’t receive any offers. It was a tough time, and it made me reconsider my career path.  

I decided to apply for teaching positions instead, something I had never really considered before. When a school offered me a job just days after sending out applications, it was quite unexpected. Although it was initially a hectic transition, I quickly found my real passion – teaching young students.  

I loved the satisfaction of helping them learn and seeing their progress firsthand. Students loved me and I became one of the popular teachers at the school. This experience was what led me to decide that I wanted to do this for life, but I needed further qualifications to continue teaching. That’s why I chose to pursue the Master of Teaching at Federation University.

Why I chose Federation University 

I first heard about Federation through an international student conference hosted in Cambodia. When I visited the uni booth, I was impressed by the support available for international students – particularly the lower cost and strong community focus.  

For an international student like me, cost plays a major role in deciding the uni, and I felt Fed fit the goal. Also, the personal attention and small class sizes stood out to me as a major advantage for learning and integration. The opportunity to immerse myself in a more authentic Australian culture in a regional area at Ballarat also attracted me to Federation. It felt like the right place to achieve my academic and professional goals. 

And my expectation was not broken! Fed Uni turned out to be exactly what was promised to me.

My placement experience 

During my second semester, I had the incredible opportunity to complete a placement at Ballarat High School. This was a pivotal moment in my journey as a teaching student and offered me valuable insights into the Australian education system. The placement allowed me to observe real classrooms, interact with practising teachers and understand the nuances of classroom management and student engagement.

A supportive environment 

Living in Ballarat also allowed me to immerse myself in a regional Australian setting, which was quite different from the bustling city life I was used to. The smaller class sizes at Federation University’s Ballarat Campus allowed for more personal interaction with lecturers and classmates, making it easier to adjust to life in Australia.  

I even had my professor check up on me through email to see if I was doing okay. That is amazing! I haven’t seen this at any place else. It is great. The supportive community and access to resources helped me feel confident and connected, reinforcing my decision to study at Federation. 

During my time at another university in Melbourne in 2020, my classes were predominantly online, and it was challenging to establish meaningful interactions with lecturers and fellow students. The sheer size of the university meant that many students felt like just another face in the crowd. I found it difficult to engage directly with my professors, as they had limited time to interact due to the high number of requests for help.

Federation University offered a more personal and interactive experience compared to my previous experience of bigger universities.
 
With smaller class sizes and a focus on a supportive community, it was easier to get to know lecturers and peers on a first-name basis."

City life vs region life: Why I love Ballarat

Having experienced both city and regional living in Australia, I can confidently say that regional life offers a unique charm and sense of community that city life simply cannot replicate. During my time in Ballarat as a student at Federation University, I discovered a slower-paced lifestyle that allowed me to focus on my studies, connect with others and immerse myself in an authentic Australian experience. 

Bora Chea exploring areas around Ballarat

Unlike the bustling, impersonal nature of city life, Ballarat gave me the opportunity to bond with locals and fellow students in a close-knit environment. Living in a shared house with a small community of Cambodian Australians allowed me to feel a sense of belonging that can be hard to find in larger cities.

It is easy to get around. No trip in Ballarat takes more than 15 minutes. People are very friendly. Driving is not as crazy as in Melbourne. 

For international students considering where to live and study in Australia, I encourage you to explore the possibilities of regional areas like Ballarat. The community support, affordable cost of living and serene lifestyle make it an ideal place to focus on both academic and personal growth. My time in Ballarat solidified my belief that sometimes, choosing the road less traveled can lead to the most rewarding experiences.

Advice for international students

If you’re thinking about studying abroad, my advice is simple: find a place where you feel at home, where you’re supported and where you can thrive both academically and personally. Federation University provides all that and more. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – your dream life is just a plane ride away.