Study in Australia

Simone Toellner from AA Networking Education had the big chance to meet a guy from Germany, who studies management at QUT in Brisbane. Of course , she took the possibility to chat with him about his experiences, his interests and his studies in Australia.

Firstly  a few information about the person:

Name: Matthias Zoephel, student from Germany at the Queensland University of Business (QUT)

Subject: Bachelor of Business (Major), International Business (Minor)

Hometown: Dauchingen, near Villingen-Schwenningen, district Blackforest-Baarkreis

Hobbies: Soccer, sports in general

Favourite Pub in Brisbane: "Fridays" at Eagle Street Pier, especially at the weekend.


S: Hello Matthias, how are you going?

M: Hey Simone, I'm fine thank you.

S: Ready for a short talk with me?

M: For sure. What would you like to know?

S: First, you must explain to me, why you decided to come to Australia? So, why Australia?

M: That's easy. I like the people here, they are so relaxed,so open-minded. Wherever I go I meet new people who talk with me, eg. at the bus stop. I'm the same. Another point is that I was looking for the possibility to learn english in a comfortable but also challenging way.

S: And that was in Australia?

M: No, I went to New Zealand first for 6 months, and after that I knew already that I would study abroad because the time in NZ was so great.

S: But why Australia then?

M: I actually applied to all English-speaking countries, but the first acceptance came from Australia and yeah, I came here and I don't regret it, definitely not!

S: How long are you studing in Australia?

M: I'm doing my whole degree here, so that's 3 years.

S: Oh, gosh, but why three years and not eg. only one like lots of the other foreign students normally do?

M: Because I love Australia and I want to stay here forever. And also if I'm not staying I'll have much better chance to get a job in Germany.

S: That's exellant, Matthias, but don't you miss Germany?

M: Of course, I do. I miss some things.

S: What do you miss especially?

M: Icehockey, Linsen and Spaetzle (the good swabian food), and my mother's homecooking, eg. the Calzone.

S: But what's with your family? Don't you miss your family or friends. And what's with them? Don't they miss you?

M: Of course, they miss me and I miss them, you know, but I like it so much here and I go home every Christmas, so that's
cool.

S: What do you think is better in Australia than in Germany or in other foreign countries?

M: First of all the people who are open and frank, easy-going and satisfied. Than of course the weather is much better than the area , I came from. And finally the school system.

S: Why it is better to study here eg.in Brisbane at QUT?

M: Because you just have 12 hours uni a week and then you are actually on your own, I mean, you study on your own. That's what I like. You can actually decide wether you study this morning or not. It's actually self-discipline like you need for your future life.

S:Well, tell me a little bit about your studies. How does it work generally?

M: We actually have 4 subjects each semester, that means 3 hours per subject a week, yeah, lectures and tutorials. And what the teachers recommend is that you should study 12  hours per subject a week, which no one does (smile).

S: That sounds good. But tell me, Matthias, what is your favourite place at university?

M: The park is the nicest place, because it's the botanical gardens and you are totally in nature.

S: I know now that you really like Australia, but a though question: Is there anything you don't like in Australia?

M: Cigarettes and Alcohol are very expensive, but actually there is nothing else for me, but maybe for other people it can be strange that you have to wear darkcoloured shoes and a collar when you want to get into a Pub.

S: Last question, nearly finished. Matthias, if you could change something back in Germany what would it be?

M: Even if you can't change it or maybe you can change the people, mainly their attitude. In Germany the easy-goingattitude is missing, everything is strict and regulated and in Australia there are only a few really strict rules eg. you are not allowed to go into a bar if you're under 18 years old, but the system works well.

S: Thank you very much, I really enjoyed talking with you. That was a pleasure, enjoy the rest of your time in Australia.