How to avoid the trap of ‘being busy and forgetting to study’ for international students

In episode three seminar “Shine with Australia – Shine with Australia”, Helena Nguyen – FSO auditor at Ernst & Young Vietnam, University of Queensland alumni, Jenna Nguyen – office assistant Vice Chancellor, University of Western Sydney and Le Nguyen Tra My – Vice President of the Vietnamese Student Association in Victoria, a student from Monash University (Australia) said that many international students focus on working to improve their finances, so they neglect their studies and lack background knowledge. for sustainable development.

However, if students focus too much on learning, they may lose many opportunities for practical experience and skill accumulation. This situation also causes a lot of disadvantages because extracurricular activities, part-time jobs… can help students practice reality, expand relationships and gain more real combat experience.

Helena Nguyen recounted that she used to be very busy while studying, participating in projects for middle-aged and elderly people, working as a Student Ambassador, and maintaining her job as a credit risk specialist. After this period, she gained more experience in time management, balancing study and other activities.

For former international students born in 1999, the most effective way is to arrange the scientific plan and prioritize it according to the criteria appropriate to their circumstances in each moment. Helena shared, there were times when she was almost exhausted. However, when she encounters that situation, she will sit back and calm down to make a list of tasks that need to be done and organize them by urgency.

“What’s urgent and important, I will do first. For example, during the exam, I will take a week off work to focus on studying. Or at peak times, when I have to submit essays, I also have to prioritize learning first,” added the 9x female speaker.

Similarly, Jenna Nguyen also actively participates in extracurricular activities, part-time jobs or works as an intern for a company to make a difference in her CV. She said, when applying, employers will look at the experience section or ask a lot to assess whether the candidate is suitable for the job position and the business. Therefore, extracurricular activities, internships, and part-time jobs are indispensable in the process of studying at university in general and studying abroad in particular.

To ensure that all factors are balanced, Jenna arranges the activity in phases. In the first year, she did not work because she had not prioritized financial matters. Instead, she participates in extracurricular activities, clubs or volunteers for school events. Thanks to this time, Jenna was able to get to know many of the staff at the school and start to build a network from there.

“After that, they introduced me to job opportunities when they saw that I had the right skills for the project. I was also invited to be a member of the Overseas Student Advisory Board for the Rector and gradually got close to the teachers. more than that,” added the speaker.

The next year, Jenna began an internship at the third largest media agency in the world to gain experience and gain a new perspective on the Australian working environment. During this period, she maintained her extracurricular activities and worked in the office of the Vice Chancellor of the university.

“The process of studying and participating in extracurricular activities and internships helps me get a better full-time job after graduation,” she affirmed.

However, the female speaker born in 1995 also emphasized that young people need to know how to balance themselves by “say No!” (say no!). When she first came to Australia, due to fear of judgment and offending others, Jenna accepted all invitations from everyone. At this point, she was completely overwhelmed and gradually realized that she needed to know what was important to prioritize. She also learns to say no to things she doesn’t really want.

The first week of term isn’t too busy, so Jenna focuses on extra-curricular activities. Then, when there are many exercises or exams, she reduces the work load, studying and focusing more. For her, studying is still the most important thing for an international student.

“Once you know what’s important to you during that time, you should prioritize doing it first. Then, with a good balance, you can grow, learn and improve yourself,” Jenna shared. .

In addition, according to two young speakers, relaxation is also a very good way to balance life. For example, Helena maintains daily exercise. According to her, this is an effective way to relieve stress both physically and mentally. International students or anyone should not let “busy” reasons take up the rest time.

“The human body is not born to work non-stop. We also need time to relax the body and mind. You can do the things you like like riding a bike, listening to music or watching. At this time, when you return to work, your productivity will increase a lot, “said Helena to young people.

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