For Swe Yee Theint Theint Htet, studying in Australia has been a meaningful and eye-opening journey. Swe Yee chose to study the Master of Educational Studies program at the University of Queensland (UQ) as it offered a range of specialisations where she can combine her academic passions for guidance, counselling and careers, and inclusive education.

One benefit of selecting Brisbane as her host city is the warm weather, “it is quite similar to Myanmar. This made it easier for me to settle in and focus on my studies without the added stress of adjusting to a colder climate.”

“One unexpected part of this journey has been how quickly I adapted to life here. As I am studying abroad during a time of political instability back home, the support of UQ, the Australia Awards program, and a strong peer network, means that I have been able to grow both academically and personally”.

Swe Yee attended the Introductory Academic Program (IAP) Certificate Ceremony at the University of Queensland

“I’ve also really enjoyed beach trips, exploring nature like the Botanic Gardens and hiking, enjoying the local coffee culture, and taking part in volunteering and extracurricular activities supported by UQ and the Australia Awards. Learning Australian slang from local friends has also been a fun and memorable part of the experience! Although I came to Australia on my own, I’ve found a community that truly feels like home.”

Swe Yee has made the most of professional and personal development during her time on scholarship by attending two workshops, held in Melbourne and Adelaide, which have become turning points in her academic and professional journey.

“Participating in both workshops was one of the most valuable parts of my Australia Awards journey so far,” she reflects.

In Melbourne, the Professional Linkages Workshop provided insights into professional communications through digital storytelling and identity. For Swe Yee, as a future educator and counsellor preparing to return to crisis-affected Myanmar, the lessons were clear: communication creates change.

“We developed technical and digital storytelling skills, which are incredibly important in today’s professional landscape,” she explains. “The workshop taught me how to tell meaningful stories about my career using platforms like LinkedIn, and how to craft messages that are clear, powerful, and aligned with my future aspirations.”

In Adelaide, the focus shifted inward. The Emotional Intelligence at Work Workshop offered practical strategies to strengthen resilience, empathy, and leadership.

“We explored how emotional patterns show up in the workplace, how to regulate emotions during high-pressure situations, and how to build stronger, more empathetic relationships,” she says.

Tools like the PAUSE method, emotional mapping, and the Johari Window became frameworks she could immediately apply to both study and life.

“I’ve started applying strategies like emotional mapping, self-regulation, and the PAUSE method to manage academic stress,” she says. At the same time, her LinkedIn profile and career narratives now reflect her values and goals more strategically.

Looking ahead, these skills will underpin her career in education and counselling. “Being able to tell a clear, values-driven story is essential when working with stakeholders, whether in education, NGOs, or community leadership roles,” she notes.

“The workshops deepened both my self-awareness and my leadership confidence. They gave me practical frameworks to grow not only as a student, but also as a future professional committed to making a positive impact through education.”

The workshops were more than skill-building sessions – they helped to build connection with community, and connecting with fellow scholars, facilitators, and academics enriched the experience. “It was inspiring to learn from their different perspectives and to expand my academic and professional network,” she shares.

Swe Yee engaged in a group activity as part of the Professional Linkages Workshop in Melbourne.

Cultural immersion added another layer of meaning to seeing new cities in Australia. Melbourne’s laneways, street art, and riverside walks gave her a sense of the city’s creative heartbeat, while Adelaide offered history, art, and light. “One of the highlights was visiting Hahndorf,” she recalls, “where I enjoyed its charming streets, traditional foods, and rich cultural history.” These encounters deepened her understanding of Australia while enriching her personal growth.

Two extra-curricular experiences Swe Yee has taken on this year have helped to develop her personal growth and professional vision: volunteering at the Australia Counselling Association (ACA) National Conference 2025, and interning at the Embassy of Peru in Canberra.

“At the ACA National Conference, I took on various volunteer roles, from assisting in event organisation and welcoming guests to introducing speakers, delivering thank-you speeches, and coordinating with speakers during their presentations and workshops,” she reflects. “These experiences strengthened my confidence, enhanced my communication skills, and supported my growth both personally and professionally.”

The highlight was a keynote titled Changing the Mental Health Landscape in Myanmar. “It was timely, thought-provoking, and strongly aligned with my academic and professional interests,” she says. Beyond the sessions, the conference gave her valuable connections with counsellors, educators, and peers from across Australia.

Her internship at the Embassy of Peru has furthered her professional development in cultural diplomacy. From speech writing and event planning to conducting research, reporting on daily news, and designing educational programs for multicultural schools to showcase Peruvian culture, she has gained valuable experience in the day-to-day operations of an embassy.

“Working in a diplomatic and multicultural environment has been transformative,” she reflects. “I’ve attended national celebrations, visited Latin American embassies, and connected with diplomats and academics, including a professor from Flinders University, which may lead to future research collaboration.”

She credits earlier scholar engagement workshops for equipping her with the skills to succeed in both roles.

“The digital storytelling and networking strategies I learned in Melbourne gave me the confidence to share my story, while the emotional intelligence tools from Adelaide helped me adapt communication styles and stay grounded under pressure,” she explains.

For her, these opportunities have been about much more than resumé building. “They broadened my global perspective, deepened my intercultural understanding, and strengthened my commitment to education and international cooperation,” she says.

Her advice to other scholars venturing into their Australia Awards journey is to “Get involved. Step in and embrace every opportunity; it will enrich your personal growth, strengthen your professional path, and leave a lasting impact on your journey in Australia.”