My name is Veronica, and I’m excited to share my journey here in Australia so far as an international student and my experience with Monkeys and my current school, Queensland Academy of Technology (QAT).
I came from Italy to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa and had been living and working here for around years, working as an Italian teacher in a few other roles.
A Major Challenge Along the Way
My background is in Education, and I love the idea of studying a Master of Teaching—this was my initial plan after finishing my Work and Holiday Visa, but things didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped.
One of the biggest challenges was passing the IELTS exam with a score of 8 in all sections—a really high and difficult requirement to enrol into university for this program.
I mostly studied on my own, but it was tough to reach that score, and finally, I could not continue with my initial plans. To make things worse, the agency I was working with at the time couldn’t offer me a good alternative, and my visa was about to expire, leaving me with no options.
Monkeys to the Rescue 🐵
That’s when I reached out to Frey from Monkeys, and honestly, it was the best decision I could have made!
- Frey immediately understood how urgent my situation was and spent an entire day researching and finding the perfect solution for me.
- He truly took the time to listen to my goals and challenges.
- In just one day, he found an alternative study pathway that allowed me to stay in Australia while still working towards my teaching career.
Thanks to his quick and dedicated support, I didn’t have to stress about my visa expiring and finally had a clear path forward.
My Experience at QAT
With my new study plan in place, I enrolled at Queensland Academy of Technology (QAT), where I’m currently studying IELTS.
At first, I wasn’t sure if I could handle the workload, but then I saw how much I was improving. The teachers are great, and I really like how the lessons are structured.
Compared to my previous school, QAT is much more engaging and practical. Every day, we practice speaking, writing, and exercises that truly make a difference.
I am confident that with my IELTS course at QAT, I will eventually pass the official test and be able to study the Master of Teaching at the University of Queensland.
What’s Next?
Once I finish my IELTS course at QAT, Frey helped me structure my next step: studying the Diploma of TESOL at Gold Coast Learning Center.
- This TESOL qualification is a six-month course that will qualify me as an English teacher and is a perfect fit for my career goals.
- With this diploma, I’ll be one step closer to my dream—pursuing a Master of Teaching and eventually building a long-term future in Australia as a teacher.
A Huge Thank You to Monkeys! 🎉
I’m incredibly grateful to Frey and the Monkeys team for their support. Their guidance and encouragement have made all the difference, and I hope my story inspires other international students who might be facing similar struggles.
If you’re an international student looking for advice on study options, visas, or career pathways in Australia, Monkeys is here to help!
Just like they did for me, they’ll listen to your goals, understand your situation, and find the best solutions for you.