Why study in Japan?
The reason I wanted to study in Japan is because it is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. Waseda is highly rated in engineering so I am excited to see what I can gain from this opportunity, and I personally find the culture very interesting.

How are you going studying the language? 
I have to try to learn as much Japanese as I can before I begin studying engineering subjects. First up, I am learning Katakana and Hiragana so I can understand some basic writing and signs, and can communicate with Japanese students and people in the community.

What are the three best things about your host uni?
Firstly, the campus is really nice. When the flowers and cherry blossoms started to bloom in spring, the campus is really attractive. Even in winter, when I first visited the uni, it was still very beautiful.

Secondly, the university societies and clubs here are very active. They hold events that can often go for two or three days and they also arrange student trips on the weekends during semester.

That said, there is plenty of time to pursue passions outside of university. Classes are scheduled here so you can maintain a good work and life balance. And as the uni is in a great location in Tokyo, there is always something to see or do between or after class.

What are the three best things about your host country experience?
Food has to top this list: You can never go wrong, everything just tastes great! Even the university cafeteria has a wide selection of food that is good and affordable. It changes often to make sure you don’t get bored with the options.

The people I meet are amazing. Everyone is incredible helpful – if you are ever confused or lost, there will always be someone willing to help you.

The culture is also pretty special. Japan has a very deep and rich cultural heritage, which I am learning about through day-to-day life in Japan and by visiting cultural and historical sites, such as shrines, palaces, temples, gardens and castles.

How does student life differ in your host country as opposed to student life at Macquarie?
At the moment, while I study the language, it feels as if I have a lot of time to do activities outside of classroom. It is not uncommon for many students in my class to spend the whole week together, going home late at night to study. I think it is great as it gives you a lot of time to form good friendships with your classmates. As a result, the class environment improves as everyone gets to know each other really quickly.

Since progressing from the language school to the university classes, I’ve met more students and have found they like to meet up and go out together, outside of university. Most people I met at Macquarie lived quite far away from each other and the only way to hang out with them was to drive or take a bus for a long time. Since everything in Tokyo is quite compact and it’s easy to get around by subway, it usually doesn’t take long for everyone to get together on the weekend to do things.

Name a surprising and positive reflection of your time on exchange?
One of the most positive experiences of being on exchange so far is meeting so many new and interesting people. As the language training was mainly undertaken by foreigners, it was easy to form quick friendships and learn about everyone and where they came from. But once I started studying engineering subjects, I was lucky to start making more Japanese friends. In any case, you usually spend a lot of time with the people you meet and, as a result, end up staying in contact even after your classes or internships together end. It’s nice to know that even though I’ve only been here just a few months, I’ve met and made so many new friends.

During my time on exchange, I think I have learnt a lot about myself: what I appreciate about Japan but what I also miss from Australia. It makes me remember a lot of the things I take for granted in Australia, that are less common in Tokyo, such as beaches, nature and stars.

How can exchange benefit students in general but those in your faculty in particular?
I think exchange can be highly beneficial to all students to learn more about themselves and widen their perspectives on other cultures and beliefs. For those in my faculty, I think exchange can be an even greater benefit when working on a thesis. Some overseas universities allow research using facilities and technologies that are not available at Macquarie or the students’ respective home university.

One of the things I have found really beneficial on exchange is being able to make new friends. I have already created many lifelong friends and plan to meet up with them in the future since we had so much fun together in Japan.

Can you suggest a few tips to students who are planning to apply for an exchange? 
Since your choice of country will have a significant impact on the steps you need to take for obtaining the correct documents and for budgeting purposes, students should start to plan as early as possible where they would like to go. For Japan, I suggest you stay on top of your communication with your host university. The universities in Japan are usually very quick to respond to your emails and as a result expect the same in return. I would also recommend following their instructions precisely as they can be quite strict on making sure things are done a specific way.

Macquarie University has over 150 exchange partner universities worldwide. Applications for January Semester 1, 2019 are open. For more information on learning abroad, visit our website here, attend an information session or contact us at mi.exchange@mq.edu.au.

Marketing Assistant, Opallac Australia, Macquarie Park
Part-time/casual role to create, maintain and grow social media accounts, create new social media plans focusing on growing sales and followers. Must have a passion for beauty and nails, experience working in retail and/or a marketing environment such as prior marketing or sales experience. Must have a current driver’s license; own car is preferred. Applications close 6 Aug 2018.

Westpac Group Summer Internship Program, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide
Six programs are available in this program: Corporate & Institutional Bank, Financial Marketing & Treasury, Global Transaction Services, Group Operations, Risk and Group Technology. Commencing in December 2019, the program runs for 10 weeks from December to February and talented interns will also have the opportunity to be considered for the Graduate Program in 2020. Applications close 10 Aug 2018.

2018-19 Trading Internship, Optiver, Sydney
This internship provides the perfect opportunity to gain exposure to a real-life trading floor. Expand your knowledge of the financial markets, and work on challenging projects that have the potential to impact the way we trade. In eight weeks, you’ll complete an introductory derivative theory training course that covers extensive trading principles and concepts, delivered by our Head of Trader Education. Applications close 19 Aug 2018.

Justice Action Internship Program, Sydney
Justice Action is a community-based, non-profit social justice organisation. We provide opportunities for intern volunteers to work directly alongside academics, lawyers, prisoners, victims of crime, ex-prisoners and general community members. Internships with Justice Action are flexible and volunteer-based, tailored to suit the commitments of the intern. Our current interns work from one day a week to a full-time capacity both during semester and in the holidays. Applications close 21 Aug 2018.

Junior ABA Therapists, ABALINK Early Intervention Services, Ryde, Western Sydney
Positions available for committed, enthusiastic people to train and work as Therapists for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in our intensive early intervention programs. ABA Therapists are in high demand and we are looking to fill teams all across Sydney Join a passionate team delivering the most effective evidence -based treatment for children with Autism. Set your own hours in this rewarding field and choose your location to work. You can change a family’s life whilst adding meaning to yours. Application open.

Apply for these roles and browse through others by logging on (using your OneID and password) or registering at CareerHub.

In 2015, when the young indigenous Dayvis began his Bachelor of Arts Media degree at Macquarie University, he also applied for and won a SBS and NITV Media Mentorship. Right from the start, Dayvis made the most of the opportunities the mentorship program provided. He attended all the workshops and networking events, he worked on cultural festivals, such as the Alice Desert Festival and Garma, and he had his time-lapse footage ‘Sign of the Times’ appear as a video installation at aMBUSH Gallery.

Dayvis was mentored at NITV by producer Ben Smith who helped him develop skills in creating graphics for programs such as Koori Knockout and Over the Black Dot.

“My work with NITV was a first look at the way television works,” says Dayvis. “It allowed me to learn and gain experience – this is definitely the industry that I want to be in.”

Dayvis went on to secure casual work creating graphics and operating a studio camera for Over the Black Dot.

The ABC Media Cadetship is a 12-month full-time position that offers Dayvis work placements within the ABC, comprehensive training, a mentoring program, the opportunity to work on his own production project and the potential for a rewarding and varied career with the ABC.

“The SBS and NITV Media Mentorship definitely helped me secure the Cadetship,” says Dayvis. “It gave me the opportunity to gain real experience throughout my degree and to acquire the skills I will need throughout my career in the media.”

A longstanding initiative of the Office of the PVC Learning and Teaching, the  SBS Media Mentorship program is now part of Macquarie University’s PACE program. If you would like to find out about other opportunities, look up the current PACE listings.

Student Brand Manager, Red Bull Australia, Macquarie University
Red Bull Student Brand Manager required  to reach new students, excite students, increase sales and manage the Red Bull brand on a student level. You need to have demonstrated experience with digital media and strong communication skills with thorough understanding of the university, including behind-the-scenes activities and hotspots on and around campus. Applications close 18 May 2018.

Short-term volunteer, AIESEC Australia, Macquarie University, Culiacán Rosales, Sinaloa, Mexico
Help make a change by empowering the future generation! This is a great one of a kind opportunity to live, learn and engage in local communities to become more cross-culturally aware. Become a member of our Mexico volunteer program, which runs from 19 June to  31 July, 2018, and can be undertaken during the semester break. Quality education is a crucial element which not all children receive in Mexico. You will be carrying out workshops about health and the environment, focusing on values and creating strategies to engage kids in creating their life plan. Applications close 28 May 2018.

Engineering Graduate Program,  Downer EDI, NSW, VIC, WA and QLD
The graduate program is a two-year program providing exposure to different areas of the business through four, six months structured rotations in various states. Downer Graduates are a diverse workforce of thought leaders who are supported to deliver on our purpose, promise, and pillars for our customers. You must be a recent engineering graduate (within the past five years) or a penultimate year student graduating in early 2019 with a minimum credit average and be mobile (able to work and live in any state of Australia). Applications close 31 May 2018.

Mystery shoppers, GBW Solutions, Sydney
Mystery shoppers required to evaluate retail outlets all over New South Wales. The assignment requires you to visit a designated retail outlet, behave like a real customer, purchase a specified product or make an enquiry and evaluate the customer service. Afterwards, just complete a simple online survey about your shopping experience. You will be paid a shopper fee plus reimbursement on the product purchases (if applicable). Applications close 31 May 2018.

Tutors, Australian Tutoring Company, Macquarie Park
Tutors are needed in the North Shore, from years K-12, teaching all subjects. The Australian Tutoring Company provides individual, in-home and on-premise tutoring services to children K-12 in all subjects (primary school, high school, OC, Selective, Scholarship and more). We are looking for passionate tutors to take on home tutoring in the North Shore area as well as at our premises in Macquarie Park. You will need a minimum HSC/ATAR score of 90 in the teaching subject OR excellent prior experience with tutoring and fluency in spoken and written English. Applications close 4 Jun 2018.

IT Project Officer Intern, Primary and Community Care Services, ACS Foundation Limited, Sydney
You will be assisting with the implementation of various IT projects, involving the design, development and support for large SharePoint implementation projects, the design and development of a range of PowerApps for the organisation, including a library borrowing app and other Microsoft/Office365 products as required. You will need a degree in Computer science/Engineering, Information Technology and Systems or Software Development. Applications close 8 June 2018.

Apply for these roles and browse through others by logging on (using your OneID and password) or registering at CareerHub. 

Important notice: CareerHub will be closed for maintenance 9am-12pm, Wednesday, 23 May. Thank you for your patience.

The full week’s schedule will include a Volunteering and Overseas Opportunities Expo, a Start-Up Expo and workshops on Sourcing Your Own Internship, Salary Expectations, Employability Attributes and Personal Branding.

There will be also be a Graduate Career Fair on 15 March in the foyer at 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue (E7A) and in the interior courtyard of 14 Eastern Rd (E7B) from 12-3pm with a variety of large international businesses, government organisations, professional associations and not-for-profits attending.

This is a great opportunity to make new industry contacts and even find internships, as well as graduate and casual work opportunities.

You can register here to attend any of the Careers Week events.

Volunteer Youth Leader, StreetgYm, YMCA
The YMCA are looking for two volunteer youth leaders for StreetgYm program in location in Sydney. StreetgYm is a youth program run in public parks and reserves, aimed at youth aged 12+, which uses sports and fitness activities to connect with and support potentially at-risk youth. You will need to have completed or be currently studying related courses (youth work, psychology, social work, teaching etc). Applications close 25 February 2018.

Marketing Intern, ADMATIC
Do you have an eye for detail and the ability to think laterally? Then this position in Surry Hills may be for you. The role involves assisting with communications, strategy and planning digital media marketing. You will need to have a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Arts (language or design) or Business, together with high level proficiency in MS PowerPoint and functional MS Excel ability. Applications close 8 March 2018.

Welcome Desk Volunteer, International Student Welcome Desk, Sydney International Airport
As a volunteer in the Work Integrated Learning Project in association with StudyNSW, you’ll gain valuable work experience and a certificate of completion from the NSW Department of Industry after a minimum of 20 hours work at the Welcome Desk. Volunteers will be working 4-5 hour shifts Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning from 7am – 12pm, and every day during peak periods (Feb and July). Travel costs for your shifts will be partially reimbursed with a $40 Opal Card. Applications close 19 March 2018.

Graduate Analyst, Blackdot 
This role focuses on the diagnostic and strategic stages of marketing, sales and service transformation projects. Located in Sydney, it’s an exciting opportunity for a graduate with one to two years’ work experience with exceptional academic results, advanced analytical and problem-solving skills and good oral and written communication skills. You will also need a degree, or be working towards completing a degree this year, in a Commerce, Economics or Engineering (or a related discipline). Applications close 25 March 2018.

Apply for these roles and browse through others by logging on (using your OneID and password) or registering at CareerHub.

Digital producer / project manager intern, HCF
This paid internship is ideally suited to someone who is studying a Media, IT, Commerce or Engineering degree, and who has experience with CMS, basic HTML/CSS Skills. You will work on a state-of-the-art Content Management System – Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), in order to support delivery of digital campaigns across core hcf.com.au website. You will also assist the Digital Experience Manager with updating the HCF website, project management and stakeholder engagement. Applications close 25 November.

Market insights graduate, Kantar TNS
Plunge into market research as a grad with Kantar TNS. We are looking for someone with an eye for detail, the ability to solve problems and to communicate with passion. Successful past graduates have come from a broad range of degrees – such as the arts, sciences, languages, economics, marketing, psychology, anthropology and data sciences – but most of all we need graduates who can confidently use their initiative, speak up and are digitally savvy. Applications close 21 November.

IT Helpdesk role, Orix
With a long list of project initiatives currently underway, our Technology and Innovation team is looking to add an additional resource on the IT Helpdesk. This role is suited for a graduate or near-graduate looking for a part-time IT Helpdesk role. This is a 3-5 day per week role over six months beginning in November. Applications close on 10 November.

Volunteer, Career and Employment Service
Want to be involved on-campus and gain experience? Apply now to be a Careers Fair volunteer for Session 1, 2018! You will get to go behind the scenes of a huge campus event, network with employers from all industries, and make new friends. Applications close 19 February 2018.

Apply for these roles and browse through others by logging on (using your OneID and password) or registering at CareerHub.

Here are the highlights from this week’s new job listings on CareerHub:

Internship, Marketing Eye
A Marketing Eye internship can help you get where you want to go, or could be a pathway to working for us. If your area of expertise is in marketing, graphic design or IT/web development, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Our intern placements can range from six weeks to six months. Contact us today! Applications close 31 December 2017.

Investment consultant, West Link Alliance
West Link Alliance is seeking out motivated individuals to join our company as Foreign Investment Consultants in an autonomous part-time or full-time capacity. This graduate opportunity has huge potential upside in both commission and salary positions. Application close on 16 December.

Senior maths teacher, Committed to Coaching, Hurtsville
Committed to Coaching is one of the largest and fastest growing coaching centre in Sydney. We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate senior maths teacher, year 7 to year 12, for our Hurstville centre. Applications close 31 December 2017.

LEAP Mentoring Program, Macquarie University
The LEAP Macquarie Mentoring (Refugee Mentoring) Program is currently recruiting volunteer mentors for Semester 1, 2018. If you are interested in refugee issues we want you! Applications close 26 January 2018.

Apply for these roles and browse through others by logging on (using your OneID and password) or registering at CareerHub.

MQU Professional Development Program 2018, Career and Employment Service, Macquarie University
Approaching graduation and not quite sure where to go? Give yourself the edge and maximise your future potential through the MQ Professional Development Program 2018. Run by the Career and Employment Service, this pilot program offers the opportunity to penultimate and final year students to up-skill and know the key secrets to getting hired and building a career! To find out more, and to apply, log onto Career Hub today!

Junior analyst (Chemistry), Vitex Pharmaceuticals
Vitex Pharmaceuticals is a leading manufacturing and packaging company for complementary medicines with a focus on quality and efficiency. The company is seeking new talent to join its rapidly growing team and is currently looking for a dynamic and highly motivated individual to fill this full-time role. Applicants must have permission to work in Australia. Applications close 30 November 2017.

The ABC invites applications for a paid 12-month internship position located in Sydney. To be successful, you will be enrolled in your second year of a relevant tertiary course and have a real passion for the digital design industry! The internship will provide you with the opportunity to build experience in application development, testing and release, as well as product design and content migration. Applications close 3 November 2017.

Digital content writer/analyst (Sport and Horse Racing), Betting Network Australia
If you are a budding journalist and have a keen interest in racing and sport, this part-time role will provide you with invaluable experience whilst developing your digital and writing skills. You’ll have the ability to generate engaging and thought-provoking articles each week – varying from short burst articles to longer pieces featuring more in-depth analysis. This is an ideal entry level position for any student looking to pursue a career in journalism or digital media. Applications close 15 November 2017.

Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre is currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated gymnastics instructor to join our fun and supportive team on a casual basis. The gymnastics program is open seven days a week and caters to both community and student members, consisting of Kinder Gym, Recreational, Teen and Adult classes along with men’s and women’s competitive gymnastics. Applications close 5 November 2017.

Apply for these roles and browse through others by logging on (using your OneID and password) or registering at CareerHub.