G'day! International student loves Aussie slang (Issue 10, 2012)
One of Basma Mohammed Al-khadouri’s favourite things about living in Australia is learning our ‘Aussie slang.’ Originally from Oman, Basma was one of only two students who were awarded a full scholarship to study podiatry in Australia in 2009.
Basma always wanted to study overseas and have unique experiences, so she was delighted when she received her full scholarship to study a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Podiatric Practice. When she first arrived, she felt quite homesick; however this quickly went away when she started attending university classes. Basma says she found it easy to immerse herself into the Australian society and make new friends.
‘During the first few months I lived in homestay, which has been the most memorable experience for me in Melbourne. I experienced Australian family life in a natural, friendly way and I often found myself treated like a family member, which in turn helped me overcome the adjusting period,’ says Basma.
Basma believes her time in Australia has been uniquely remarkable and she has enjoyed every little aspect of her stay here.
‘I am sure that I will carry heaps of sweet memories when going back home. Melburnians are so lovely and friendly. Whenever you are waiting for a tram or a bus, there is always someone to talk to; they will just start chatting with you,’ says Basma.
‘I pretty much like Australian slang. Some of my favourites are: g’day, brolly, cost me big bikkies and earbashing. Sometimes I feel like it is a whole new language. Learning Australian slang has been one of the best things I have enjoyed in Australia. Believe me, you need to learn some Australian words; otherwise you might not be able to follow what people say.’
Basma is very appreciative of the help and good times La Trobe University has given her during her time here.
‘La Trobe University has made every experience a highlight for me. The friendly staff I have met, the new friendships (not forgetting the loads of assignments) have been all highlights of my time at La Trobe uni. Almost every spot in the University has something for me to remember.
‘I find the community on campus at La Trobe very friendly. I love the Agora; it is often a vivacious, comfortable and very busy area. In fact, it has been the meeting spot for me and my friends. I found no trouble to make new friends, and that has made it easy for me to settle in.’
Outside of her school work, Basma finds time to participate in the La Trobe Islamic Society and is also the Vice-President of the Omani Student Society of Victoria. She believes these extra-curriculum activities have greatly helped her academically also.
‘Motivation, responsibility, and opportunity for insight gained through these practical experiences have been of significant value to my theoretical studies. I have gained valuable skills, such as time management, team work and problem solving, which in turn have helped me progress through my course, as most of it based on successfully achieving effective team work,’ says Basma.
In five year’s time, Basma is hoping to work in a hospital in her home town of Sur.
‘International qualifications are highly respected and demanded in Oman. Hence, I think finding a job will be no trouble for me, especially because the number of podiatrists in Oman is still insufficient. Furthermore, besides having an international qualification, I would have improved my English academic skills, which is one of the most required skills in most job fields.’
