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What happens when stepping out of your comfort zone opens a whole new world? Gloria’s journey proves it’s worth the leap.
When Gloria moved from Bangladesh to study a Bachelor of Information Technology at Curtin, it was her first time leaving home. From learning to navigate a new culture to finding her voice and building friendships, she’s embraced every challenge and opportunity that comes with studying abroad.
When Gloria left Bangladesh for Australia, it wasn’t just her first time moving abroad, it was her first time leaving the country at all! She had just finished her A-levels and was weighing up her options for university when Curtin offered her a place in a Bachelor of Information Technology. Unlike in Bangladesh, where public universities are difficult to access and private study can be restrictive, to her family, Australia represented both freedom and opportunity, and she was encouraged to go for it.
“It was always my dream to study abroad. I wanted to be independent, to experience a new culture, and not just stay at home relying on my parents. In Bangladesh, we’re not really allowed to work, but here, I got my first job at 19. That felt like such a huge achievement.”
At first, she stayed with her aunt in Perth, which made the transition easier and gave her a “home away from home.” Almost two years later, she still hasn’t felt homesick. Instead, she’s embraced the chance to explore her new environment. From riding the train along Busselton Jetty to snorkelling at Canal Rocks (with the help of a pool noodle, since she’s still learning to swim), Gloria has been steadily ticking off experiences she never thought she’d have.
University, however, hasn’t always been straightforward. Gloria admits IT wasn’t her passion going in.
“To be honest, I’m not really passionate about coding. But I’m already halfway through, and I’m learning to love it more. It feels good when I understand what’s happening, and the best part is meeting so many different people. You realise you’re not the only one struggling.”
Her choice of degree was also practical. At her mother’s encouragement, she chose a field less accessible back home. If it were up to her, she says, she might have pursued psychology, but IT has still pushed her in ways she didn’t expect. Through her degree, Gloria has faced new challenges like building advanced technical skills and learning to manage the pressures of full-time study as an international student.
The biggest challenge? Finding her voice.
“In my first semester, I didn’t know how to make new friends. Back home, I always had the same group around me. But I realised if you don’t step out of your comfort zone, you’ll end up alone. So, I had to force myself to talk to people.”
That courage has reshaped her experience. Today, Gloria describes herself as an ambivert, someone who has grown more confident approaching others and taking part in new opportunities. She’s joined Curtin Volunteers!, where she’s helped at events like the Waroona Agricultural Show, and discovered a passion for volleyball through UniSport.
Those moments, she says, are some of the highlights of her time at Curtin.
“I never thought I’d actually be able to make so many friends. Not just friends to talk to in class, but people I can bond with, spend time with, and share experiences. That’s been the most valuable part of uni.”
Looking ahead, Gloria hopes to build on her degree with internships, online courses, and eventually a career in IT here in Australia. She finds Australia to be incredibly peaceful. She loves the freedom to work hard, always feels safe, and feels like she can be herself.
“My advice to other international students’ is don’t just stick with your own group. Make friends outside your circle, join clubs, volunteer. Everyone’s busy with their own lives, so no one’s really judging you.”
