Australia Awards South and West Asia

Sabita Joshi from Nepal completed her Master of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Melbourne in 2024. Below, she describes her Scholarship journey in her own words and reflects on how studying in Australia has deepened her knowledge, honed her skills and broadened her experiences.

Embarking on my academic journey as an Australia Awards scholar in Australia was both rewarding and challenging. The transition to a new environment was made smoother by my university’s ‘Welcome to Melbourne’ program, which, together with Australia Awards, connected me with the gracious hosts Dr Geoffrey and his wife Nancy, who provided unwavering support throughout my stay. They were an integral part of our stay in Australia.

The major challenges I encountered involved acclimatising to a new academic environment, public transport and systems. Being accompanied to Australia by my family had both drawbacks and benefits. My 5-year-old son, Adhrit, helped us understand the culture and social systems in Australia by creating opportunities for us to befriend the families of his friends from school and kindergarten. We went camping with one of his friend’s family for three days, which was the most joyful moment for all of us and the one that we appreciated the most. The hardest thing I faced in Australia was finding accommodation, but, finally, our neighbours Liam, Lucy and the community group helped us. Having nice neighbours was a great blessing, which helped us to immerse ourselves in Australian culture. Sharing meals, laughter and engaging conversations enriched my experience, fostering a sense of belonging in this diverse country.

Sabita (fourth from left) featured with other scholars from South Asia and Timor-Leste.

Academically, I seized numerous opportunities to broaden my knowledge and network. Attending the Australian Institute of International Affairs’ National Conference in Canberra from 11–13 November 2023 was particularly enlightening.

Participating in the Climate Resilient Agriculture thematic event organised by Australia Awards in Brisbane on 19–20 March 2024, which closely aligned with my studies, provided valuable insights.

Sabita (centre) with other Australia Awards scholars at the Australia Awards Climate Resilient Agriculture hosted at the University of Queensland.

Additionally, the 2023 crop tour by Ridley AgriProducts to wheat-producing areas such as Ouyen, Woomelang, Cowangie and Bendigo offered practical exposure to Australia’s agricultural sector and gave me a different perspective about global agricultural practices.

A highlight of this period was receiving a professional development grant dedicated to gender mainstreaming in agricultural programs. This grant empowered me to develop and implement initiatives that address gender disparities in agriculture, ensuring that both men and women have equitable access to resources, opportunities and decision-making processes. Such efforts are crucial in fostering inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.

Participating in the 2024 Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia Scholars Forum in Canberra on 26–27 November was a pivotal experience. The forum’s theme, ‘Working Together for a Gender-Equal World’, provided a platform to explore the integration of gender equality principles into our Development Impact and Linkages Plans, as well as our future professional endeavours upon returning home. Engaging with experts, panellists and fellow scholars enriched my understanding of gender issues. The interactive workshops and networking sessions equipped me with practical strategies to promote gender equality in various contexts.

Sabita (right) pictured with former Australian Ambassador to Nepal Ms Felicity Volk and fellow scholar Prativa Khanal from Nepal at the 2024 Scholars Forum in Canberra.

Beyond my studies, I embraced diverse work experiences, including serving as a casual school crossing supervisor with the Darebin Council, where I gained experience in children’s safety and met lots of nice parents and students. I worked at April Sun Farms, a vertical farm, which enriched my practical knowledge and gave me still another perspective on agriculture.

Exploring various regions—Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, the Gold Coast, and regional areas like Castlemaine, Wangaratta, Dookie, the Great Ocean Road, Mount Buller and Mount Hotham—through camping trips allowed me to appreciate Australia’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

These experiences have been pivotal in my personal and professional growth, equipping me with skills and perspectives that I am eager to apply in Nepal. The support systems in place, coupled with the challenges of adapting to a new environment, have made this journey both transformative and memorable.