Phyu Sin Htet (known to her friends as Phoebe) was getting ready for her first semester at UTS when she learnt she’d won the UTS College Outstanding Graduate Prize for UTS Foundation Studies. The award is a cash prize for the student who graduates with the highest grade-point-average (GPA) in their cohort. “It was a great way to start,” she says. “I was feeling nervous, and it felt like the best way to reassure myself.” The first person she told was her mum in Myanmar. “She’s been so supportive, and I wanted to share the excitement with her,” she says. “Then I took my older brother out for dinner. He’s also studying here.”
Phoebe moved directly to Bachelor of Advanced Science (her major is Pharmaceutical Science) after completing her Foundation Studies program. “I’ve always been interested in STEM subjects,” she says, “and in recent years, with COVID, the importance of quality pharma has really come to light. That motivated me to study Pharmaceutical Science. I want to be part of an improvement in how medications are administered in Myanmar.”
A gap to learn about learning
Although studying abroad was always part of her plan, Pheobe found herself in Australia a little later than she’d intended. She says, “I had to move things back partly because of the pandemic, and partly because travel conditions at home weren’t really safe.” Instead, she took a short gap period to do volunteer work. “My high school had weekend courses. They were free for anyone interested in learning English. They needed teachers, so I applied and got the job,” she says. “It was a great learning experience. I think it gave me a different perspective on studying, and I saw how the structure of assignments and tasks helps us learn.”
When travel became more accessible, Pheobe looked at universities and was attracted to UTS. “It felt a lot fresher,” she says. “More modern and relaxed. And I was already drawn to Australia by the wildlife. Seeing them in real life instead of through a screen is fascinating. Now that I’m here I’ve seen kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, kookaburras, wombats, wallabies – and a few other birds and lizard species, although I’m not quite sure what they were.”
The pathway to UTS – a useful transition,
Like many international students, Phoebe began her UTS experience at UTS College, the pathway to UTS. “I’d say UTS College was a useful transition for me. Aside from the academic skills, it gets you used to this new environment. You learn to manage your studies and adapt to a kind of freedom you didn’t have in high school,” she says. Phoebe also took advantage of the lively social life at the College. She says, “I joined the Traditional Chinese Culture Association and took dancing classes with them. I have Chinese heritage and it’s always been a dream of mine to learn traditional Chinese dance. I wanted to connect with that part of my background and there aren’t many opportunities in Myanmar.”
Her favourite memory from her time at UTS College was at the end of her first semester. “We all gathered for group photos with our teachers. It was hard to believe the semester had ended so soon, and the photo is a reminder of the time I spent with all those people.” Phoebe remembers her teachers fondly and encourages new UTS College students to interact with them. She says, “It may feel daunting, but they’re really friendly. I feel like a large part of my success was due to their support. Communicate with them and make sure you get their feedback. That’s not always so easy at uni, so make the most of it while you’re at the College.”
Now at UTS, Phoebe says UTS College helped her settle into university. “I found the assignments similar to what I did in UTS College. I went into my degree a lot more prepared, knowing how to reference, and the right way to write academically.” She also knew her way around the campus. “My favourite place is the alleyway between Building 11 and Building 10. It’s a comfortable, quiet spot to have lunch or just wind down,” she says.
Maintaining a healthy balance
She’s also maintained her interest in co-curricular opportunities. “I’ve joined quite a few societies at UTS,” she says. “I’m in the Japanese Australian Student Society, and the Chinese Australian Student Society. Also, the Paw Society, a society of pet owners and animal lovers. I don’t have any pets here, but I have a puppy back home – a Pomeranian mix. His name is Dou Dou and he’s quite a rascal.”
Maintaining a balance between her study and personal life is important to Phoebe. She says, “Even though I’m mainly here to study, I try to keep up with other interests. And I like going out to eat with my friends – there are so many cuisines in Sydney. I’m also watching Chinese films to help improve my Mandarin, and I enjoy visiting the Australian Museum.”
Looking to the future, Phoebe sees more study. “I’m hoping to do a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Science,” she says, “But I’d also like to study other things. I’m very interested in animals, and I’d like to take a course in zoology or palaeontology, but not just yet. I’ll see how things go. Who knows?”
Find out more about UTS Foundation Studies>