Marin Imajo, originally from Japan, is a recent graduate at TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA). She graduated from SIT50122 Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management at Perth campus. In this blog, Marin shares with us her experience at TIWA and her recommendations for future students considering pursuing their studies in Perth, WA.
What were you doing before moving to Perth as an international student?
I’m Marin Imajo from Japan. I’m 22 years old and was a university student majoring in politics before moving to Perth.
What are the best things about your course?
I studied the SIT50122 Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management at Perth campus. What I most loved about this course was the class size. The class was small, making it easy to ask the teacher questions, and it created a warm environment. Additionally, the small class size made it easier to get accustomed to everything.
How have you found TIWA's facilities and teachers so far?
Our lecturers gave us many opportunities to volunteer for events, to enable us to talk to people from the tourism industry and understand how it works. In the first semester, most of the classes focused on theory so that we could establish knowledge required for the following which was focused on practical training.
I like the facilities at Perth campus, especially the library. There are some private rooms for you to focus on your study. I went there to study and get ready for my assessments.
What career path are you planning to pursue after completing your studies at TIWA?
I want to engage in employment in the tourism sector in the near future. However, since completing my course, I have become more enthusiastic about work to support English learners. What I want to do in the near future is to learn and teach English in Japan, to help people who want to study abroad, and promote all the great things about Perth.
What are the best things about Perth as an international student?
I have lived in Perth for about a year. I visited Perth in 2023 for the first time. I stayed in Perth for only five weeks at that time, but I fell in love with the city. What made me feel that way is the nature, and in particular the ocean. If you love nature, you will definitely be enticed by this city. The other thing I liked about Perth is people. All the people that I have met in Perth are kind, wonderful and heartwarming.
Do you have any advice for students who are considering studying a course similar to yours at TIWA?
I will definitely recommend TIWA to people in Japan as TAFE is a wonderful environment for learning. The classes take place in small scale, which makes it easier to connect with people. Lecturers are very helpful to develop skills that you want. In addition, they kindly help you with your English skills. They helped me a lot when I made language mistakes.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Come to Perth and immerse yourself in beautiful nature. You will definitely love this city, and you will get a new perspective on life in this multicultural country.