Q&A with Filipino International Student in Adelaide, Australia: Dean Derick Punsalan

We interviewed Dean Derick Punsalan, a Hospitality and Restaurant Management graduate from the University of Baguio, currently taking his bachelor's degree in Adelaide, Australia.

IDP: Did you have any experience working in the Philippines before you flew into Australia?

Derick: We had an on-the-job training in my course where we had to work at a restaurant. I worked as an assistant chef, and after I graduated, I also worked in a family-type restaurant. I started with serving then built enough experience to move to management.

IDP: Why did you want to study abroad?

Derick: While I was managing one of our businesses, my younger brother had his international OJT; he was sent to Wisconsin, USA. As brothers, we were really close. So, after his graduation and his OJT, we talked about the differences in education between the United States and the Philippines, and we thought why not talk to our dad about it? Why not go to another country to experience their education? So that’s where the idea of us both studying abroad came from.

IDP: Why did you choose Australia as your study abroad destination, particularly Adelaide?

Derick: When you think of Australia, they have a lot of amazing resorts and hotels. We decided that we could try Australia, and as a student, I also did more research to make sure that everything goes smoothly. Other cities in Australia were quite expensive, so I looked into Adelaide. I liked how they treated international students. The culture is not too fast-paced and it’s more chill for students. That’s why we chose Australia and more specifically Adelaide.

IDP: How did you choose this specific course and school?

Derick: I chose to study abroad because I thought what if I could use what I studied in the Philippines and try to continue it elsewhere? I spoke with my family, and we ended up going with TAFE because it is a vocational school. Vocational schools are often referred to as “trades,” so I thought of doing a hands-on course. When I looked into TAFE, they had a bachelor's degree which was relatively new. It falls under higher education, which was exactly what I was looking for. I looked at the class rubrics and the subjects and I realized that this was really exciting, and it was all I wanted to study. I thought that this decision was going to help me better my career, so I chose TAFE in Adelaide, and decided to enroll in a bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Events.

IDP: What was the most difficult part of the application process and how did IDP help you with this?

Derick: IDP helped with everything. I just had to send the requirements to them, then they double-checked all the paperwork. However, the hardest part of the process was the extra requirements because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and they were quite difficult. I didn’t know where to start. Thankfully, IDP was always up to date with everything regarding Covid-19 - like when I first flew to Australia, I had to do the declaration forms, all the tests, and all the medical requirements for the COVID passport and IDP was able to help me with all the paperwork. They made sure that I completed my application!

IDP: What are your plans after graduating?

Derick: I want to get into a job where I can use my bachelor’s degree. Since I’m studying a bachelor's degree in hospitality, I want to work specifically in hotels and work there from the ground-up. This can further my career and help me improve my resume. Because, if you have someone from the hotel industry trying to climb the ranks, it’s a lot easier if you start from the bottom and if the course you’re studying is aligned with your chosen career. I see it as a good opportunity because there’s a chance for me to further my career here, but I would also like to consider helping my family with their business in the Philippines.

IDP: What’s your advice for students who are interested, but still afraid of pursuing their study abroad dream?

Derick: I’m just going to share my experience with the people who are still anxious about studying abroad. The thing is, it’s scary. You can’t remove the fear of moving to another country alone. Like me, I moved to Australia with no family and friends, but you must realize that to grow as a person, you’ll always need to grow out of your comfort zone. You grow as a person every time you face an uncomfortable and terrifying situation. My advice to you is, if you have a plan and it seems difficult to achieve, always remember that it’s never impossible.

Like Derick, you too can make the choice to study in Adelaide, Australia. IDP is here to assist you with all your study abroad needs. Fill out our inquiry form to begin your journey with us!