Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Youngsuk Yun — South Korea
Commercial Cookery

I first came to Perth on a working holiday visa three years ago and I loved the city and its lifestyle straight away so I decided to come back and pursue my studies here. Perth is very different from Seoul — it is a lot smaller and less crowded. It’s also easy and cheap to get around. Buses called ‘CAT’ are free, so it’s very convenient to hop on and off and travel around the city. The weather is beautiful in Perth. Most of the time it is sunny. I like living here because it provides a very unique experience. The people are also very kind and friendly; I don’t feel like I’m a stranger here.

I’m currently studying Commercial Cookery but I have also completed a Diploma of Hospitality at the same school. I’m very happy with my school. All the lecturers and admin staff are very helpful. The facilities at the school are also very modern. We have computer labs, wireless internet throughout the school and a commercial kitchen where the cookery students can practice.

I live with a friend in East Perth, not far from my school and the city centre. When I am not at school I work in a restaurant three days a week. I got this job through my school. I love living and studying in Perth. I enjoy my course, I have improved my English, and I have made many friends from many countries.

My advice for international students is to just come and experience the Perth way of life — you won’t regret it!

João Tomé — Portugal
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

I’ve been studying at Central Institute of Technology and living in Perth for 17 months now. Before coming to Perth, I worked for various theatres in Portugal and Spain as a light designer. I also worked for Portuguese TV station TVI Channel 4 as a camera, jimmy jib, vertical work and dolly operator.

The main reason for coming to Perth was to obtain an Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media and explore opportunities in media here in Australia. I chose to study at Central Institute as it is a very hands-on, practical course, which is more exciting than learning theory at university. You will be more prepared for the workplace, and the people at Central Institute are very accommodating to all students.

Because of my experience and my connections through Central Institute I am actually in demand as a cameraman here in Perth and I work for several film and TV companies on a regular basis.

In 2011, I was one of a team of students selected to work on a series of DVDs to market to international students and assist them with settling into Perth. The highlight of the project for me was the day we filmed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Office in Central Institute’s newest building. I got to have fun and develop shots, such as dolly shots and other cinema techniques. It was a real-world experience.