Blog: My experience with AHN

I came to Australia to study 4 years ago, I was awarded a scholarship from the Ecuadorian government and got the offer letter from UQ to do my bachelor’s degree. However, I had to do the Foundation Year program since my English was not strong enough to perform well in the university community.

It was my first time leaving my country and going to the other side of the worlds, facing a new culture and a new language.

When I got the letter to study at UQ and the scholarship I was so happy, and so were my family, but I was running out of time to get all my documents in order since I applied a bit late and the process was slow. I was making my mind that I wouldn’t come since I had very little time, I had no tickets to Australia, no accommodation and limited resources.

My family had to make a great effort to get some money and continue with the visa process and more papers. And finally, I got the visa and was ready to get the fly tickets. But the scholarship funds were not still assigned to my bank account, so I was without money and still no accommodation. I was too worried since I didn’t know anyone here. That’s when I contacted IES accommodation office, and they provided me links to look for accommodation. I then contacted AHN and explained my situation and asked for help.

I am grateful to them since they understood my situation and kindly helped me. They offered me an accommodation and waited for me to pay them once I get the funds from my scholarship.

Once I arrived at the homestay, I could feel their commitment to help students in their transition to living in Australia. I felt very comfortable and although I still had some limitations with my English, the experience living with them helped me a lot. My host parents supported me not only financially, but also boosting my English and making my transition easier. I consider them as my family.

Living with them allowed me to make friends with other students too, from different cultural backgrounds. It was nice to experience and learn from them and from my host family. I also had the chance of sharing to them my culture.

I used to get advice from them and enjoyed spending time with them.