Monday

Arleth Cifuentes - IT Cybersecurity Specialist

I started my morning early, getting ready around 6:00 a.m. before heading out with my roommate and our host families. Around 8:00 a.m., we arrived at the University of Wollongong, where we had breakfast at Panizzi Coffee Shop. By 9:00 a.m., we walked over to TAFE to meet the rest of our group and begin our first full day of learning in Australia.

Today was an eye‑opening introduction to TAFE NSW and the many pathways Australian students take in their education and careers. From the start, Fumi was actively involved in guiding the program and checking on everyone’s wellbeing, which made us feel supported and welcomed. One of the first things we noticed was how multicultural Australia is. People from many different backgrounds study and work together, and we were reminded during the presentations that cultural respect is a core value here. At one point, I even helped fix a technical issue so the presentation screen could be shared properly, a small moment, but it felt good to contribute.

We also met Kate, the campus manager, who greeted us warmly and led us on a tour. In the hospitality department, we saw students training in a fully functioning restaurant that serves both lunch and dinner. It was impressive to see how much hands‑on experience students gain while still in school. As we walked around campus, we learned about local wildlife, including the plovers, birds that mate for life and fiercely protect their young. They lay only two eggs at a time, often in grassy areas, and we were warned to keep our distance during nesting season. Another highlight was the creative workshop building, where students design and hand‑paint signs for schools and businesses. We also learned that some TAFE certificates can be completed in as little as 12 months, while others take up to two years depending on the qualification.

One of the most exciting parts of the tour was visiting the welding and mechanical engineering areas. Rick, who oversees the program, showed us the projects students are currently building, including a small temple‑style structure that students can eventually take home. The welding department was especially impressive, their students had previously won a national welding competition and were preparing for another one in June. Nearby, we explored the bricklaying area, where students work five days a week in the industry while completing their training. We learned that bricklayers can earn around $3.50 per brick, which shows how physically demanding but financially rewarding the trade can be. In the carpentry and construction section, students build full structures and then dismantle them to practice repeatedly. It was encouraging to hear that more women are entering the field, creating a more balanced and inclusive industry. We also toured the engineering and metal fabrication spaces, where students work with advanced machinery like what is used in real manufacturing environments.

After lunch, we attended our first class with Professor Pete, which quickly became one of the most memorable parts of the day. He welcomed us using traditional Indigenous language and explained how many Aboriginal languages were nearly lost over time. He taught us the difference between a “Welcome to Country,” which can only be performed by an Indigenous person from Australia, and an “Acknowledgement of Country,” which anyone can give to show respect. We learned about Australian geography, history, and nature, including the whale migration from Antarctica to warmer waters to give birth. Pete shared Indigenous stories, such as the legend of the five islands created when a father threw his daughters into the ocean. We also discussed Australia’s climate patterns, the effects of El Niño and La Niña, and even the surprising fact that kangaroos outnumber people in Australia.

Our history lesson continued with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 under Captain Arthur Phillip and how January 26 later became Australia Day. We learned about the gold rush that made Melbourne and the state of Victoria wealthy, which explains the many historic mansions still standing today. Another fascinating topic was Australia’s voting system, voting is mandatory, and citizens receive a fine if they do not participate. During our break, Professor Pete explained the meaning of the famous Australian bush call “cooee” and discussed major events such as the Great Depression and Australia’s fear of Japanese invasion during World War II. We learned that Japan attacked both Darwin and Sydney, which strengthened Australia’s alliance with the United States. By the end of the day, we had also gained a deeper understanding of Australian culture, history, and identity.

After class, a few of us visited the Wollongong Botanic Garden, where we explored the local flora before heading to the shopping mall. We took the free 55A bus, and later that evening, our host families picked us up.