Enquire to study in the UK 
When times were difficult over recent years, a few kind-hearted students stepped up to help. Yuqing (Crystal) Zhao was one of them. During the height of the pandemic, she joined Kindness Shake — a student-led initiative designed to support international students, migrants, refugees and temporary visa holders who are facing financial issues.
“I saw them start to give all the international students free meals on the campus,” she shares. “It inspired me to help international students. That’s why I decided to join them.”
She began as a casual volunteer, then slowly worked her way up to becoming an executive assistant, helping organise meetings and writing down minutes. Today, she’s spent over two and a half years volunteering with Kindness Shake. Working for the betterment of others gives her a deep sense of purpose — one that only continues to grow with every passing year.
Crystal, and many other international students, benefit from being a part of the Study NT community. Here, students come together to celebrate their experiences in the Northern Territory of Australia — sharing their different cultures and backgrounds despite being thousands of kilometres away from home. They take part in various activities outside of university like volunteering, organising intercultural events, and more.
Crystal Zhao was recognised as International Student Volunteer of the Year for her work with Kindness Shake. Crystal is pictured here with the Northern Territory Minister for International Education, the Hon Ngaree Ah Kit. Source: Study NT
Crystal, an international student from China, chose to study in Australia’s Northern Territory because of the many opportunities it offers, not only to explore a new environment but to honour different cultural customs and traditions as well. Outside of her classes at Charles Darwin University (CDU), she also acts as a student ambassador to Study NT, where she’s able to do exactly that.
“I really enjoy taking part in the Culture Immersion program for international students,” she says. “It was founded by the National Foundation of Australia, China Relations under the Department of Foreign Affairs for the purpose of building connections between Chinese international students and the Australian community.”
One of the events Crystal organised was a ‘Chinese New Year with the First Nations’. “My main goal for this event was to help international students learn more about the most important festival in China,” she explains. “At the same time, we were able to learn more about the First Nations’ culture. There were more than 12 performances at this event by Chinese students and First Nation students.”
Rosie Nguyen, a student from Vietnam, chose Australia’s Northern Territory for a similar reason. Upon visiting for the first time, she immediately fell in love — a result of the many intercultural events and celebrations available.
Australia’s Northern Territory provides a space for all international students to feel at home despite being thousands of kilometres away from their countries. Source: Study NT
“I just felt an instant sense of belonging,” she shares. “As if this was a place that was welcoming me even though I’m a foreigner.”
Rosie is also a student ambassador for Study NT. She was drawn to the program for the many opportunities for personal development. Volunteering was a big part of this — which was important to Rosie, as a seasoned volunteer growing up.
“Volunteering was always a natural part of my life,” she explains. “I always feel like I should do whatever I can for the community — it makes me feel so fulfilled and encourages me to work harder, be better and keep supporting others. And when I see other people happy, I feel so happy inside.”
Rosie is taking full charge of her life since coming to Australia. She’s president of the CDU Yoga Lifestyle class, where she organises yoga classes for staff and students weekly.
Rosie Nguyen was recognised as the International Student of the Year for her work as a volunteer and participation at Charles Darwin University. Source: Study NT
“As someone who lives quite far away from her family, I understand how crucial it is to maintain your physical and mental health,” she explains. “We hosted online sessions during the pandemic to help students get physically active, even if they weren’t able to go outside. You can still stretch and move the body — which not only helps improve your mood but your approach to your studies and overall health, too.”
Rosie and Crystal’s efforts for CDU and the wider Northern Territory community have not gone unnoticed. Just recently, both were recognised by Study NT through a series of student awards. Crystal won the title of International Student Volunteer of the Year, while Rosie achieved the International Student of the Year for her many contributions and efforts.
“As an international student, it was extremely rewarding to be a part of Study NT’s community,” says Crystal. “By taking part in all of the opportunities presented to me, I was able to build connections with local people and know more about my peers. At the same time, I knew what I was doing was helping others. People will remember you if you put lots of effort into the community — and that will always stay with me.”
Follow the Northern Territory Government of Australia on Facebook, LinkedIn.
