Nipha Kemmanee
Age: 30
Country: Thailand
NMIT course: Advanced Diploma of Accounting

Tell us a little about yourself.
Since I resigned from my job in Thailand, I was strongly thinking about studying an English course somewhere in Melbourne. When I first arrived in Melbourne, my English was average. After studying English at the Collingwood campus for 24 weeks, my skills improved, so I went on to study further. I started the Information Technology course, but then I changed to an Advanced Diploma in Accounting at the NMIT Preston Campus.

What influenced you to study accounting at NMIT?
I was influenced by the low cost of study compared to other institutions, and I had heard that the course was well constructed and had a good reputation in the accounting field for vocational training.

How did you find out about NMIT?
There is an agency in Thailand which promotes NMIT as a good institution, and many of my friends have had good experiences whist studying there, so I thought I would give it a go.

What advice would you give to students considering studying accounting at NMIT?
Make the most out of the informal class structure; there are lots of opportunities, join in whenever you can, and it will be a more rewarding way of learning. The staff here are very helpful and friendly, ask them questions!

What is next for you?
My plan is study a degree in Accounting at RMIT or Swinburne University, and then I’ll be looking for a position in a company here in Australia, or maybe setting up something of my own using the skills that I was taught at NMIT.

What's been the most valuable lesson you've learnt along the way?
Working hard and studying is very satisfying, but its not the only thing; sometimes you have to relax and enjoy the experience of being in another country and let the culture wash over you to fully appreciate the meaning of living out of your own comfort zone.