Our stories
Your Future
Welcome
James Cook University Brisbane
has developed an environment
providing students with a special
experience and a unique range
of services.
The aim of this booklet is to
provide future students with
information regarding James
Cook University Brisbane and
its unique points of difference
first hand.
Not from an agent, not a sales
person, but from current and
recently graduated students who
have experienced for themselves
the James Cook University
Brisbane difference.
This is a compilation of real
stories, from real students
who wanted to share their
experiences with you.
Justin Sharp
Chief Executive Officer
James Cook University Brisbane
Studying at
JCU Brisbane
Far beyond your expectations
James Cook University Brisbane (JCU Brisbane) is a purpose built, inner city, higher
education facility focusing on teaching and learning innovation.
When you commence study at JCU Brisbane, you will soon realise that you are not
only gaining a degree at the end of your studies, you are also creating a pathway
towards your future career.
We are committed to provide you with the theoretical knowledge and the necessary
soft skills most organisations look for when employing new graduates.
Did you know?
JCU lecturers from a range of study areas have won 12 national awards in the past
two years for excellence in teaching.
Keryn Jones
South Africa
Bachelor of Business Student
I decided to come to Brisbane and study accounting so that I could be with my family, who
were here before me, and also to broaden my horizons in a different career field as well as
to experience another country besides my own (being South Africa).
I chose to study at James Cook University in Brisbane because it is linked with CRICOS, it is in the
same city as my family, so I would have a support system as well as I was pleased with the fact
that there were small ratios in classes. It gives me the feeling of more personal attention and
helps with a better understanding instead of sitting in a lecture theatre of 300 plus students.
The other reason I chose James Cook University Brisbane was because they offered a AUD$1000
incentive per subject for all international students who receive a High Distinction.
The lecturers are very open and understanding and have never had any problems answering
any questions but even if they are not too sure, they find out and come back to me. I have also
been able to keep a friendly relationship with all my previous lecturers which is great because
then I do not feel like just a number but rather a person and that I am remembered.
Christian Gunznur Germany
Bachelor of Business Graduate
Well, why did I leave Germany and choose Australia
as my place to live and study for a year?
My choice had more to do with work-life-balance,
surrounding the daily routine of University. Each vehicle
number plate tells you: Queensland – The Sunshine
State, whereas in Bavaria there is a saying that “the sun
is always shining in the beer tent”; which simply
wasn’t enough for me anymore.
I had no idea about Australia and its people. It was
only a few months before beginning my Bachelor
degree at JCU Brisbane that I first came in contact
with Aussies. Having a few beers with them I found
that the culture was to my liking, an impression which
became even more intense during my stay here in
Brisbane. Good weather, friendly people and lastly the
city itself, with its exhibitions, parks and much more
offers an impressive quality of life.
I chose JCU Brisbane because my former education
organisation in Munich has an established partnership
and recognised my degree, which gave me the
possibility to do my Bachelors’ degree within one year.
Studying at JCU Brisbane requires more team skills
than any other degree that I have attended. This is a
new experience for me, providing the best moments
in University when a goal is achieved in a team, but
also nerve-racking moments where things went in the
wrong direction. However, achieving goals in a team
with members of culturally diverse backgrounds might
be the best preparation for your later work life and
therefore JCU Brisbane is an excellent place to practice.
Lecturers at JCU have a practical background
enabling you to gather lots of knowledge from their
experiences in the real business world. Finally the
class sizes are much smaller compared to other
Universities, enabling active participation and asking
questions directly to the lecturer: this simply helps
you to get the most out of your degree.
Hannel Perez
Venezuela
Master of Business Administration Student
I have been in Australia for around one and a half years,
but Brisbane trapped me for its weather, safety, and lifestyle.
I believe what makes Australia so special is its multi-ethnic
and multicultural society, surrounded by its natural beauty.
It was very important for me to find a place where I could find
similar Caribbean weather, so I could feel at home. At first I just
wanted to learn English with native language speakers, then with
the pretext of staying a little bit longer I enrolled in a business
course, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Business at JCU
Brisbane. And now, I am studying a Master degree at the same uni!
Thanks to JCU Brisbane, I now posses wonderful experiences
from many work environments, from telecommunications to
oil companies. I currently volunteer with the Smith Family and
the experience, I can proudly say, has allowed me to help in the
administrative process in supporting children’s education and
learning. I’ve dreamed of finding the perfect opportunity that
leads me to achieve personal and professional development.
Now I know that at JCU Brisbane, everything is possible!
Johann Castro
Peru
Bachelor of Business Graduate
From my experience, JCU Brisbane is really the best
of both worlds as we get to enjoy all the benefits of a
smaller school like personalised attention and building
strong relationships with faculty. I’ve discovered
incredible opportunities at JCU Brisbane that I used to
think were only available at large Universities, such as
hands on research, access to a learning and support
centre and classes that challenge you.
One of the things I like the most about JCU is its great
location, right in the heart of Brisbane CBD. I really
like living in the city of Brisbane, its lifestyle and all its
surrounding areas, a city that inspires innovation and
creativity every day.
Some of my highlights at JCU include: being strongly
involved with the student council; being part of the
mentoring program to mentor new students; finding
a job that gave me the international experience I
needed with the help of Joblinx; and participating in
the first JCU graduation ceremony in Brisbane.
Phatthira (Ploy)Akkasinthawangkul
Thailand
Master of International Tourism & Hospitality Graduate
I recently graduated with a Master of International
Tourism and Hospitality Management from JCU Brisbane,
Australia. The subjects offered were very useful for
working in the tourism industry, such as Tourism Systems
Analysis, Tourism Operations Management and Strategic
Management in the Hospitality Industry.
As a student who was studying, living and working in
Australia, I was always supported by JCU Brisbane, who
provided assistance through orientation programs and
Joblinx, to name a few. With great assistance and a degree
to match, it makes me confident and proud to apply for a
job in my home country of Phuket, Thailand.
When I returned home there were not many jobs on offer,
however, I was employed within one month at Splash
Jungle Water Park as a Sales and Marketing Executive.
Everything that JCU Brisbane has given me is precious: I have
a master degree, excellent communication skills and a range
of experiences which are very important things. I believe
the skills I gained during my time at JCU Brisbane directly
impacted my chances of being hired for this position.
At JCU Brisbane, everything is possible!
Le Yen (Jade) Ngoc
Vietnam
Bachelor of Business Student
The Learning Resource Centre, which is usually known
as “Level 2”, provides assistance to all students. The staff
have been conducting many useful workshops to fulfill
students’ basic study skills; helping students perfect
their assignments by proof-reading. Besides, their
services include implementing the mentors program
which is helpful for both mentors and mentees.
The staff also become patient advisers when students
have trouble. Thanks to their support, I had overcome
initial difficulties and feel more self-confident and
mature than I used to be.
Rewarding
students
$A1,000 High Distinction Academic Award
The High Distinction Academic Award is given to all international students who
achieve a High Distinction score (typical grade of over 85%*) in their subjects.
Available to all international students studying at JCU Brisbane, this is an ideal
opportunity for students to be recognised and rewarded for their efforts.
Did you know?
JCU Brisbane has awarded over $A765, 000 worth of High Distinction awards since
this rewards system was first implemented in 2006.
*Calculation of High Distinction scores may sometimes vary and will be determined in accordance with JCU policies.
Bursary conditions apply.
Kanchanapong (Koby)
Chantawarangul
Thailand
Master of Professional
Accounting Student
One of the best choices in my life was choosing James
Cook University Brisbane as my Alma mater. Student life
in the Brisbane campus has proven to be pleasant; the
small classes make the lecturers very approachable; the
student support centre provides academic assistance
which allows me to adjust to the studying environment;
and the diverse student body has exposed me to
different cultural perspectives.
As a student, academic excellence is one of my personal
priorities. JCU Brisbane has the environment to foster
academic excellence and creates an incentive for it by
offering $A1000 bursary for every High Distinction.
It’s good to achieve academic excellence and receive
tangible benefits as well.
James Cook University Brisbane has provided me with
the right education and work experience opportunities
which has allowed me to pursue my career aspirations.
My time at JCU Brisbane has proven to be most
educational, beneficial, and enjoyable.
Thuy Dinh (Tracy)Dam
Vietnam
Bachelor of Business Student
I have been with JCU Brisbane for two trimesters.
The University has provided excellent services to all
students, especially international students like me.
I am more than happy to share my experience with all
of you! James Cook University Brisbane established
a $A1,000 High Distinction Bursary to reward
hardworking students. I achieved a High Distinction
for two subjects last trimester, and obtained $A2,000
which was placed towards my tuition fee. The bursary
is really a big motivator for the students. We will work
harder to obtain higher achievement in our studies.
I am very satisfied with the services provided by
James Cook University Brisbane and Joblinx. I love all
the great work and efforts the University has done!
Natasha Cox
England
Master of International Tourism
& Hospitality Graduate
I was in my final semester at Sheffield Hallam University
in the beautiful (and some what rainy) South Yorkshire,
Great Britain, and wanted to continue my studies.
After spending 18 months of undergraduate studies in
roasting hot Turkey, snowy Finland and the stunning
Lake Garda there was no way that I could spend yet
another year in rainy old England.
With no thought what so ever I Googled “studying
abroad” and what should grace my screen but Australia.
I didn’t know much about Australia, but one thing I
did know was that the sun shined in Australia, a lot!
It seemed like a good option, so an application was
sent off to JCU Brisbane with a far-flung dream of
Australian surfers and 365 days of sunshine!
My studies have enabled me to live my dream. They have
given me the opportunity to have my eyes opened to
the world around me. JCU Brisbane is a place where the
lecturers really know and have time for their students,
they are supportive and aware of the challenges we
face both academically and personally. It is a place
where different cultures combine to create a unique
learning experience, offer ideas and insight which could
not be gained anywhere else and an experience which
will never be forgotten.
My time in Australia has been incredible. It was tough
moving to the other side of the globe, knowing no
one and nothing of what to expect. I wouldn’t change
it for the world though. I am still hunting for my
handsome surfer to sweep me off my feet, I realised
that the sun does not shine 24/7 in Australia, but more
importantly I have met people who have inspired me
to be the best version of me.
Natasha has been awarded eight High Distinctions
out of the nine subjects she has studied.
Natasha plans to remain in Australia to study a PhD
in Tourism.
The people I have met at JCU
Brisbane have inspired me to
be the best version of me.
Professional
Internships
12 Weeks of Real Industry Experience
JCU Brisbane’s Professional Internships are recognised as world-class programs that
offer valuable industry experience.
The Professional Internship is a recognised subject carried out during a normal trimester.
Interns are expected to spend 20 hours per week over 12-14 weeks engaged in practical
and relevant professional activities with the host organisation.
Professional Internships are highly sought after. They enhance graduate employment
by providing:
• Professional experience
• Exposure to the Australian workforce
• Qualified referees
• Industry networks
Did you know?
Our students have overwhelmingly indicated that they chose to study in Brisbane
because of the wide range of opportunities provided to them through the services
and departments at JCU Brisbane.
Maria McDougall
Canada
Master of International Tourism & Hospitality Master of Business Administration Student
The vast array of course elements of MITHM instilled a foundational understanding of the
international tourism and hospitality management industry. I have acquired the skills to
critically think with a global mindset. As part of my degree I enrolled in an internship at a
Destination Management Organisation (DMO).
The internship provided me the opportunity to apply the skills and theories obtained over the
course of my studies, as well as gain new ones. I am beyond satisfied with my employment
prospects upon graduation.
This is a fantastic initiative as it provides me the opportunity to network with industry
professionals, and showcase my experiences as a student studying abroad in Brisbane.
Maria’s Internship project consisted of helping to place Brisbane on the international stage
through the International Brisbane Student Ambassador program. Maria was appointed to
this position by Lord Mayor Campbell Newman, and has the responsibility of conveying the
best of Brisbane to her home country through various media and online communications.
It was like a dream
come true for me!
Chaitanya Kakumanu
India
Master of Information
Technology Graduate
Hello there! This testimonial is about my experiences
with the Internship Program whilst studying at
James Cook University Brisbane. I was pretty tense
regarding my job prospects after graduation.
Though I had a fairly good Grade Point Average
(GPA) of 6.80, employers in Australia stressed having
relevant work experience. Being a recent graduate,
gaining experience in the relevant field, in my case,
IT, was almost impossible. This is where the Internship
Program of the University came in. This program
places students as Interns in big companies where
they work for a semester. This gives us the invaluable
experience that is so sought after.
I was selected for the Internship Program and was
placed in a company called Urban Executive.
My internship experience was so good, and I learned
heaps. As a matter of fact, no matter what, real world
work experience cannot be compensated. My mentor
at the company was Mr. Steven Asnicar, who was also
the CEO of the company. Though he was the CEO, he
was always very friendly and supportive and always
approachable. This was the part I most liked in him.
During the internship, I worked on managing Learning
Management Systems (LMS) and also developing
iPhone applications. Hence I was working on so
many different technologies. This environment
is not available in other companies where each
employee is trained on only a specific platform and
has to work all the time on that. But here I learned
so many different technologies, like Microsoft ASP.
NET, Apple iPhone Programming, SQL Server 2008
to name a few.
My employers were happy with my work and offered
me full-time employment. It was like a dream come
true for me. It was my aim since beginning my Master
degree to be employed straight after graduation.
Thanks to JCU Brisbane I have now achieved this
aim of mine. The two years of my stay here at JCU
Brisbane and in Australia have given me a new way
of life, a new discipline in me; I have learned how
to think ‘outside the box’.
Contact Us
James Cook University Brisbane
349 Queen Street, Brisbane
QLD 4000 Australia
Tel
+61 7 3001 7800
Fax +61 7 3001 7899
[email protected]
Web www.jcub.edu.au
CRICOS Provider Code 00117J