“My Australian adventure started in 2009 when I first visited Brisbane and instantly felt at home. A year later, in 2010, I moved to Australia to pursue my Master’s in International Tourism and Hospitality Management at James Cook University.
Originally from Slovenia, I had a career as a lawyer, but the thought of spending two more years getting accredited to practise law in Australia didn’t excite me. I was ready for a change, something more adventurous, so I followed my passion for tourism.
My first job here was in events management for a nonprofit. While it was rewarding, it was also challenging for a perfectionist like me—I couldn’t control every detail. Finding another job wasn’t easy. I was overqualified for coordinator roles but didn’t have the managerial experience for higher positions. It was a frustrating time as I applied mainly for event roles since that was my only experience in Australia.
Then, something unexpected happened—a lecturer from my university offered me a sessional teaching position. I had never taught before, but I remembered enjoying training sessions in my previous job. Teaching turned out to be a perfect fit. After one term, I was offered more subjects, and within a year, I became a full-time lecturer. I’ve been teaching ever since, blending my love for tourism, travel, and learning. Even during the challenges of COVID, I never thought about changing careers. I cherish the flexibility and work-life balance my job offers, letting me soak in Brisbane’s beautiful weather and outdoor lifestyle.
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for my life here, my supportive friends, and my two dogs, Lyla and Neddy. My adventurous spirit, which I’ve had since childhood, keeps me exploring new things, whether it’s hiking, abseiling, canyoning, mountain biking, or skydiving.
My advice to anyone thinking of moving to Australia is to do your research, grab every opportunity, and build strong connections. Success isn’t just about luck; it’s about being proactive and staying engaged and rest will follow as Australia is the land of opportunities.” Julija Ovnic
“In 2019, I moved to Australia for my master’s in marketing, landing in Sydney with big dreams. This wasn’t my first adventure abroad; I had also studied for a Master of Arts in Paris which made me understand the business
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