Profile: International law student
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Emiliano Schivazappa |
Macquarie University offers a range of support programs for international postgraduate students. A Master in International Environmental Law student describes his experience.
After completing undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in Italy, Emiliano Schivazappa decided to look overseas for further study options.
"I did my first Masters Degree on the European Community at Venice University," says Schivazappa. "I didn't really enjoy this degree, and didn't get involved in discussion. It was very much passive study rather than active study."
Easy access to information
Australia was always attractive to Schivazappa so he searched the Web to find a university offering a program in Environmental Law.
"I looked at a few universities in Australia and Macquarie University had the best website," Schivazappa says. "It was easy to access all the information that I needed and a local agent was able to give me all the support I needed to come here. It was a very simple process."
Schivazappa commenced his Master in International Environmental Law in May 2005.
"I chose this degree as I already had an undergraduate law degree and a basic knowledge of the law," explains Schivazappa. "This helps me as I have to study in another language."
Help to study in your second language
While studying in a language other than your mother tongue might seem daunting, Schivazappa says he has had very few problems studying in English. "Macquarie University offers a pre-degree program in English which I completed and it has been a fantastic help," he says.
The National Centre for English Language Teaching and Research (NCELTR), located on campus, offers students the choice of taking intensive English courses to obtain the necessary language and study skills to succeed at University.
Research has shown that many students who have completed NCELTR programs perform equal to, or better than, native English speakers.
"NCELTR also provided assistance on how to write assignments which has been a fantastic help to me," says Schivazappa. "At university in Italy there are no written assignments. All assignments are oral, you learn from your textbook and then answer questions one-on-one with your teacher."
The Macquarie environment
"There is a fantastic environment here at Macquarie," says Schivazappa. "The informal relationship with teaching staff is great. Teachers make you feel like peers while in Italy, it is more formal. There is more face to face contact and much less bureaucracy, it's a great environment in which to learn and grow."
To the future
Schivazappa is looking to complete his Masters degree in November this year. He has previously worked in the legal office of the World Wildlife Fund, and hopes that his new Masters qualification will help him secure a position in an international organisation related to the environment.
For further information on postgraduate programs offered by the Division of Law visit their website: www.law.mq.edu.au/html/postgraduate/index.htm
Information for international students can be found at: www.international.mq.edu.au/