Lucia has been interested in finance and accounting since she was 11 years old. Born in India, her mother was the principal of a school in Calcutta who taught her the importance of having a good education. Lucia wanted to study at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and knew that studying a diploma at UTS:INSEARCH would provide the best pathway to studying Business there. "If you put in the effort at INSEARCH you have an edge over most local students at UTS," she says "it's hard work but it's better to take on an extra load in your first year so you know what's expected at university."

Lucia

She felt that she got good industry exposure while studying at INSEARCH and that the Business topics she had to write essays on were relevant and related to real world scenarios. Lucia developed close bonds with her classmates and still has a close network of INSEARCH friends. "INSEARCH is great. It feels like a family. The teaching is more personalised than uni because class sizes are small and there's more interaction with the teachers."

She also found the location of the campus helped her settle into life as an international student. "It's important for uni to be easily accessible- it makes a big difference. I was very dependant at home- I couldn't even make a cup of tea! My experience of living and studying in Sydney has made me independent and I've learnt how to deal with my daily responsibilities."

INSEARCH has been educating students for over 20 years, offering a range of English and diploma courses and now on behalf of UTS, UTS Foundation Studies.

INSEARCH is a popular choice for both Australian and international students, and is home to more than 5000 students from 90 different countries across the globe. Small class sizes of a maximum of 20 students means that our students and teachers develop positive relationships and students receive the attention and support they need. As an INSEARCH student, you have access to UTS facilities such as the library, gym and numerous social clubs- so you're already immersed in university life while studying at INSEARCH.

For more information about INSEARCH English, diploma and UTS Foundation Studies programmes, visit www.insearch.edu.au.

INSEARCH is a controlled entity of, and a pathway provider to, the University of Technology, Sydney. It is a registered non-self accrediting Australian higher education institution.

Source: David Samuel, Australian Trade Commission. e-mail: David.Samuel@austrade.gov.au.