After having stayed in a hostel in the city for approximately two weeks I arrived to Macquarie University's accommodation at Herring Road.

It was nice to unpack everything and to start knowing the area around the University. There are many green areas where you can walk, read, meet with friends, and enjoy yourself.

I noticed the University is a lot bigger than what I thought, and it was a little confusing because I wasn't sure where to go and which processes I had to go through.

However, there has always been someone that helps me out; I have noticed people are always willing to help around here.

In just a few days I have met people from so many different countries and so many different academic backgrounds that it is exciting to think that I will be studying here for a year.
 
I also got the opportunity to go to a pre-orientation trip to the Blue Mountains, where I met other international students.

We got to see wild kangaroos, some impressive caves and a thrilling hike in the bush. I think that activities like these are great because they are a fun way to start getting in touch with the Macquarie community.

Eduardo is from Mexico and is on an International Peace Scholarship

Eduardo Neve enjoyed his first taste of the Australian wilderness and made new Macquarie friends too

The University has organised various activities that have been great to become more familiar with the Australian education system.

I am excited about the classes too. I have never had the lectures/tutorials education mode, so it will be totally new for me. I am glad to see how flexible and interdisciplinary the programs are. I'm looking forward to taking all those classes that I couldn't take back home, although I won't be able to take all the classes I want since I wouldn't even have enough time!
 
I am very thankful to Macquarie University, IDP Australia and the Secretariat of Public Education in Mexico (SEP) for giving me the opportunity to participate in this both thrilling and challenging experience that has already begun.

For information on the Peace Scholars Program visit the IDP website. For further information on other scholarships available at Macquarie, visit the Scholarships website.