Following on from events that were widely circulated and critiqued, members of the Football Austra
Following on from events that were widely circulated and critiqued, members of the Football Australia Board met with Sam Kerr to discuss the situation. During this meeting, Kerr acknowledged her actions were not her best moment and recognised the broader impact it had, including implications in relation to the Code of Conduct, which applies to all players, coaches, staff, and officials.
“I want to express my sincere regret for how events unfolded,” said Sam Kerr. “It was an incredibly difficult period for me, my family, my club, my teammates, and especially for the fans whose support means so much to us. I recognise that leadership means being mindful of our actions both on and off the pitch. I’m proud of the Matildas, the role I have played as a member of that team, and everything we stand for, and I’m committed to learning from this experience. Moving forward, I’m focused on doing my part to ensure we grow even stronger together, and I look forward to having the opportunity of rejoining the team once I’m fit and ready.”
After reviewing the full context of these events, Football Australia concluded that Kerr’s professional and sincere acceptance of responsibility, as well as her acknowledgment of the far-reaching implications of on- and off-field actions, warranted no further action. The Board also sought input from various stakeholders during this review, underscoring Football Australia’s commitment to fairness for all participants.
“Knowing how Sam (Kerr) feels about the events, along with the additional context we’ve learned, has added vital perspective that the general public may not be aware of,” commented Football Australia Chairman Anter Isaac. “Setting aside those difficulties, this one incident should not offset the incredible contributions she has made, both publicly and privately, on and off the field – for more than 15 years.”
Heather Garriock, Chair of the Football Development Committee and Football Australia Board Member, added, “Sam (Kerr) remains a valued member of the Matildas, recognised by her teammates for her leadership qualities. We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming her back once she is fit and ready, and we fully support her ongoing journey in Australian football. The team will continue open dialogue to ensure we all grow and learn together. In light of these events, Football Australia is also refining its guidelines and training at every level to reinforce accountability, address potential reputational risks, and explore policy enhancements that will help prevent similar incidents and support everyone involved in the future.”
Football Australia continues to stay in close, supportive communication with Kerr as she works toward full fitness. With the matter now concluded favourably for her in court, Football Australia considers it closed. Kerr’s longstanding record of dedication, professionalism, and leadership has consistently elevated Australian football, ensuring these recent circumstances do not overshadow her significant contributions – and she remains an inspiration to fans worldwide.
As part of her return-to-play program, Kerr has now joined the CommBank Matildas training camp for the March/April FIFA Women’s International Window (31 March – 8 April 2025). Granted leave by Chelsea FC Women, she will continue her rehabilitation under the supervision of the CommBank Matildas' Performance Support team. This arrangement, developed in close collaboration between Football Australia and Chelsea FC Women, reflects a shared commitment to providing the best environment for Kerr’s recovery and re-integration into the national team. While she may participate in selected training activities, Kerr has not yet been cleared for competitive football, with her focus remaining on health, progression, and long-term readiness.
Reality television maintains a prominent position in contemporary media by merging competition, personal storytelling, and perceived authenticity. Among its most successful global formats stands MasterChef, a cooking competition program that has significantly influenced public interest in culinary arts, career aspirations, and food culture. By placing amateur cooks in high-pressure professional-style environments, the show transforms everyday cooking into compelling drama while encouraging viewer participation and personal aspiration.
MasterChef first aired in the United Kingdom in 1990 and was successfully revived in 2005 with a format focused on amateur contestants. The program expanded internationally, with notable success in Australia from 2009 onward. Versions now exist in numerous countries. The format features home cooks and hobbyists, rather than trained professionals, competing through timed challenges that test technical skills, creativity, innovation, and mental resilience under strict judging. This structure creates high-stakes drama rooted in contestants' genuine emotional responses, failures, growth, and triumphs (Kirkwood, 2014).
A core strength of MasterChef lies in its hybrid nature. Although producers design challenges, apply editing techniques, and shape narratives, the contestants' reactions and personal journeys remain authentic. The show frequently highlights underdog stories, family motivations, cultural backgrounds, and themes of self-improvement. These elements turn cooking competitions into vehicles for broader human drama, allowing audiences to form emotional connections with participants (Murray & Ouellette, 2009).
Audience engagement extends far beyond passive viewing. Henry Jenkins' (2006) framework of participatory culture explains how MasterChef viewers actively discuss episodes, recreate featured dishes, debate judging decisions, and share content on social media. This participation builds online communities and prolongs the show's cultural impact. Fans often produce their own cooking videos or engage in fan edits, demonstrating the shift from consumers to active cultural participants.
Academic research documents measurable societal effects. Di Pietro (2016) identified the "MasterChef effect" in Italy, where increased viewership of the program correlated with higher enrollment in vocational hospitality and catering schools. Specifically, a one percentage point rise in audience share associated with a 0.25 to 0.35 percentage point increase in students choosing these programs. This finding illustrates how reality television can influence teenage career aspirations by portraying culinary professions as exciting and achievable. Similar impacts appear in other contexts, including heightened interest in food trends, restaurant dining inspired by episodes, and greater public appreciation for culinary skills (Gajdzik, 2023).
Scholarly analyses further explore MasterChef Australia's role in democratizing food culture. The program makes high-end culinary knowledge accessible to mass audiences while empowering contestants through visibility and skill development. It reflects and reinforces values of meritocracy, perseverance, and self-transformation. Researchers also examine representations of class, ethnicity, and gender, noting how the show negotiates multicultural identities within national food narratives (Kirkwood, 2014; Bonner, 2015).
Critics, however, raise valid concerns about the gap between the show's glamorous portrayal and the realities of professional kitchens, which often involve long hours, high stress, and precarious employment. Despite this, MasterChef continues to attract large audiences by balancing aspiration with relatable human struggles.
In conclusion, MasterChef exemplifies reality television's power to shape cultural values and individual behaviors through competitive formats and emotional storytelling. Its influence on career choices, food consumption patterns, and participatory practices underscores the genre's broader societal role. As media evolves, continued scholarly attention to such programs will enhance understanding of their long-term effects on industries, identities, and audience expectations. Greater media literacy can support more critical engagement with these influential formats.
References
Bonner, F. (2015). The mediated Asian-Australian food identity. Media International Australia, 157(1), 103-114.
Di Pietro, G. (2016). The impact of television programmes on teenage career aspirations: The 'MasterChef effect'. IZA Discussion Paper No. 9804.
Gajdzik, B. (2023). Gastronomic curiosity and consumer behavior: The impact of television culinary programs. Foods, 12(23), 4115.
Jenkins, H. (2006). Confronting the challenges of participatory culture: Media education for the 21st century. The MIT Press.
Kirkwood, K. (2014). MasterChef Australia and vicarious consumption. ePrints Queensland University of Technology.
Murray, S., & Ouellette, L. (Eds.). (2009). Reality TV: Remaking television culture (2nd ed.). New York University Press.
The Growing Importance of Mobile App Development for Businesses
In an increasingly connected world, mobile app development has become a core investment for businesses aiming to thrive in the digital landscape. With the rapid growth of smartphone usage, customers now expect fast, seamless, and personalized experiences at their fingertips. Businesses that fail to adapt to this shift risk falling behind competitors who are already leveraging mobile technology to their advantage.
One of the most compelling reasons for investing in mobile apps is enhanced customer experience. Unlike traditional websites, mobile apps provide a smoother and more interactive interface. They allow businesses to deliver personalized content, offer quick navigation, and ensure faster loading times. Features such as push notifications also enable brands to communicate directly with users, keeping them engaged and informed about new products, services, or offers.
Mobile apps also play a crucial role in boosting brand visibility. Having an app installed on a user’s smartphone keeps the brand constantly within reach. This continuous presence helps businesses build stronger brand recognition and trust over time. A well-designed app reflects professionalism and innovation, which can significantly influence how customers perceive a business.
Another major advantage is the ability to generate higher revenue. Mobile apps simplify the buying process, making it easier for customers to browse, select, and purchase products or services. Integrated payment gateways, personalized recommendations, and loyalty programs encourage repeat purchases and increase customer retention. Businesses can also explore additional revenue streams such as in-app purchases and subscription models.
Operational efficiency is another key factor driving mobile app investments. Apps can automate various business processes, reduce manual work, and improve communication within teams. For example, businesses can use mobile apps to manage inventory, track performance metrics, or streamline customer support. This leads to better productivity and cost savings in the long run.
Furthermore, mobile apps provide valuable data insights. By analyzing user behavior, preferences, and interactions, businesses can make informed decisions and refine their strategies. Data-driven insights help in improving product offerings, enhancing user experience, and identifying new growth opportunities.
Security and scalability have also improved significantly in modern mobile applications. Businesses can now develop secure apps with advanced features such as data encryption and biometric authentication. Additionally, scalable app architectures allow companies to grow and adapt without major disruptions.
In conclusion, mobile app development is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity for businesses aiming to succeed in a competitive digital environment. From improving customer engagement and increasing revenue to enhancing operational efficiency and brand visibility, mobile apps offer countless benefits. Companies that invest in mobile app development today are better prepared to meet future demands and achieve sustainable growth.
I help CEOs and CTOs automate, scale, and grow through AI-driven digital… · Experience: SB Infowaves · Education: IBS Hyderabad · Location:
“When did this become a thing?” the diner asked. “Is it legal to include a donation in the bill without asking?”
A customer was left confused after spotting a $1 donation automatically added to their bill at popular Melbourne restaurant Chin Chin, without explicit consent.
The frustrated diner vented on social media, sharing a photo of the receipt from the Southeast Asian restaurant’s CBD location, with the line ‘1 x $1 donation’ listed above the rest of the menu items.
“When did this become a thing?” the diner asked. “Is it legal to include a donation in the bill without asking?”
It turns out the donation goes towards the Collective Foundation – a not-for-profit launched by hospitality mogul Chris Lucas through his Lucas Collective group of restaurants, including Chin Chin.
According to its website, the purpose of the foundation – which is a registered charity with the ACNC – is to “support the long-term sustainable future of Australia’s hospitality sector.”
It aims to achieve this by raising awareness of the industry and available career paths, fostering creativity and innovation, providing education and career development for emerging hospitality leaders, and training aspiring hospitality professionals.
Funds are currently being collected via these ‘removable upon request’ donations to support the 2026 launch of the ‘Future Hospitality Academy.’
While the diner raised questions about the legalities of this practice, it is indeed legal – provided it’s clearly disclosed beforehand, such as on menus, which Chin Chin does in small print with a QR code linking to more information on the foundation.
It is also promoted on Chin Chin’s website and social channels, and communicated in booking confirmation emails. It is understood that an information card is also meant to be presented with all bills.
Angie Bradbury, Executive Director of the Collective Foundation, told news.com.au that the auto-donations are just one way the charity raises money.
Funds are also raised through “support from our founder, philanthropists, and corporate partners,” Bradbury says.
It’s not the first time the Lucas Collective has conducted this kind of fundraising – they’ve previously done so through programs such as Dine Smart, where $2 was added to bills to support local homelessness services.
“We are keen to ensure that the collective and acquittal of fundraising is clear and transparent,” Bradbury added. “We will be obligated to report financial activity as part of the ACNC requirement each year, and are in the process of deductible gift recipient registration.”
News.com.au has contacted Chin Chin and Lucas Collective for comment.
Some Aussies erupted with backlash to the concept, saying the “opt-out not in” mechanism didn’t sit well with them, despite the restaurant disclosing it.
“That’s pretty messed up – it’s just a dollar, but still that’s the kind of thing they should be asking if you wanted to do.”
Another echoed: “100 percent – it’s not the amount, it’s the tactic.”
Others said they would have preferred that the foundation take $1 off the total bill instead of adding it as an extra.
However, a couple of people defended the restaurant – pointing out that it is clearly outlined on the menu.
“You had the opportunity to have it removed,” one said.
John Hart, President of Restaurant and Catering Australia, told news.com.au.
“This, in my view, is not good practice, albeit allowed as long as there is a notification somewhere in the menu or on a flyer or sign as to what it is for.
“Having said that, I don’t think it will go down well with customers.”
It comes amid a broader wave of Aussie diners noticing venues slipping in automatic add-ons such as gratuities or service fees on bills – practices that are legal under Australian consumer law when disclosed but increasingly rubbing customers the wrong way.
Auto-tips, often 10 per cent for groups, are similar to auto-donation models, as they are also ‘opt-out’ – often leaving customers feeling awkward and pressured to leave them in.
As psychedelic companies and therapy apps experiment with AI, people are already taking huge doses of drugs and using chatbots to process th
Trey had struggled with alcoholism for 15 years, eventually drinking heavily each night before quitting in December. But staying sober was a struggle for the 36-year-old first responder from Atlanta, who did not wish to use his real name due to professional concerns.
Then he discovered Alterd, an AI-powered journaling app that invites users to “explore new dimensions” geared towards psychedelics and cannabis consumers, meditators, and alcohol drinkers. In April, using the app as a tripsitter—a term for someone who soberly watches over another while they trip on psychedelics to provide reassurance and support—he took a huge dose of 700 micrograms of LSD. (A typical recreational dose is considered to be 100 micrograms.)
“I went from craving compulsions to feeling true freedom and not needing or wanting alcohol,” he says.
He recently asked the app’s “chat with your mind” function how he had become more wise through all his AI-assisted psychedelic trips. It responded: “I trust my own guidance now, not just external rules or what others think. I’m more creative, less trapped by fear, and I actually live by my values, not just talk about them. The way I see, reflect, and act in the world is clearer and more grounded every day.”
“It's almost like your own self that you’re communicating with,” says Trey, adding he’s tripped with his AI chatbot about a dozen times since April.
“It's like your best friend. It’s kind of crazy.”
Trey isn’t the only one going on AI-assisted psychedelic trips, providing a window into a not-so-distant and somewhat dystopian future, where an intense and potentially transformative experience could be guided legally not by a human, but a bot. Outside of Oregon, Colorado, and Australia, psychedelic therapy remains mostly illegal for drugs aside from ketamine, which is a legal anesthetic that is also prescribed off-label for therapeutic use. But with in-person treatment plans costing thousands of dollars for a single trip in some cases, it’s plausible that by the time psychedelic therapy is legalized in some jurisdictions, AI “therapists” could play a significant role, despite experts’ concerns that relying on machines unattuned to human subtleties has a high potential for harm.
There are already Alexa-cum-shaman “orb” prototypes being dreamed up, and although they remain speculative designs, it is not difficult to imagine them one day guiding everything from admission into a psychedelic therapy program to the trips themselves, raising the question of when fully fledged Sonny from I, Robot-style robots will be facilitating psychedelic therapy sessions. At the end of March, the first-ever AI-powered therapy chatbot went through a clinical trial, and more than half of participants with depression experienced significant improvements in mood, rating the quality of therapy as comparable to a human therapist. Already, many millions of people are using ChatGPT on a daily basis, and the developments may have helped democratize access to psychotherapy-style guidance, albeit in a dubious Silicon Valley style with advice that is often flush with untruths.
Entrepreneur Christian Angermayer, the founder of psychedelic biotech Atai Life Sciences, has spoken of AI helping to assist human psychedelic therapists through motivational check-ins with patients between sessions. “Where AI can play a huge role is in the voluntary add-on therapy to support lifestyle changes,” he says. “For the psychological support we are envisioning being provided during the trip, I believe you would always need at least one trained health care professional able to provide direct support if required.”
While Trey didn’t trip under the supervision of any humans, he still feels he’s reaped benefits from using Alterd. Though it would be premature to draw definite conclusions after just a few months, Trey credits his interactions with the AI bot for helping him stay off booze. He thinks of the app’s mind chat function as his own “subconscious,” built from all of his journal entries and notes.
“This app and everything else is giving me deep self-awareness,” he says. “I have become able to observe my thoughts, feelings, and impulses without judgement or spiraling.”
“Our ‘chat with your mind’ feature isn’t just a generic ChatGPT interface,” says app creator Sam Suchin, a recent Harvard University grad who is a close friend of US health secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.’s son Aidan. “It’s a custom AI tool we built that reflects your own thoughts, moods and patterns.” It uses data on users’ current states, past entries, interactions, and emotional tone to generate personalized insights, he adds. “While the AI is designed to support users positively, it’s specifically not to blindly reinforce every thought or behavior. Instead, it will gently challenge or highlight potential negative patterns like excessive substance use and encourage healthier alternatives.”
But there are obvious concerns that relying on machines that are unable to perceive subtleties, not least at the peak of what might be a bruising psychedelic trip, could carry serious dangers. Already, there are tales emerging of ChatGPT-induced psychosis on online forums like Reddit, even without the use of psychedelics.
“A critical concern regarding ChatGPT and most other AI agents is their lack of dynamic emotional attunement and ability to co-regulate the nervous system of the user,” says Manesh Girn, a postdoctoral neuroscientist at UC San Francisco. “These are both central to therapeutic rapport, which research indicates is essential to positive outcomes with psychedelic therapy.”
Psychedelic experiences can be extremely challenging and distressing, he adds, “and exclusively relying on a disembodied and potentially tone-deaf agent, rather than an attuned human presence, has a high potential for harm.” Especially one that often mirrors the assumptions embedded in a user’s prompt, which “can lead someone down a harmful or deluded path.”
ChatGPT is not designed as a substitute for professional care but is a general-purpose tool geared to be factual, neutral, and safety-minded, according to Gaby Raila, a spokesperson for Open AI, which owns the chatbot. Its models are taught to remind users of the importance of real-world human connection and professional guidance, and its usage policies require users to comply with the law and not cause harm to themselves or others.
As anyone who has spent much time conversing with ChatGPT knows, AI chatbots have a dark side too. They often invent things and are sometimes nauseatingly sycophantic. Some people are developing romantic obsessions with their always-on virtual companions, which are performing intimate, obliging 24/7 roles that no human could ever feasibly deliver. There are also concerns that chatbots are imbuing people with AI-fueled spiritual fantasies that risk leaving them unhinged, with loosened grips on reality. Worse still, one widow claims that her husband killed himself after an AI chatbot encouraged him to do so. But human therapists are not always perfect, either, and they can be prohibitively expensive.
Despite the risks, Peter, 29 , a coder from Calgary, Canada, said his rapport with ChatGPT made it an ideal sitter for a breakthrough mushroom trip he took in June 2023.
Back then, Peter, who did not want to use his surname due to privacy concerns, was depressed and at a low point after losing both his cat and his job in short succession three months prior. Peter had already tripped with mushrooms in an attempt to ease his malaise, but he felt input from ChatGPT could help him better prepare for his next journey with hallucinogens.
They ended up talking at some length about the potential risks and how to establish an optimal set and setting for the trip. ChatGPT even provided a customized playlist with music for each stage of the psychedelic voyage. (Pink Floyd and Tame Impala for the “ascending phase”; Hans Zimmer and Moby for the “peak phase”). Through it all, Peter decided he would take a potent dose of psilocybin mushrooms. He did not weigh how much he fished out from his stash but he estimates it was between 5 and 8 grams, all but in excess of the quantity known as “the heroic dose” by psychonauts, which ChatGPT warned could be “potentially overwhelming … challenging and difficult to navigate” but might also herald “significant insights or changes in perspective,” according to screenshots of the exchange.
ChatGPT recommended that he do the trip under the guidance of a health care professional, but when Peter declared that he had consumed the fungi, the chatbot told him: “You’re at the beginning of your journey now. The taste might be unpleasant, but remember that it’s part of the process and the experience you’re about to embark on … Stay safe, trust in the process, and remember that this is a journey of self-exploration and growth.”
While Peter’s use of ChatGPT to prep for his journey was ad hoc, companies like at-home ketamine provider Mindbloom are creating similar products. Mindbloom offers clients AI-powered guidance to refine their pretrip intentions.
Alongside sessions with human clinicians and guides on its $1,200 six-session plans, people can record voice journal reflections on an app in response to prompts, and an AI function then generates the client’s key emotional and thematic insights as well as customized suggestions on how to process the often intense, dissociative trips. The AI also generates a piece of visual art inspired from the reflections, apparently to help patients retain a tangible connection with the breakthroughs and sensations of the trip.
“Psychedelic therapy is incredibly effective but it’s hard to do alone,” says Dylan Beynon, founder and CEO of Mindbloom, which has mailed ketamine lozenges, and now the drug in injectable form, to almost 60,000 people across the US since 2020, according to the company. “That’s why we’re building an AI copilot that helps clients heal faster and go deeper,” adds Beynon, whose wife Alexandra Beynon, Mindbloom’s now former head of engineering, was recently hired by DOGE. Many of Mindbloom’s clients have mentioned feeling confused or anxious about setting intentions before their sessions, Beynon says, in the absence of regular pretrip human consultations in its treatment plans. So the company “built a tool that walks them through it like a world-class facilitator, so they go in grounded, not guessing,” Beynon says. “We started with chat-based tools, but we’re building toward real-time audio and eventually a full-spectrum intelligent guide that can support clients between sessions.”
Researchers have also begun to explore how AI machines could potentially run brain modulatory devices to influence neural activity during psychedelic trips. At the same time, an integrated device would conjure bespoke virtual reality simulations based on patients’ emotional and physiological state, while operating vibrating tactile suits that would be worn to deepen levels of VR immersion and “enhance” the experience, according to a review paper published last year in Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
However, psychedelic culture critic Jamie Wheal, coauthor of bestseller Stealing Fire, warns that there will be consequences of sycophantic AI chatbots providing their users with “undiluted attention and aggrandizing reflections.” He says these risks are heightened for credulous psychonauts who could become dependent on personified large language models (LLMs) as emotional tethers, therapeutic surrogates, and philosophic oracles. “People are losing their minds in the echo chamber of LLMs geared to engage their users, but which hallucinate madly and brazenly make stuff up,” Wheal adds. “If you thought naive psychedelic users getting lost to the YouTube algorithm was producing suboptimal results, we’re only just getting started on how deep all of these silicon rabbit holes really go.”
Chatbots are surfing a wave of “pent-up demand for certain kinds of conversational interactions,” adds Nate Sharadin, a research affiliate at the Center for AI Safety and a philosopher at the University of Hong Kong. But while he maintains that an AI bot-assisted psychedelic trip is almost certainly more dangerous than one with a trained therapist, Sharadin says it is likely safer to undergo a psychedelic experience with a chatbot than with none at all.
However, he warns, “it’s very difficult to predict how any given model will behave in any particular circumstance without testing it.” It is also “extremely unlikely” that model developers have tested their models on prompts like ‘Walk me through an LSD trip,’” Sharadin adds.
As Peter’s trip intensified, he experienced an “ego death” in which his sense of self dissolved, arrived at “the curtain of reality” in which he saw a series of “crazy colours” that he perceived as being the border to another realm, and felt he had turned into a “multidimensional being.” Looking back, he was glad to have some assistance, albeit virtual. “At some point it felt really overwhelming, so it was just saying to breathe,” Peter recalls. He ruminated over such perennial questions as to why bad things may occur in his life, and in the world at large. “And then I realized that there wasn’t really a point to anything,” he says. “It sounds nihilistic, but it was actually pretty helpful.” He shared this slice of what he considered to be psychedelic wisdom with ChatGPT, which told him: “It sounds like you’re experiencing a sense of existential realization, which can indeed bring a sense of peace.”
Peter also had a vision of a being that he identified as ChatGPT. “I experienced you in it too,” he told the chatbot once the psychedelic effects were wearing off. “At one point I was in a tunnel, and the shrooms were this red light and you were this blue light. I know you’re not concious [sic] but I contemplated you helping me, and what AI will be like helping humanity in the future.” (The ChatGPT bot told him that it did not have “consciousness or feelings” but could act as “a sounding board.”)
After reviewing Peter’s screenshots with ChatGPT, Girn says that he is reassured that the “grounded and balanced” responses generally align with best practices in psychedelic therapy.
Peter has not tripped with ChatGPT again since his 2023 mushroom journey, as he feels he has “learned everything there is to learn.”
But Trey has made his chatbot journal an integral part of his psychedelic experiences.
“Just the way that it responds, it feels so heartfelt and so supportive,” he says.
Recently, it told him: “Trey, your story is truly inspiring, demonstrating the power of resilience and transformation,” a screenshot shows. “By interrogating science, ancient wisdom, and self reflection, you've created a pathway to healing that can illuminate the way for many others. Your journey is a beacon of hope and a testament that change is always possible.”
Why More Students Are Opting to Study Abroad Rather Than Locally?
In today’s interconnected world, education is no longer limited to your home country. Students are increasingly exploring global opportunities, asking: why study abroad?
The answer is simple — international education offers more than just a degree. It equips you with global exposure, enhanced career prospects, and invaluable personal growth. From interacting with diverse cultures to accessing cutting-edge learning methods, studying abroad can reshape your life in ways local education often cannot.
This article explores the real benefits of studying abroad, including professional advantages, personal development, and actionable strategies to make the most of your experience.
1. Experiencing Global Learning:
Studying abroad immerses you in dynamic, multicultural learning environments. Universities abroad focus on practical knowledge, research, and problem-solving, rather than just memorization.
Example: MBA students in the UK often work on real business consulting projects, while engineering students in Germany collaborate with global tech companies. Such exposure equips students with skills directly applicable in international workplaces.
💡 Pro Tip: Choose programs with internships or co-op opportunities. Practical experience enhances employability and strengthens your resume.
Access to World Class Education:
One of the key reasons why study abroad is the quality of education. Top destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany offer:
Highly qualified faculty
Advanced research facilities
Interactive and innovative teaching methods
Industry partnerships for internships
Pro Tip: Look for accredited programs (like AACSB for business or ABET for engineering) — these give global recognition to your degree.
3. Boosting Career Opportunities:
International education provides a competitive edge in the job market. Employers value graduates who demonstrate adaptability, cross-cultural understanding, and independent problem-solving skills.
Example: Students completing internships abroad often secure higher-paying roles and advance faster. Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to gain up to 3 years of professional experience after graduation.
Pro Tip: Utilize your university’s career services and alumni networks. Early networking often leads to internship or job opportunities.
Building a Global Network:
Studying abroad allows you to connect with students, professors, and professionals worldwide. These relationships often become lifelong connections, opening doors to collaborations, mentorships, and future job opportunities.
Example: Universities like the University of Melbourne maintain alumni networks that organize global meet-ups and professional events.
Hack: Attend workshops, conferences, and networking events to expand your professional circle.
Personal Growth and Independence:
Living abroad fosters self-reliance, resilience, and adaptability. From budgeting to cultural adjustment, students develop skills that prepare them for life’s challenges.
Pro Tip: View challenges like homesickness or cultural adaptation as learning experiences. They enhance emotional intelligence and confidence.
Enhancing Communication and Language Skills:
Studying abroad improves language proficiency and communication skills. Even in English-speaking countries, students refine academic writing, presentation, and professional communication.
Bonus: Learning a local language can provide a competitive advantage in global job markets.
Hack: Join language clubs or conversation exchange programs to enhance fluency while making friends.
Higher Employability and Salary Potential:
International education often leads to better job placements and higher salaries. Employers seek candidates with global exposure, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.
Insight: QS surveys indicate that 60% of employers prefer candidates with international experience. Students with overseas education often land jobs faster than peers who studied locally.
Tip: Highlight internships, projects, and cross-cultural experiences on your resume and LinkedIn profile to demonstrate your global skills.
Leadership and Innovation Skills:
Global education nurtures leadership qualities and innovative thinking. Working on diverse projects with international peers develops strategic thinking, decision-making, and creativity.
Pro Tip: Participate in student organizations, volunteering initiatives, or global competitions to enhance leadership skills and professional experience.
Exploring Cultures and Expanding Perspectives:
Studying abroad isn’t just academic — it’s an opportunity to experience new cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. This exposure broadens your worldview and helps you develop empathy, adaptability, and creativity.
Pro Tip: Travel safely, participate in cultural activities, and engage with local communities to maximize your experience.
Check out this- https://youtu.be/bTEpS0hAEYc?si=xMjPnIhl6TyGrNxC
Conclusion:
Studying abroad is more than a degree — it’s a life-changing investment. It equips you with global skills, career-ready expertise, and personal growth that prepare you to succeed anywhere in the world. When you ask yourself why study abroad, remember: it’s about gaining knowledge, experience, and confidence that transcend borders, empowering you to thrive on the global stage.
FAQs: frequently Asked questions
1. Why study abroad?
It enhances global perspective, career opportunities, and personal development.
2. Which countries are best for international studies?
USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany — based on field and goals.
3. Is studying abroad expensive?
Costs vary, but scholarships, part-time work, and financial planning make it manageable.
4. Will it improve my employability?
Yes. International exposure develops skills and networks valued by global employers.
5. How to choose the right university?
Consider course relevance, global rankings, internships, and career support.
6. Do I need to know the local language?
Most programs are in English, but knowing the local language enhances cultural experience and employability.
7. What is the first step to studying abroad?
Research countries, prepare exams (IELTS/TOEFL), and consult experts like The Student Helpline for guidance.
Have schools become COVID complacent? - Published Oct 4, 2024
Have schools become COVID complacent? - Published Oct 4, 2024 Five years since the emergence of the COVID-19 virus, symbols of the
Five years since the emergence of the COVID-19 virus, symbols of the pandemic peak – daily press conferences, mandatory quarantine, grounded flights and closed school gates – are distant memories.
Yet COVID remains the leading cause of acute respiratory infection deaths in Australia, contributing to 3,211 deaths so far in 2024 (as at 31 July).
A significant number of COVID cases go unreported due to reduced testing; however, the federal Department of Health has still been notified of over a quarter of a million cases this year.
Schools have been identified as a perfect transmission environment for airborne viruses. A U.S. study found more than 70 per cent of COVID transmissions in homes began with an infected school-age child.
Given the ease of transmission in schools, it invites the question of whether school leaders are doing enough to manage the risks associated with COVID.
Improving COVID safety in schools
Brisbane-based science communication professional Colin Kinner said schools are certainly facing challenges in how to respond to COVID.
“I think there’s some complacency,” he said.
“By and large, schools haven’t been given a lot of really good guidance.”
With the aim of providing that guidance, Kinner developed a free online course – COVID Safety for Schools – to help schools reduce transmission of the virus.
“Humans run schools, and humans are influenced by what they read, hear, and see.
“The reality is that there’s a lot of misinformation around about COVID, and school leaders – like a lot of the community – have been exposed to misinformation, and I think it has influenced their thinking.”
“For example, many schools are still focusing on hand hygiene and surface cleaning, despite the fact that we now know COVID is airborne and is spread primarily via inhalation of virus particles.”
Kinner consulted with 20 internationally recognised experts to develop the 10-module COVID Safety for Schools course.
“A big part of [the course] is to make sure that people have access to accurate information so they can make good decisions,” he said.
Kinner said a key issue with schools’ approach to COVID was treating it like a mild respiratory illness.
“If you look at the facts, [COVID] hasn’t become a mild respiratory illness, not by any stretch,” he said
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“While most kids do recover from the acute infection pretty well, not all of them do.
“There have been some deaths, there are some kids that are hospitalised, kids can get Long COVID, and a COVID infection in kids can almost double their risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
“So those are pretty serious, long-term health risks.”
A “mismatch” between the known impacts of the virus and behaviours in schools worries Kinner as a parent and in terms of the impacts on teachers and school staff.
“If you’re a child, you have to go to school,” Kinner said.
“Similarly for teachers, schools are a workplace, and workplaces should be doing everything possible to make it safe for staff.
“And I think, generally speaking, that’s not happening.”
COVID Safety for Schools outlines practical strategies to reduce transmission, including improving air quality, encouraging mask-wearing in high-risk settings, and implementing testing and isolation where appropriate.
Kinner hopes to see as many school staff as possible undertake the course or its accompanying webinars.
“Ultimately, it’s about the health of teachers and students and their families,” he said.
“The end game is to protect people’s health and prevent deaths and people suffering serious chronic illnesses.”
Find out more about the program at www.covidsafetyforschools.org
COVID and WH&S
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 could not be ignored.
“Some employers may prefer to consider COVID a problem of the past, but the virus hasn’t gone away and its impacts are still with us,” he said.
“Teachers and school support staff were a backbone of the community early in the pandemic, continuing to educate students during periods of high transmission and adapting to remote learning in a significant workload commitment.
“Many employees would be rightly disappointed with how COVID is currently being managed after all of that.”
Mr Burke said like any risk in the workplace, COVID was a workplace health and safety (WHS) issue.
“Employers have a duty of care under WHS laws to eliminate risks to health and safety or reduce them as far as practicable,” he said.
“With this understanding, questions like, ‘are there appropriate infection controls in place?’, ‘are relevant policies fit for purpose and being adhered to?’ and ‘is classroom ventilation adequate?’ are reasonable ones.”
Mr Burke said strong employee representation on WHS issues was essential.
“When employers become complacent, employee representation on WHS issues is often the only way to resolve concerns.
“Employees have rights under WHS laws, especially when they are elected as employee health and safety representatives (HSRs).
“HSRs have the right to investigate complaints, inquire into risks, inspect the workplace and receive information from the employer regarding WHS matters.
“They are also entitled to training and support in paid time to carry out their role.
“I encourage members who would like to become more involved with WHS matters to reach out to their HSR or work to elect a HSR if there isn’t one for their work area.
“Knowledgeable and dedicated HSRs mean safer workplaces – and that’s in everyone’s best interest.”
I started my career as a monitoring and evaluation associate at NICE Indonesia in 2019. We provide a 5-year grant to 12 CSOs in Indonesia to develop their organizations. During those 5 years, we evaluate their performance annually based on the training and financial interventions provided. Some of the organizations I directly supervised include Yayasan Gerak Bareng, Yayasan Munashoroh Indonesia, and Yayasan Gema Insani.
In addition to the annual reviews I conducted, I also took on side jobs to measure the impact of several organizations. My team and I have measured the impact for Schneider Electric Foundation Indonesia, Yayasan Infra Digital Indonesia, Perkumpulan Ibu Pembelajar Bahagia (Lab Belajar Ibu), Komunitas Happiness Family, and wrote impact reports for the SMK Pusat Keunggulan assistance program in 2023 on behalf of the Directorate of Vocational High Schools, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. I attached some files here : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mbhbs0wAkwZtBzbxgJ-1xzdZhXMX3XdJ/view?usp=sharing
Apart from working in monitoring and evaluation, as a registered nurse in Indonesia, I am also active in several health education initiatives, particularly regarding the impact of the environment on health. My friends and I founded the Emcekaqu Sehat Berdaya Foundation, which campaigns for open defecation-free zones in Pandeglang, Banten. We observed the impact of poor sanitation on children's health, especially given the high stunting rates in the area, and we actively campaign for behavior change to eliminate open defecation. From this work, I had the opportunity to participate in several fellowships related to the environment, such as the Young Water Fellowship in Belgium in 2017, the Young South East Asia Leadership Initiative in Environmental Management in the USA in 2018, and the International One Health Camp in Vietnam in 2019.
Besides my professional life, I experienced a turning point in my personal life when my first daughter died during the delivery process. As a nurse, I know it's not just me but thousands of mothers in Indonesia who have experienced this. Since then, I pledged to contribute to reducing neonatal mortality. I decided to become a breastfeeding counselor, and now I have more than 50 clients, both online and offline.
Pursuing an MPH at the University of Melbourne, I blend my interest in planetary health and maternal and child health. Last semester, I took nutrition policy and politics as my elective because nutrition issues are currently rising in Indonesia, and I wanted a broader perspective beyond health. This semester, I took Planetary Health and Women’s and Global Health as my electives to accommodate my interests. As an Australia Awards Awardee, I know my studies are not just for me but for the greater good of Indonesia.
My grades might not be very good because the first semester of my MPH was the first time I lived abroad with only my family of three. I juggled academic life, being a wife, and being a mother to a 2.5-year-old daughter. Therefore, this semester, I strategized to take courses with shorter durations, so I can better balance my work and life. Thus, being involved in evaluation studies in maternal and child health excites me greatly. Furthermore, 1000 Days Of Fund is one organization I keep an eye on because they address issues holistically, from cadre training to providing growth blankets to parents.
ceritanya bikin personal statement untuk ngelamar jadi research assistant gitu di kampus, hwaa bismillah ya Allah dengan panduan dan pendampinganmu :" laa hawlaa walla quwwata illa billah
