Chinese student Yang Zhao was well aware of the reputation of Macquarie University before he decided to study here – all he had to do was switch on his TV.
“There are lots of journalists, editors, television producers and celebrities in China and Hong Kong who graduated from Macquarie University and work for China Central Television (CCTV) and Phoenix Television.”
“I knew that Macquarie’s degrees enjoyed worldwide recognition and that the Department of Media, Music and Cultural Studies was housed in the former Australian Film Television and Radio School.”
“As someone whose dream is to be an international journalist, I chose Macquarie without hesitation.”
“Studying at Macquarie with people from different countries and backgrounds is a meaningful thing,” says Arts – Media student Yang Zhao. “We have different cultural values, but the fact that we’re all learning English together bonds us.“
Yang says Macquarie’s Arts – Media degree is providing him with a solid foundation for his future career, with its combination of media theory and practical training in media production and professional writing.
“But the degree is also flexible,“ Yang notes. “So I can explore alternative knowledge such as marketing and economics. This will benefit my future career as a journalist who can cover a wide range of subjects.”
Having entered his Macquarie degree via the SIBT pathway, Yang has noticed district differences between the Australian and Chinese styles of learning during his time at Macquarie.
“Before studying in Australia, I equated learning with recitation,” Yang recalls. “In other words, by memorising everything your teacher said, you were seen to have mastered the knowledge and you could get high marks.”
“What lacks is the spirit of innovation, which is better reflected in western education. I have adapted to a more critical style of thinking here, which has made me more a more creative person.”
Read more about the Bachelor of Arts-Media.
