A special place to study special education

When Filipino Tricia Mirasol was researching her options for an Australian master’s degree, Macquarie University was a clear standout.

“Macquarie’s special education program impressed me the most,” she says. “I was amazed at the work they do at the Special Education Centre (MUSEC).”

Tricia was therefore very pleased when she found out that she’d been accepted into the Master of Special Education program at Macquarie. But things were about to get even better…

“I was even more thrilled when I found out that I’d been granted a full MUIS scholarship!”

Nearing the completion of her degree, Tricia says she’s been impressed by the program’s real-world focus.

“I like that we have a practicum component for each subject and we get to experience hands-on learning by seeing how theories are practiced at different special schools across Sydney,” she says.

“I’ve learned a lot about current and evidence-based practices which I can bring with me when I go back and teach in the Philippines.”

Outside the classroom, the highlight of Tricia’s time at Macquarie has been meeting people from all over the world.

“I love how diverse the student population is,” she says. “I have made a lot of good friends from different countries and learnt about different cultures.”

The campus is another highlight, although Tricia says she had to keep a map handy when negotiating her way around the ‘huge’ campus in her first few weeks.

“I love that there are so many trees and even a lake,” she exclaims. “I never feel confined and I can sit by the lake or study outdoors on a nice day.”

Tricia plans to see a lot more outdoors during her remaining months in Australia.

“There are so many places to see,” she says. “I’ve been to a lot of awesome places like the Snowy Mountains, Port Stephens and Blue Mountains to name a few but I also want to visit some other Australian cities and maybe go swimming in the Great Barrier Reef.”

Read more about the Master of Special Education.