THE University of Queensland (UQ) is committed to graduating individuals who are well-placed to take leadership roles in an increasingly globalised workforce, and who have the skills to thrive in the 21st century.
The university believes its role is to educate individuals to be global citizens and to find innovative global approaches to meet contemporary challenges including health, safety, the environment, cultural literacy and equitable participation in learning.
Malaysian UQ student Bibi Syameela Badril exemplifies the type of citizen the university takes pride in creating. The Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) and Arts (Psychology) student is seeking out global contemporary challenges and meeting them lead on.
One of 10,400 international students who make up a quarter of UQ’s student base, Bibi’s diverse volunteer experience spans three different countries and a range of organizations including Habitat for Humanity India, Habitat for Humanity Malaysia, Mercy Family Services and Aeiou Foundation (for autistic children).
“By volunteering, I get to experience various things I don’t normally get to experience. It opens my eyes and saves me from being ignorant,” says Bibi.
Bibi’s background has allowed her to develop attributes imperative to a global citizen such as the capacity to adapt to varied situations and the ability to empathise with many different types of people.
“I come from a multicultural background and tolerance is absolutely crucial. One way to develop tolerance is to be open-minded and learn about people regardless of where they came from and what their personal beliefs are.
“I believe there are too many things in life that I have not got a chance to experience but I can get a glimpse of it by meeting the people who have experienced them.
“Growing up as a third-culture kid, I am not only open-minded but I can also relate to people from a multitude of backgrounds. I prefer to look at a person as an individual than a stereotype.
“Over the past years, I have worked with people from different backgrounds, different ages and different characters. I enjoyed working with them, albeit without pay, because what I get in return is priceless,” adds Bibi.
Bibi came to UQ two years ago and now calls the university her “home away from home”. “I have been at UQ for almost two years and I have gained a lot from those two years. UQ plays very important roles in my life.” For details on study options at UQ, call +61-3-8676 7004 or visit www.uq.edu.au/international/enquiry for the enquiry form or visit www.uq.edu.au/internatonal
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