Stephanie joined the UTAS Foundation Studies Program in 2009, originally accepting an offer from the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology. However, through hard work and determination, she was able to gain entry into the Bachelor of Pharmacy, where she is currently a 3rd year student.
"I found that going through the Foundation program was a really enjoyable experience. Although the University of Tasmania may not be as big as other universities in Australia, I feel that it provides students with high quality professional lecturers. Additionally, I guess that as an international student, what concerns me the most is how well the lecturers treat students and how safe is the local environment. Within the Foundation program we were always treated like close family members by the lecturers. They were also very open to our cultures and traditions and willing to listen and help us if we needed help. To me personally, I feel that what I gained the most from this whole course is the lasting friendships that I have built up within that one year of studies."
"Because the tuition fees are reasonable; the crime rate is considered low compared to other states; the environment is good and it’s not too crowded; and because of that it is easier to get to know more people."
"The most important thing was how to avoid plagiarism. By knowing that already has helped to make my first year of uni even easier than other students, because plagiarism is considered as a serious issue at UTAS."
"Secondly, learning to write academic essays and to give formal presentations has also helped. We have to do a number of essays and presentations in Pharmacy. However, due to my past experience in Foundation, I have found them easier to do than other students."