For today’s feature, it is my honour to present to you an organisation that connects Pinoy international students throughout Victoria, the Filipino-Australian Student Council (FASTCO). On behalf of FASTCO, we have with us their current President, Kimberly, as well as three of their members (Xavier, Joey, and Ivan) to tell us all about being an international student in Australia, and of course about the council:
(Photo Source: FASTCO’s Facebook Page)
About FASTCO
Some Filipino international students come to Australia without a family. They brave the journey of establishing a new life in an unfamiliar place – friends become their family. Hence, it’s important for international students to have a community of their own as that’s how they find their peers and meet people who share the same interest as them. This is where our organisation comes in.
The Filipino-Australian Student Council of Victoria (FASTCO) is the peak student body for Filipino international students in Victoria which was formalised on 29 September 2012. FASTCO has been actively creating programs mostly supported by our affiliates such as the Philippine Consulate General Melbourne, Study Melbourne and the City of Melbourne. One of which is the 5-Point Program that was introduced by the 2021–2022 FASTCO Executive Committee as a pillar to support international students on their needs.
The 5-Point Program consists of:
- Multicultural Community Network
- Members Benefits
- Katuwang na Maaasahan
- Industry Connections
- Migration Affairs
(Photo Source: FASTCO’s Facebook Page)
Getting Involved
Everyone is more than welcome to become a FASTCO member.
Be it a Filipino or otherwise, Filipino born in Australia or not, student or not. As we later expand FASTCO, a much more tailored program will be given to all our members.
If you want to get involved, you can easily do so by registering here.
Challenges Faced by International Students in Australia
The two major challenges that international students in Australia face are finding an employment opportunity that aligns with their career background or course of study and work exploitation.
1. Employment Opportunity
Living in Australia is not rainbows and unicorns like how some describe it. For international students for example, most would have professional experience back in their home country and then when they come to Australia, they’d face the reality of at some point having to experience working as a cleaner or end up with a job in the hospitality industry.
Although both are equally decent, it can be quite distressing to go through for someone whose work experience is extremely different.
2. Work exploitation
I have once had an encounter with a FASTCO member who was being exploited by a fellow Filipino who owns a fast-food restaurant, and was only getting paid less than the minimum wage at $10/hour. It’s heartbreaking to hear stories like this where the people who could’ve known better do these things to our international students who are trying to establish a life.
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5 Tips For Future International Students in Australia
- Do your own research (especially for those who are applying with an agent).
- Make advance research about organisations that are dedicated to international students.
- Be ready to experience challenges which you never thought you would because life just has to hit you hard at times.
- Confidence, strength, and network is your key to survive.
- Prepare for a fast-paced life.
(Photo Source: FASTCO’s Facebook Page)
Meet Some International Students in Australia
Xavier Tagubat
(FASTCO Vice President for External Affairs)
My name is Xavier Tagubat, you can call me Xav if you’re feeling lazy 🥰. I’ve been studying at Monash University for 2 1/2 years. It has been a struggle at first especially since I arrived here 2 days before the start of classes, but the friendly and amicable culture of the wider Melbourne community has made integrating myself in the said community fun.
Academically, I feel like this type of education fits my preferred method of learning better. It gives ample time to learn theories behind topics and its application to real world issues. Socially, I’m still figuring out how to translate my original personality while making sure that it’s getting translated without causing misunderstandings, but progress has been getting better as of late specially with the studies going back to face-to-face which this country is fortunate to be able to experience this soon.
(Photo Source: Xavier’s Facebook Page)
Socially and security wise, I can vouch for it being good. I can also vouch for the quality of education, but I would recommend for aspiring students to do a comparison of the education system here in Melbourne and in the Philippines to decide whether it fits your preferred method of learning.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out FASTCO. They’ve been working with Filipino Students for a decade and have been successful in implementing projects supporting students. Similarly, I’ve joined FASTCO and received these supports. The most notable one would be me receiving the opportunity to meet people who can empathize with my experiences and worries.
This empathy goes a long way in finding one’s confidence and drive.
Joey Espino
(FASTCO Director for Communications)
When I first arrived here in Melbourne in 2018 with my husband, it was just the two of us, a young couple looking for a fresh start, we did not know anybody but luckily we met people who were willing to help us and we were able to manage. However, looking for work was a challenge, it wasn’t as easy as it was in the Philippines that we ended up working several jobs to help support us here.
(Photo Source: Joey’s Facebook Page)
However, that did not stop us, it made us stronger, and helped us realize the importance of even just the little things. Although our life here is a bit different than what we were used to growing up, we pride ourselves for being able to accept the challenge and still continue our journey as international students.
We believe that in the end it will be worth it.
Our decision of moving and studying here is something that we are always proud of. We highly recommend Australia especially Melbourne to people who are keen to continue their studies. With its diversified communities, rich culture and amazing landmarks, you will surely learn a lot from Australia.
I joined FASTCO to meet people, get connected, be updated with news relating to students and public affairs. I also wanted to be involved in international student relations and attend the different events that the group facilitates and organize.
Ivan Lee
(Director for Special Projects)
Australia is the best when it comes to education.
(Photo Source: FASTCO’s Facebook Page)
The government is very supportive and allots more funds for student welfare. I joined FASTCO to help international students as well as to extend support to Filipinos.
I’m Ivan Lee, currently working as a clinical nurse specialist at Epworth Richmond. I studied Leadership and management, and planning to do higher education for professional development.
FASTCO’s Facebook page
FASTCO’s Instagram
FASTCO’s Website
FASTCO’s Membership Application Form
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Authors: FASTCO’s Kimberly, Xavier, Joey and Ivan x My Aussie Story
About the ” Your Aussie Story” series:
Immigrants in Australia, though from different cultures and backgrounds, tend to have similar experiences and common ‘struggles’ as they build their new life here in Australia. Through My Aussie Story, I’ve been trying to help out people like myself to be able to navigate the Australian way of life a little bit easier by sharing my own experiences.
I’ve always believed that every migrant’s journey would be less challenging if we learn from each other. This is why we’ve created Your Aussie Story. Your Aussie Story is a ‘series’ in our website where we feature inspiring stories of immigrants in Australia.
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Disclaimer All content and information in this post is for purposes of sharing my experiences only, does not constitute professional advice and does not establish any kind of professional-client relationship.
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