(United States)
I came to Australia because the PhD degree at the VCA, which is relatively new in the world of Fine Arts, was being offered by a school with a world-class repuatation, in a city which is heralded as being one of most livable, and in a country where I spent some of my youth. Plus, my partner at the time was enrolling in the Masters of Fine Arts Program. We had decided to study in an institution, and in a country, that was some distance away from the United States.
I am currently researching the pigments that artists have used for centuries, exploring their handling characteristics and applying what I have learnt toa contemporary painting practice. I have ventured into the field to collect samples that I wash, grind, and then use in my paintings. In addition, I purchase and grind my own pigments.
I have been fortunate to work with two supervisors, Dr. Caroline Miley, and Jon Cattapan, who are experts in their fields, both in the theoretical and practical fields. Also, the University has funded me with two scholarships, and presently I am going overseas to work with conservators, scientists, art historians and artists pursuing investigations into 17th century Renaissance painting techniques in Amsterdam.
The advice I would give to students considering doing a PhD at the VCA is to really think long and hard before entering a program that will absorb three to four years of your life. The rewards are plenty, but some serious sacrifices are involved. The most difficult being managing the expectations you have of yourself.
(South Korea)
Before I came to Melbourne, I did not know much about it. I was supposed to go to Canada to study but my best friend’s wife who was a lecturer at a university here, recommended that I come to Melbourne instead.
My initial purpose of coming to Melbourne was to study English. I have since been here for five years. After attending language school for a year to enhance my English language skills, I took an interior design course because I felt like trying something new. One year into the course, I decided that painting was what I really wanted to do so I applied to do art courses at several universities. One day, I bumped into my art teacher from high school in Korea on the street and she told me that the Victorian College of the Arts was the best school for art in Melbourne. Once I learnt more about the VCA, I found it attractive due to its devotion to the arts in general. In addition, the interviewers were really kind to me during my interview even though my English was not very good.
I have been painting for more than ten years. Before this, I was doing Art at the Sun Hwa Art High School where some of my main subjects included painting and sculpture. The first year of the course was really hard for me as classes are conducted very differently here compared to classes back in Korea. Classes here are less structured and there are fewer rules. Initially, some of my teachers felt I was not active enough in class so I pushed myself to be more participative. Presentations were also quite hard for me as I was not used to showing my artwork to others. However, I have since learnt to cope with these problems and this has helped me become more confident.
Melbourne is a city with a high level of arts awareness. There are many commercial galleries and they often appreciate student work. Back in Korea, it is very difficult to get an exhibition if you are just a student. In addition, Australians buy quite a lot of artwork. There are bars in Melbourne which allow you to exhibit as well as sell your work for free. I even managed to sell one of my paintings during my 2nd year. The art community here is also very serious. I am inspired by the way they chase their passions and how they choose personal fulfilment over the demands of society.
After graduation, I hope to stay in Australia and pursue my art. I would also like to work for a production company in props and set design. However, I can’t say for sure what I’ll be doing in the future but I would definitely like to continue in an arts-related line. For now, I am enjoying my time here at the VCA. The staff and students are friendly and the International Office has been very helpful. I am just genuinely happy to be where I am.
(Republic of Korea)
I selected the VCA for its good reputation and the recommendation from my professor back home.
(Beijing, PR China)
Wallara Travelling Scholarship Recipient 2005
Painting began as a hobby for me. I soon realised I was quite good at it compared to other people in my course, so I decided to pursue a degree in painting.
I originally came to Australia in 2000 to study design at RMIT following an intensive one and a half year English language course. While I was at RMIT, my art teacher suggested I apply for an art course at the VCA, so I went to the VCA’s Open Day and the rest, as they say, is history.
I am having a good time here at the VCA. I enjoy my course because the lectures are interesting and we are each given individual workspaces. The individual workspaces are good as they create an illusion that the world is all about artists and creating art so it is a good environment to work in.
There are also lots of creative people around which is always a good thing. In my opinion, some of the art they create is better then the artwork outside.
Melbourne is a multicultural place but I feel that it has changed in recent times. The city has become busier and there are more cultural influences as well as more international students. I think Melburnians are quite nice and open to learning about new things. This provides a conducive environment for creativity. While art is very popular in China, Melbourne has a higher appreciation for art compared with many Asian countries. However, it is important to realise that the audience in the College is very different to the audience outside. The general public prefers more commercial art.
Art is like a philosophy, it is always growing. As an artist, my job is to communicate and share my opinions with the world and try to change the way people look at the world. I want to surprise and explore areas I don’t know, even things I don’t understand. I am not very interested in creating beautiful things as beautiful things are mass knowledge and not difficult to achieve. I’m trying to create something original.
I would like to have my own show someday as well as a possible career in teaching art at a university. However, at this point, my future plans are undecided. Artists dream about the future but before the future comes you can never tell which part of the experience you go will through. For now, I’m just trying to enjoy the learning process.
My advice to aspiring artists is not to give up their dream. Life can be hard for an artist, but individuals do not necessarily need to hold formal jobs in society to be useful. We can be valuable contributors to society through our art.
(Japan)
I have always been interested in the arts but it is hard to make the decision to formally pursue artistic endeavours. However, it helps that my parents appreciate art and have supported my choices.
I had never lived overseas before but I felt it was necessary to leave Japan if I wanted a serious art education. Art education is available in Japan and it is changing but it is still quite different from what is available overseas. Besides, art is about exploring the world.
The VCA School of Art is quite different from the other schools in the VCA. Fifty percent of our studies consist of studio time so we have to take responsibility for our own studio practice. The School of Art encourages a very organic type of growth. There are few protocols or rules to follow which really helps to promote individual and unique artwork. In addition, the VCA has very good language support which is good for international students with language difficulties.
Melbourne is full of opportunities for artists. The Melbourne audience has a high appreciation for the arts and there is a strong sense of community. I also think it is great that there are grants available for local artists. As the VCA is located in the city, it allows for close and frequent access to galleries and the art community. This allows students to access the real public art sphere and not just the academic one. I think that this bridges the distance between the audience and the artist.
My time at the VCA so far has had a large impact on my art. In contemporary art, it is sometimes hard to judge what is good and what isn’t. However, my studies have really opened up my eyes and sophisticated my ideas of art. Now I can tell if a piece works or not and why. This ability to evaluate art is important as it enriches the entire experience of art. It is almost like watching a movie; it can change your perspective on things.
Art is basically the strongest form of being in a free sense. It is a universal language of sensation, of the world even. Somehow art really requires you to be truthful and honest which is not always easy.
My advice to prospective arts students is to realize that at the end of the day, you have to be your own source of support. Studying overseas is not just about coming to school, it is also about the friendships you can develop with some great people. It is exciting, challenging and well worth the risk.
(United States)
My studies at the VCA are important, not only because the VCA provides academic enrichment, but aslo because of the overall experience of living in a foreign country constantly exposes me to new visual stimuli.
(Seychelles)
Seychelles Government Scholarship Recipient
Dancing began as a hobby for me. I just enjoyed the feeling of dancing and had fun doing it. It was not until I had the opportunity to participate in a one year professional training programme in Toronto, Canada that I began to consider dancing as more than just a hobby. Once I found out about potential career prospects for a trained dancer, I decided I wanted to experience every aspect of dancing including the learning process.
I am the first ever recipient of a dance performance scholarship from the government of Seychelles. My scholarship covers tuition fees, airfares and a monthly stipend for other expenses like health cover and accommodation.
If not for the scholarship, I would not be able to pursue a formal education in dance as dance degrees are not offered in the Seychelles. In fact, I had to put in a lot of effort into getting my scholarship as dancing is considered a vocational course in the Seychelles and the government does not usually award scholarships in this field.
The Seychelles is a small country where the development of dance is still in its infancy and the scope for learning new perspectives is very limited. However, there is a promising environment for dance in the Seychelles. The people of Seychelles love to dance whether on the street or at the beach.
While most dancing groups focus on traditional and folk dancing, alternative dance forms have come into the limelight in recent times especially through youth culture. The dancing population and audience in the Seychelles are also continually expecting greater quality and diversity in the dance arena.
I am thoroughly enjoying my course at the VCA School of Dance. I love the staff, the teachers, my fellow students and the whole artistic environment.
I find the classes to be very good and although I have only been here a month, I am already seeing improvements in my technique. While I have been dancing for the past 15 years, I feel that I still lack knowledge of some basics and fundamentals in dance. However, the teachers here have been incredibly understanding, supportive and encouraging. They are truly committed to helping students achieve their goals, and having someone believing in you makes all the difference.
From what I have seen so far, I also think that Melbourne is a city with a high appreciation for the arts. I was impressed by the arts related activities held in conjunction with the recent 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. The people here are interested in the arts and are willing to help artists. I hope that my government will take this as an example and continue to help young dancers and artists in general.
When I return to the Seychelles, I plan to pass on what I have learnt during my time at the VCA to other youth who do not have the chance to pursue a formal dance degree overseas.
My advice to aspiring dancers is to never give up. Dancing is a commitment and it requires that you give the best of your ability everyday.
If you want to achieve something in life, you have to do whatever it takes to get there. You have to fight to achieve what you want.
(Israel)
Schwartz Family Foundation Scholar
My experience at the VCA has been, and hopefully will continue to be, an overwhelming one. The artistic environment, the creative vibes and even the location within Melbourne, one of the most liveable cities in the world, are altogether inspiring. I couldn't think of a better place to work and create from. I am looking forward to my last year in the bachelor degree and maybe I'll take on some other postgraduate courses that the College has to offer.
(China)
I was a former graduate of Shanghai Dance School in China before I successfully completed the Bachelor of Dance at Victorian College of the Arts. The 3 year course really changed my life and more importantly changed my perspective on dance.
I majored in Chinese Folk dance for 6 years in Shanghai before being accepted by the Shanghai Song and Dance Troupe at the age of 14. At the age of 22, I came to Melbourne and enrolled as an International student at VCA, where I developed not only as a dancer, but also as a person.
VCA provided me with a friendly and encouraging study environment. The teachers were always patient in giving me the extra assistance I needed to overcome my language barrier. Fortunately dance transcends language. I found myself absorbing information and gaining knowledge like never before. This experience really opened my eyes to the wider world of arts, helped me to discover my potential and broaden my thinking.
I’d like to thank VCA for giving me this opportunity to tell people about my great experiences. I hope everyone will find VCA to be a great facilitator through which to further their careers.
(Malaysia)
Malaysian Ministry of Art, Heritage and Culture Scholarship recipient
I have been dancing since I was four years old. That’s what happens when your mother owns a dance school. Being a ballet teacher, my mother had dreams for me to become a prima ballerina. As such, I was initially trained in classical ballet but I have since chosen to major in contemporary dance instead.
My parents chose to send me to Australia to pursue dance studies because its only an 8 hour flight from Malaysia. After careful surveying, I enrolled in the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) as it offered a part dance and part academic education. I was the first Malaysian international student ever enrolled at VCASS. Upon graduation, I then enrolled in the Bachelor of Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts.
Initially it was hard to leave my family to study in Australia. I had quite a big culture shock when I first got here but it has since subsided. It is a challenge to attend a university where one is not spoon fed. At the VCA, no one forces you to do anything. This has taught me to set goals and make things happen. However, that is not to say that dance studies at the VCA are easy. It is actually quite full on and requires a lot of dedication.
Besides that, my studies here at the VCA have given me the opportunity to be more creative as we are encouraged to use the craziest things as inspiration for our dancing. I have also learnt to be more articulate in expressing my opinions and giving critiques. I would say that the VCA pushes you do the things you want to do and gives you the confidence to do it. In addition, Melbourne is a very encouraging place for young, independent artists.
In my free time, I do some commercial dancing for KAMI Performing Arts to earn some extra money. I am also involved with the Chunky Move Dance Company, the Bangarra Dance Company and the Odyssey Dance Company. As a dancer, it is important to be toned, so I do Pilates whenever I can to strengthen my back.
In terms of future plans, one of my goals is to get a position in the dance department of the Malaysian government and help establish a formal dance education for local dance students. There is little or no dance education available in Malaysia and even less of a dance scene. I would like to create a performing arts school in Malaysia and help Malaysians develop a higher appreciation for dance.
My advice for prospective dance students is if you really know this is what you want to do with your life then just go for it and have no regrets. In life, every little thing counts so make it worthwhile.
(Norway)
I previously studied film art and theatre in Norway. Film Art at Hoqskolen Lillehammer and Theatre at Dronning Maud in Trondheim. My influences are music, singing and film. These are the foundations set at home and combining them produces theatre. My inspirations are Bjork, Ryuichi Sakamoto, P Almadovar, cities and nature; walking and skiing and giving time to form thoughts and ideas. Nature is pure inspiration and nature is what I draw upon to live and to practice my art.
I performed in short films in Norway but was tired of Norwegian theatre. A friend told me about the VCA School of Film and Television and I decided to check whether there was a drama course, and there was. I do live films but it is right to have theatre training. It is the basic platform and I can take acting further. Film is very realistic, but theatre allows you to explore all different genres.
Australia’s strength is its multicultural community. Australian people travel and take bits and pieces from around the world. Due to the geographic isolation of Australia, Australians tend to explore things for the first time and have a different perception about the world. They seem grounded. My European background contributes something different to the mix. I do try to create a balance of cultures.
Melbourne especially is so multicultural. Asian and Australian influences are a great combination. Australia is not solely European, and as such it is not driven by an established culture.
Melbourne’s weather is temperamental. People complain about the weather, but I love it. It is so relaxed here; people enjoy living, eating and drinking. Life doesn’t seem so stressful here. Living is not expensive and you can enjoy restaurants and events without it costing a fortune. Melbourne is like New York, and Sydney like Los Angeles.
The people of Australia are quite positive.
During my time here I have been doing plays and meeting interesting people. I have also been in films for VCA students and made music with a choreographer at the VCA dance school. It is fantastic to create great works and build friendships.
I can act in two languages now. I can always go back home and act but now I have an extra skill with text in another language. You could say that my perspective is a bit bigger.
At VCA you don’t feel alone and the support is there if you need it. The Drama School has given me extra hours of voice and language training. It was my choice to come to a country that does not speak my first language, but the support system is there.
In the future I would love to do films and theatre and some music as well (as a singer). That would be best combination! To create my own work. Be an independent artist.
My advice for anyone wanting to enter the industry is to just do it. Trust in yourself. If you like something just grab it.
(Tahiti: French Polynesia)
AusAid Scholarship Recipient
I have always written and told stories. So making stories come to life through movies was just a natural step. I have also always been interested to work in the film and television industry.
Before coming to the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), I did a Bachelor of Communication at the Institut Supérieur de l’Enseignement Privé de Polynésie ( ISEPP) in Tahiti. I graduated from this university in June 2004. During my last two years at the ISEPP, I worked in a small production company as a video editor. It was great but I only worked on news and documentaries. So, I thought it was time for me to make a crossover from television to film. I wanted to learn more about film as an art form, as well as an overview of the range of jobs this industry could provide.
I read that the VCA was one of the best universities for the arts in Australia, especially for film and television studies. The whole idea of working with artists from different disciplines was really appealing. Besides, I found the location of the VCA to be quite ideal as it is right near the Arts Centre, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), and so much more. As such, I decided to study in Melbourne, because the course I really wanted to do was here and because it is an affordable city for students to live in.
The first two weeks were a bit hard because of the language barrier. I was rather disoriented as it was a new place with different cultures and habits. After a while, things got better. There is such a good vibe and energy at the VCA as everything encourages you to be creative and effective. I’ve met people from diverse horizons and discovered that many of the students from my classes are new to Melbourne as well. I’m still amazed by the number of VCA students who come from all over Australia. That way I never feel left behind as heaps of people are discovering Melbourne too.
However, the highlights to date of my time at the VCA have been the shootings. It was good to work in groups through the process of making your own short movie. What’s best is the interaction between your classmates and yourself. You give and receive a lot. It’s all about sharing ideas/vision and teamwork. Furthermore, everyone from the students to the staff are always helpful, especially to international students.
Melbourne’s culture is very rich and varied. There are events going on all the time like film festivals, sports events and exhibitions. The people are delightful, the food is fresh and tasty and there are so many parks. I really enjoy it because you totally forget that you are actually living in a city. Melbourne is like several cities all in one. It can be so European. Sometimes I feel like I’m in Paris by the Seine, and other times I feel like I’m in Barcelona. It’s amazing!
However, the most fantastic thing about Melbourne is that everything seems to be made for the arts. Artists here have infrastructures they can use and they also get financial support. Besides that, they can express their art freely anywhere they choose. The whole city of Melbourne breathes the arts.
My studies at the VCA have taught me to be more prepared, better organised and to have more foresight. It is my dream to become a director or screenwriter someday, as I can’t imagine my life without writing my own stories.
My advice to prospective students who want to study at the VCA is to go for it! No matter how hard it is to get in, if you have the passion and the rage inside you to succeed in your art form then you will make it. Be prepared and determined. It will be one of the greatest experiences of your life.
(United States)
I have been working in film and television for about 10 years. While studying at the University of California (UCLA), I took every single film theory and appreciation course there was without actually being in the department. After that I did some work experience in Hollywood and New York.
I left the United States in 2004 to travel. I sort of stumbled into the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) when a friend invited me to Melbourne. It’s sort of a love story with the VCA and me. I had no intention of studying in Melbourne at first so it was a pleasant surprise.
I love Melbourne and I think it’s great. I just think it’s a really unique city with its cultural diversity. It has a city feel but not too crazy. Coming from New York City, I’m impressed with the amount of art activities available like the festivals. There’s always something on all the time.
I decided to focus on the documentary aspect of film studies as it is another level of filmmaking I’ve never explored. It’s the whole notion of storytelling. Documentaries expose different aspects of people and their lives. I’m fascinated by people and I think I have a lot of empathy. I want to shed light on things people don’t usually think about.
The VCA School of Film and Television is unique in the fact that students get to write their own scripts and make films. You get to edit your own work and you’re given complete creative control. I’m really enjoying my screen studies too as I didn’t know much about documentary history before this.
My classmates are a really good group. We all have similar aspirations in terms of wanting to tell stories. It’s also cool to have lecturers that have been making good films out of Melbourne. It’s inspiring to witness that it is totally possible to make a film in Melbourne and reach a local and international audience. The community at the VCA is just wonderful and everyone’s really enthusiastic. I’ve met some fantastic people.
In my opinion, the VCA School of Film and Television is the top film school in Australia. It has the reputation and the clout to assist students in getting their films into festivals. The VCA has opened up my eyes to many career possibilities as well.
My advice to prospective students is to decide what you want to do, make a decision and stick to it. Be true to yourself because living your own truth is the way to go. Don’t worry so much about the future, you have to start somewhere. Oh and if you’re going to go to film school in Australia, do yourself a favor and come to the VCA.
(Taiwan)
I come from a musical background as both my parents play musical instruments. My mother plays the piano and my father plays the violin. It was my mother’s idea originally that I should study piano in a musical institute, so I attended the Shin Chu High School of Performing Arts where I was in an ‘elite’ class for musicians. However, as the piano is a Western instrument, it is actually better for pianists to study abroad. This is also because most of the information and literature on the piano is written in English.
I chose to study at the Victorian College of the Arts ( VCA) because the VCA advertised their upcoming entrance auditions in a local Taiwanese newspaper. I also wanted to go overseas to experience a different environment and improve my English. At first it was hard to believe I was actually leaving Taiwan and that I had to start being self-sufficient. I was also worried that the people, culture and food would be too different.
However, I decided to have a homestay experience and live with an Australian family. One of the best things about homestay is there is always someone to talk to and to ask how your day went. I have since grown close to my homestay family and I honestly believe it was what the Chinese call ‘yuen fen’ or fate that led to our meeting.
I like Melbourne because of its environment. The way the city is structured makes it convenient for students to get around. Besides that, there are always so many things going on. There is great food available, jazz bars, concert halls, festivals etc. As a musician, it is important to experience different things. These activities provide me with creative inspiration for my music.
My studies at the VCA require long hours of practicing, with the recommended time being eight hours a day. I have since learnt to develop an awareness of what I’m doing as my studies at the VCA have taught me the importance of centering, which helps concentration. As such, I have become more aware of the quality of music being expressed. The VCA is an encouraging environment to help musicians expand on their abilities.
In my free time, I have participated in and won several piano competitions around Australia. In addition, I have been involved in playing background music for theatre productions and freelanced as a wedding pianist. Such extracurricular activities are good because I get to meet interesting people and experience different things. My energy comes from passion and the people here are very passionate about the arts. Having other people appreciating the things I’m passionate about keeps me motivated. My ultimate goal is to bring value and happiness to others through my music.
In terms of future plans, I might consider pursuing a degree in music education. Besides that, I would like to explore the genre of jazz music as it is quite different from the classical material I am currently learning. My advice to other students wishing to pursue their studies in music would be to have faith and passion. Keep an open mind, that way you will keep on going.
(United States)
I attended the Musicians Institute and the Arizona State University in the United States of before coming to the VCA.
When I saw the film Immortal Beloved at the age of 14 I decided then to pursue my studies in Music. My wish was to be like Beethoven.
I believe to stick with an artistic career you need to have passion. It’s about loving and accepting the highs and lows of life. If I didn’t have a deep passion for what I am doing I would do something else.
I choose to study in Melbourne as it is a beautiful city with great natural surroundings, a great culture with friendly people. I think it is truly the most liveable city I have ever been to.
I think Melbourne and the VCA is a great place to find your voice before you launch your professional career. What really won me over was the fact that at the VCA there are all these different schools offering different art forms all on the one campus. This opportunity for cross collaboration excited me very much as a composer.
Whilst studying at the VCA I participated in several extra curriculum activities. These included:
I am also getting married to a wonderful/beautiful film director whom I met at the VCA
My studies have given me a strong foundation, which I seek to build my career on. Courage is just as important as talent. I would like to be an internationally recognised music composer.
I would advise anyone considering studying at the VCA to really dive in. Take in as much as you can and take on as many projects as you can. Make friends and have fun.
(Malaysia)
Why did you choose to study in Australia?
I chose Australia because of its cheaper financial cost in comparison to similar courses in the United Kingdom or America. The tuition and living expenses are more bearable especially if you’re coming from a country with a weaker economy or currency.
Why did you choose to study in Melbourne/Victoria?
Melbourne is certainly the most liveable city in Australia and is the Arts capital of Australia. This provides a really conducive environment; ideal for courses offered by the VCA.
Why did you select the Victorian College of the Arts?
The College’s reputation for producing industry leaders and its very practical hands on method of teaching definitely sets it apart from other institutions, and puts it in a league of its own.
What were the best things about studying at the Victorian College of the Arts?
The people that you meet, the friends you make and the teachers you learn from. It is a melting pot of talent, culture and personality that changes you as a person, an individual, and an artist.
What extracurricular activities (if any) did you participate in whilst at the Victorian College of the Arts?
Absolutely nothing! The production course is one that will take up every minute of your three years in the school.
How has your study impacted on your career development?
As a freelance Lighting Designer, the VCA experience has taught me to approach every project big or small with a similar attitude and to do my level best. I think this impresses people as they know when it comes to my work they can expect no compromise to its quality. Being in an industry where the word of mouth is gospel, this is definitely an advantage
(Singapore)
Scholarships awarded; National Arts Council Bursary (Singapore)
Why did you choose to study in Australia?
There wasn’t a course for theatre production in Singapore and I always wanted to have the opportunity to live in Australia.
Why did you choose to study in Melbourne/Victoria?
Melbourne is of a slower pace than Sydney, which is something that I prefer. Sydney to me is a very transient city with a pace of life similar to Singapore. I wanted something different.
Why did you select the Victorian College of the Arts?
The production course in the VCA is well diversified with experienced theatre practitioners as our lecturers. I also like the practical experience with various performing arts – drama, dance, opera etc.
What were the best things about studying at the Victorian College of the Arts?
Small class sizes, lecturers who make the effort to know us better, the Arts!
What extracurricular activities (if any) did you participate in whilst at the Victorian College of the Arts?
Not really, just the student representative of the Course Advisory Committee in 3rd Year.
How has your study impacted on your career development?
The Production course has provided me with the experience of working on different performing art forms in different production roles which gave me a better insight to understanding how various production roles fit into the big picture. I have also learnt a lot about occupational Health and Safety in this course.