20/12/2024
"There's so much work to be done in mental health"
Aurora is an Indigenous Australian organisation that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to realise their full education and employment potential, whether that is graduating from high school or achieving a postgraduate qualification from Cambridge.
is specifically designed to help bright prospective postgraduates better understand the opportunities and realities of international study. During their 鶹Ӿstay, the group toured College with current students, attended a student experience panel session, enjoyed a 鶹ӾFormal Hall, and sat down with the College's , Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu.
“The opportunity to stay at 鶹ӾCollege was an incredibly important experience for our students, many of whom had no prior knowledge of the collegiate system,” explained Deputy CEO of the Foundation, Tamara Murdock.
“Engaging with current students made the possibility of studying at Cambridge feel tangible and achievable. The College always makes us feel welcome, so our students will be well supported should they choose to study at Wolfson.”
During the student experience panel session, the group had honest and inspiring conversations with our 鶹Ӿstudent ambassadors, tackling everything from homesickness and finding a community here in Cambridge, to making contact with a supervisor or research group and communicating the things that help you learn effectively.
“Applying to Cambridge is daunting for everyone, but I love helping to showcase the diverse range of experiences and backgrounds of students at our University,” reflected MPhil student ambassador, Sudina Thapa. PhD student ambassador, Sally Zeidan, added, “It was rewarding to connect with the prospective students and inspire them to embrace the endless opportunities for growth and connection here at Wolfson.”
One of the Aurora Study Tour participants commented: “I had no real understanding of the collegiate system until I arrived in the UK. Staying at 鶹Ӿfor an entire week allowed me to experience what life is like as a student at Cambridge."
"I now know that I would thrive, not just survive, at Cambridge if I was fortunate enough to be part of a community like the one fostered at Wolfson. A highlight for me was going to Formal Hall with current 鶹Ӿstudents. I’m grateful they gave up their time to share their stories and advice with us.”
On the final day of the UK tour, the Study Tour students sat down with Wolfson's President, who generously shared the joys and challenges of her own academic journey in the sciences. Ijeoma answered some brilliant questions from the group about making a positive impact on the world through research and narrowing down a field of study.
“It was an incredible moment," said one of the participants. "Throughout the Study Tour, I connected with academics in fields I aspire to pursue - an inspiring and daunting experience as I reflect on the magnitude of my goals. Meeting with Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu, however, had a particularly profound impact on me."
"Her story of resilience and determination was the push I needed to strengthen my own resolve to pursue my aspirations. It was truly a moment that I’ll carry forward with immense gratitude.”
We are excited to follow the Aurora Study Tour students as they embark on their academic journeys and look forward to welcoming the Foundation back to College next year!
Read more about Aurora's work
Over the past 15 years, Aurora has supported over 250 graduate students in exploring study in the UK, with 60% of students applying to a university visited and 93% receiving an offer. Aurora has supported almost 50 Indigenous Australian students in attaining a post-graduate degree from Cambridge and Oxford, with a 100% graduation rate.
These high-achieving Indigenous scholars have become leaders in their fields and role models for the next generation. You can .
