Swinburne alum enables enriching study abroad scholarships

Four Swinburne students have received the inaugural Giles Family Foundation Study Abroad Scholarship, which provides generous financial support for students to study overseas for a semester.

The donor of the scholarship, Michael Giles, is a Swinburne alum who graduated from a Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in 2012.

During his time at university, Michael was the recipient of a study abroad scholarship and appreciates the transformational experiences overseas study can offer. Today, Michael wants to support other Swinburne students who are keen to spread their wings and study overseas.

Meet some of our scholarship recipients

Chloe Cornford studied Media and Communication and spent a Semester in Milan

What originally motivated you to apply for the Giles Family Foundation Study Abroad Program, and how did you imagine it might shape your future?

I had always dreamed of studying abroad, long before I began university. Even though I worked throughout my studies, it can be a big financial commitment and that was my only uncertainty. The scholarship really cemented my ability to go on exchange and get the most out of the experience by taking some of the pressure off. I will be forever grateful for the Giles Family Foundation scholarship.

Looking back, what moment or experience overseas had the biggest impact on your personal growth or worldview?

The people I met had the biggest impact on my growth and worldview. Meeting so many incredible people from all over the world, seeing how much we had in common and our shared excitement of being in Milan was an unforgettable experience that I will never be able to replicate.

How has your study abroad experience influenced your career direction?

My study abroad has completely opened my eyes to avenues in my career that I didn’t know existed. The opportunities in Australia and abroad are endless and there are so many career paths that allow you to travel. My experience overseas taught me so much about myself and showed me that I need to take every opportunity as it comes. I want to have a career that has a positive impact on my community, whether that’s on a local scale or a global one!

Can you share a skill, mindset, or perspective you gained overseas that you still use in your professional or personal life today?

I gained so much independence living overseas by myself that has shown me I am capable of so much. It did make me miss my friends and family at times – which just shows how lucky I am to have incredible people that support me – but now I can see that the world is my oyster!

What would you say to future Swinburne students considering a global opportunity like this one?

I would recommend a study abroad program to anyone that asks! It’s a truly unique experience that allows you to be immersed in a culture and create meaningful connections with your new classmates over an extended period. It’s incredible to hear everyone’s stories and put yourself out of your comfort zone. Australia will be here when you get back, so just go for it! You won’t regret it.

Conor O'Farrell studied Media and Communication and spent a Semester in Los Angeles

What originally motivated you to apply for the Giles Family Foundation Study Abroad Program, and how did you imagine it might shape your future?

I applied for the grant as, although I had a decent amount of savings built up prior to setting off, I was en route to one of the most expensive cities in the world. I think a part of me knew that I would be more present in and get more out of the experience with the lowest possible amount of financial anxiety.

Looking back, what moment or experience overseas had the biggest impact on your personal growth or worldview?

There are so many examples to choose from, but one experience does come to mind. During my time at Loyola Marymount University, I made a friend in one of my classes from New Jersey. He was graduating just as I was finishing my semester, so he invited me on a road trip across America. We ended up driving through Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania on the way ‘home’. Not only did we get to see some breathtaking landscapes and go way off grid, but we also got to chat with locals on many pitstops. I got to know his family in Jersey too! For something I hadn’t planned for, I ended up seeing corners of the world that I never thought I’d even get close to and felt a profound privilege as a result. The trip opened my eyes up to how vast the world is, as well as the people in it.

How has your study abroad experience influenced your career direction?

While I mainly gained personal growth from my experience, it has definitely made me properly consider living and working overseas. I’ve also become more ambitious when thinking about my future. For example, I feel like I would be able to relocate in order to pursue something I’m passionate about. I found that LA is full of creatives who dream big, while also being quite open and friendly. So, this was a great environment to be in and draw from. The world is huge, and I now feel that there are so many places where my experience, passions and skills may fit nicely.

Can you share a skill, mindset, or perspective you gained overseas that you still use in your professional or personal life today?

I’d say the biggest things were confidence and self-empowerment. Each time that I’m faced with a challenge, I can lean on the fact that I set off for LA alone (after heaps of help from the Study Abroad team), made a bunch of awesome friends, looked after myself, did well in my classes and said ‘yes’ to a whole heap of stuff. This also helps me put things in perspective, as I feel that I have pretty much proven myself to myself.

What would you say to future Swinburne students considering a global opportunity like this one?

In terms of personal development, my semester abroad has been the most definitive experience of my life so far. It can be a daunting thing to consider, but I’d fully encourage others to be brave and take it on. Find somewhere that calls out to you and go for it!