“I chose to study at The Gordon as they have an excellent reputation, with a lot of great chefs who have graduated and now own their own restaurants.

All the teachers are professional and experienced and they make the training interesting and memorable. I have not only learned how to cook a great meal, but also learned how to be a team player. After studying with my classmates all year, we have become like a family. We study from each other, help each other, and have a lot of fun. As an international student I was always shy to speak out, but in the cookery industry you have to communicate with others and my English has improved dramatically. I’ve not only learnt English, but also some specialised words in French, Italian, Japanese and others.

I am now working in a local restaurant and continuing my studies at Certificate IV level to gain more knowledge and experience. I hope to own my own small restaurant one day. ”

Bo Li (Allen)
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Recipient of 2016 The Gordon International Student of the Year Award

One of the great features of studying at Marcus Oldham is meeting new, likeminded people who share a passion for agriculture industries. With small group numbers, staying on campus and the ability to talk one on one with the course lecturers, the experience at Marcus Oldham provides an excellent basis for future success.

I choose to study at The Gordon after a few recommendations. Studying the Diploma of Building and Construction, and the Diploma of Building Surveyor was a hard journey because I had to manage my time between the two courses, a part-time job and my lovely family. Now having finished and received my marks, the results are better than I could imagine.

The courses were well prepared and all the teachers ready to give the support students needed. The two years adequately prepared me for any work in the construction industry.

My time at The Gordon enabled me to further develop interpersonal and leadership skills, which has helped me in many aspects of my life. I feel very lucky to have been able to form some very close friendships through the course. Everyone had different skills and experiences to contribute, which was a great benefit. I feel grateful.

Balaji is studying a Doctor of Philosophy at Deakin University, Geelong and has a Masters in Engineering in Industrial Metallurgy. He was awarded a full Postgraduate Research Scholarship at Deakin and has been nominated for two of the university’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) annual awards. He has also been a finalist at the international youth science event and the British Council’s ‘FameLab’. At Deakin, he is an academic mentor, as well as an International Orientation Coordinator supporting new international students. Balaji also engages in community roles including in the ‘Good Start Breakfast Club’ for the Australian Red Cross, and as a learning support volunteer with EdConnect Australia.