Elmo Pimentel de Souza, 29, from Rio de Janeiro, started his studies in Australia in 2017. The plan was to improve his English and have an international experience. After a while, and delighted with Sydney’s lifestyle, the IT professional was sure he wanted to take deeper roots in Down Under. Elmo then decided to do a master’s degree in his field to expand the possibilities of obtaining a permanent residence. Today, with PR in hands, he guarantees that giving up was never an option.
Read the full interview below:
Good Day Education: How was the decision to study in Australia? Have you always had that desire?
I have always had the desire and curiosity to have an international experience. One day I decided to turn the dream into reality. I already had a friend from work who had moved to Australia and the feedback helped a lot in the decision.
Australia emerged as the first option on my list, which also included Canada and Ireland.
GD: Can you tell us about your educational trajectory in Australia? Was it designed or did it influence you to get permanent residency?
I arrived in Australia with a single objective: to improve my English, and that weighed when I decided to choose the exchange agency. Good Day Education helped me a lot in choosing the school by sending me the best options that matched my financial and educational situation. Right after the English course, I decided to take a master’s degree in the IT area thinking about increasing the possibilities for my residence. With that in mind, all the choices I made were focused on the bigger goal of getting Permanent Residence (PR).
GD: What was it like to do a master’s in Australia? Is it very different from a higher education course in Brazil? Did you have time to do other things besides studying?
We never forget the first semester… (laughs). In my opinion, the most difficult thing is to stay focused. Assessments (jobs) consume a lot of time, it is a lot of material to assimilate, and being able to reconcile work, personal life, and studies is a great challenge. We always have time, but what we do with it is what makes the difference.
GD: What attracted you the most in Australia and Sydney? What made you want to be able to stay permanently?
The lifestyle. I have always believed that the balance between professional and personal life is essential. Not to mention that the social disparity here is much smaller than in Brazil. Safety. That was one of the main factors for coming to Sydney as well. The feeling of tranquility of being able to walk on the street, being able to have your things and not living in fear makes all the difference.
GD: How was the process to get permanent residence?
The “process” started with information gathering, planning, and attitude. First, I analyzed my chances, I had a lot of help from a group of Brazilians who work in the same area as me (IT), and I highly recommend networking with people in your area. Once I found out what my chances were or what types of visas were available, I just set up a strategy to achieve this (Plan A, B, C, D, etc.).
GD: Did you already intend from the beginning to get a permanent residence or was it something that developed over time?
Yes, that was a clear decision for me. I met many Brazilians who have been here for many years and unfortunately did not get a residency due to a lack of planning and information. From the beginning, that was my main goal.
GD: Did you ever think about giving up?
Giving up was never an option.
GD: Does having agency support throughout the exchange process make a difference?
Of course, the agency is crucial to support you with the educational institution. The choice of the institution that will match your needs (financial and educational). All the help and support I needed, they (Good Day Education) were always willing.
GD: What tip would you give to those who dream of doing an exchange and living in Australia?
First, you need to prepare yourself financially and psychologically. Do good planning and research a lot. Abuse social media, try to talk to other Brazilians to understand the possibilities in the country that you intend to go to … try to find out as much as you can, this will be a differentiator when you are there. Understand that communication is essential and invest in the language. Focus on learning as much as you can. Talking like that sounds cool and inspiring, however, get ready! Do your homework and try to understand all the variables. Write the dream on paper, you have a goal. Put a date, now you have a goal. Run it !!!