Phumulo Elias Mpofu

“From enrolment to lectures, right down to the examinations – ever since joining the university, my studies have been fully online due to the global pandemic. Being an international student in a country like Zimbabwe means dealing with a time zone difference of six hours which has been quite challenging. I’ve had to adjust my daily routines and sleeping schedule. Having 2am classes is something I was not ready for, especially for someone new to university life.

“However, with the wonderful help of my lecturers and tutors, I have been able to get through my semester. I managed all the tasks at hand and did quite well. Through group projects, extracurricular activities like being a New-to-Curtin Mentor and group studying, online learning became more bearable. I have made a number of friends throughout the year and working with them has made my learning more interesting, fun, and enlightening.

“I really appreciate Curtin Malaysia for the exposure it has given me to different cultures, and the many career-related opportunities it provides, even to the first-year students. Through Curtin Malaysia I was able to secure a virtual internship during my summer break, which was a great learning experience.

“I really hope to be able to study on campus next semester, and meet all my wonderful lecturers and friends in person.” –Phumulo Elias Mpofu, Engineering First Year (EFY) student

27 February 2022