New academic model a gamechanger for international student Davi

“I didn’t know any English before moving to Australia, but after studying for one year at a local college I took the IELTS course so that I could apply for university, and I was stoked when Southern Cross University offered me an International Student Scholarship,” said Davi, who began studying at the University’s Gold Coast campus in March 2021.

“I chose to study the Bachelor of Business and Enterprise because I’ve always wanted to work and become a leader in the business world. My goal is to have my own company, I really enjoy learning about it and look forward to work placement here in Australia to learn even more.”

Davi studies at the Gold Coast campus overlooking Kirra Beach, with his degree being delivered in the University’s innovative new academic model – the Southern Cross Model – which consists of six terms each year of six weeks each.

“This new academic model is really nice actually, I really like it,” he said.

“I know at other universities the subjects can go for three or four months and you can easily lose the focus of all the different units, but in these six-week terms we can focus on writing just two subjects, and then we can take all the relevant things we’ve learned and put it together for the assessments. From the first week you really get into the content and by the sixth week you can synthesise everything.

“You get to focus really hard, then after that you can relax, that’s the reward at the end of each subject – a two-week break before the next terms starts. You can clean your mind and come back with new energy.”

Davi is studying full-time two subjects at a time, and says his subjects have been incredibly interesting.

“The Professors are just amazing – they teach so well and love the job that they are doing. They have passion, you can feel this, and it means you can have a good time while learning so many new things,” Davi said.

“I’ve been able to quickly understand the context and the focus of each unit. The teachers help me a lot when I have a lot of questions and are patient in ensuring I understand the concepts as English is not my first language.

“The methodology that Southern Cross University uses to teach ensures students feel connected and have a good experience inside of the university. Each week we go through one module for each subject.

“Studying in short terms is giving me the opportunity to organize my time, focus on my assessments, where I can be focused and maintain good grades, but also work to help support my family and enjoy the beautiful lifestyle on the Gold Coast.

“The beach and the landscape here are amazing, so all the time I’m enjoying. I love to skate around, go surfing and play soccer, this amazing place is giving me the opportunity to do everything.

“This scholarship at Southern Cross University has given me the opportunity to go to university and have a superior education. It has been very helpful in reducing the price of the course, and it open to other international students as well, so I recommend applying for it at Southern Cross.

“I feel like studying in these six-week terms is one of the best things I've ever done, and I would strongly recommend for anyone who wants to have a good experience studying and get new motivations to come and study in this new Southern Cross Model. You will feel good and you will have time to balance your work, study and have a good lifestyle.”