Jessica van Dyk

Hi. My name is Jessica and I’ve worked with international students for more than 10 years. So I guess I am quite familiar with a lot of the issues international students present with, and perhaps I already know you all a little bit better than you may think.

Although I was born here in Australia, I grew up on the other side of the world in The Netherlands. I completed my degree in Psychology at the University of Amsterdam. In 1992 I came to Australia for what was supposed to have been just a holiday. However, I ended up staying and never looked back! I‘ve made Melbourne my home. I love Melbourne and have been here now for almost 20 years – time sure flies!

If there is one message I’d like to get across to our new international students here at Deakin, it would be this:

Don’t forget to also enjoy what Melbourne as a city has to offer. It’s easy to get bogged down in your studies, but you’ll miss out big time if you don’t embrace the wonderful opportunities this city presents to you and everyone who lives here!