Maria Jose Franco Haruna Yanai Marjolein Benda Maria Del Pillar Bonilla Takayoshi Nagai
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Maria Jose Franco is a Peace Scholarship recipient from Colombia who chose to make Deakin University her home for the next six months.
Maria began her Deakin experience at DUELI, before starting her Deakin psychology course at Deakin's Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds.
The Peace Scholarship Program was developed following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the USA in 2001, and aims to promote global peace and understanding through international education.
Maria has been amazed by all the international students - and various cultural perspectives - she has found in Australia. "I have really loved meeting people from other cultures," she said. "It's great to talk to all the other students and find out about their cultures and beliefs."
She has been very impressed by Deakin, and the assistance she has been given. "I have been really well supported here," Maria said. "I feel I can ask for any help I need, whether its help with accommodation, health services or academic help. It's a really friendly place."