Diana Setiyawati

What course are you doing?

I am currently doing a PhD in the Centre for International Mental Health at the Melbourne School of Population Health.

Why did you choose to do your course at the University of Melbourne?

I learned about studying at the University of Melbourne through the network of people I knew from my previous experience in the Aceh-tsunami recovery program.

Coming to the University of Melbourne gave me the opportunity to find a suitable supervisor who is really an expert in my field. It’s also a top University in the world and Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city.

How did you become aware of the Australian Development Scholarship?

I got information from the alumni who had received the scholarship and directly from the AusAid website.

How did the AusAid scholarship assist you in your studies?

AusAid has given me full support in tuition fees and a living allowance. Although the living allowance is not entirely enough for my family, it has given me and my family security in terms of financial assistance and has given me financial support for tutorial assistance.

Also, through AusAid, I have been able to talk with a reliable liaison officer whenever I am experiencing difficulties.

Can you recall a particularly interesting day/event during your course?

Definitely the confirmation seminar for my PhD research. It was really nice to have four supervisors that all helped me defend my proposal on that day. I felt like a very important person who was doing very important research!

Describe for us your student life

I have an office at the Centre for International Mental Health, where I can access the facilities anytime, including on the weekend.

I do a part-time job as an AusAid/Posgraduate Mentor and as a teacher’s assistant for an “English for spouse” class, held by International Student Services. I volunteer for the Indonesian community in Melbourne and teach Indonesian kids about Indonesian culture.

I also have family, two daughters and a husband. They cheer up my day. It is rewarding to follow my daughters journey at school and my husband’s experience at work.

What do you plan to do upon completion of your course, and how will your course assist you?

I will go back to my University in Indonesia, where i will teach, do research and work in the community, through my role as a lecturer.

My PhD from the University of Melbourne will really assist me in developing the mental health system in Indonesia. The outcome of my research itself will be proposed to the respective stakeholders in my country, and I believe that it will be a great contribution.