Showkat's making the most of online study

Because of travel restrictions, international student Showkat Ara Khan is studying online in her home country of Bangladesh. While she can't be on campus, she’s still making the most of her time online with CDU. 

As a busy mum of one, she is juggling family life, work, content creation for her YouTube channel and Facebook following, as well as studying to achieve her dream career in data science.  

Embracing online study  

Showkat works as a statistician in the Bangladesh Government and is studying a Master of Data Science to grow in her career. 

Studying online has given Showkat the work-life balance that she needs. 

Online study has given me the opportunity to work, relax and to choose my study time myself. I can work full-time, attend festivals and have guests and family around to visit.

Showkat also loves to experience the flavours of a different culture, continent, country and city, all from her own room.  

"While attending online events is not the same as offline activities, participating in them can take you to another world through the power of your imagination," she says. 

Choosing CDU 

Studying at CDU was an easy decision for Showkat. She knew that a degree from a highly regarded Australian university like CDU would help her advance her career, and she’d heard about how welcoming the CDU community is. 

One of my relatives and friends studied at CDU and they suggested I study here because of the pleasant and cordial environment which will feel like home.

Darwin’s weather appealed to Showkat as well. 

"I wanted to go to a place where the weather would match my country too."

Buddying up 

Showkat is part of the Buddy Program which is designed to assist new commencing international students with their transition to study at university.  

Current students (Senior Buddies) are paired with new students (Junior Buddies) to provide friendly, practical and competent assistance or advice, establishing a supportive network and community for new students.  

Knowing how challenging group work can be when you’re studying online, Showkat says the buddy program is “no doubt” one of the best things about studying at CDU.  

Future goals 

While Showkat can’t wait to get to Darwin to study on campus, she has dreams to go back to Bangladesh when she finishes her studies to work on the national curriculum and advance the take-up of data science through her current job. 

Explore IT and Network Engineering degrees at CDU and learn more about studying in Darwin.