Counsellor of the month: Shikha Arora

Shikha is an Assistant International Student Counsellor in our New Delhi office. She studied at Delhi University, completing a Bachelor of Science. Her degree combined theory with practical experiments, and she enjoyed creating physical products from different chemicals.

Although Shikha has not travelled abroad yet, a trip to Australia is top of her wish-list. She is very keen to visit her cousin, who is studying at Deakin University in Melbourne. She would also love to experience Singapore.

“Being a student counsellor for StudyLink means dealing with different people from every horizon of the world,” says Shikha. She speaks English, Hindi and Punjabi, and can help you with all your questions and concerns about studying overseas.

Counsellor of the Month - Nobuko Kikuchi

Known as Nobby in the StudyLink Japan office in Osaka, Nobuko joined us in 2006 as a Student Councillor and marketing team member.

She helps non-Japanese students find the right courses for them in Japan, as well as a growing number of Japanese students looking for ways to study abroad – especially English language courses. For these students, she says “it’s important that they access their target language level, and are sure about their main purpose for studying.”

Nobby has studied in Australia and Canada, has worked in Australia and USA, and she has also recently assisted the Japanese team during the StudyLink Soocer Cup, a friendly match between students from Osaka and Melbourne.

Of the attraction of Japan for foreign students, Nobby says; “Japan ranks as the second-most technologically-powerful economy after the US. One thing that makes Japan so unique is that it successfully retains its Eastern culture, but employs Western technology at the same time.”

For more information about studying in Japan, and courses that might suit you, chat to Nobby at our StudyLink Japan office.

Counsellor of the month: Priyanka Jain

Priyanka is an Assistant International Student Counsellor at our StudyLink India office. Fluent in Hindi and English, she studied political science at Delhi University. She loved the freedom of university life, and enjoyed every aspect of her degree.

Priyanka has not yet had the opportunity to travel outside of India, but hopes to go to Egypt soon. “Egypt fascinates me and I would love to explore the pyramids.” She enjoys interacting with different students from around the world at StudyLink, and helping them fulfil their dreams to study abroad.

As well as an interest in mountaineering, which has taken her to all the hillier parts of India, she also has a creative streak and loves designing and making clothes for her family and friends.

For all students looking at their study abroad options, she suggests they do in depth research on the course, institution and country before making a final decision. And of course, the StudyLink website is the place to do exactly that!

Counsellor of the Month

Deepti Dhamija

Deepti is our Assistant Manager for StudyLink counselling services in India. After graduating from a reputed university in India with a BA (in Economics, Political Science and Child Psychology), she worked for five years for a recruitment agent, specialising in British education.

Now a key part of the StudyLink team, she enjoys helping students find out more about the wide range of global education opportunities and assisting them with their applications and visas. For any student intent on studying overseas, she says; “ensure you know the quality and recognition of the institution worldwide. International students invest a good amount of money on their education.”

Deepti is currently undertaking an MBA. She says the course is empowering and dynamic and has given her a new practical approach to work. She has taken the IELTS exam, has a certificate from the Professional Development Programme in Promoting UK Education and Training and a certificate in International Education Services for education agents promoting Australia.

Deepti has travelled to Australia and the UK for professional training. She spends any spare time catching up with her family and enjoys listening to Ghazals and watching Bollywood movies. With her broad study and travel experience, Deepti is an ideal counsellor to discuss your overseas study plans with.

StudyLink India has a new branch manager

Deepika Ahluwalia is the branch manager of StudyLink’s office in New Delhi, India. She recently joined StudyLink with a strong background in marketing and promotion. Deepika earned her MBA, with a focus in marketing, from one of India’s top institutes and was an active member of campus organisations. Having been brought up in New Delhi, studied in Pune, and worked in Mumbai, Deepika is able to relate well with StudyLink’s prospective students. Deepika spent three months living and working in Australia before returning to New Delhi to run StudyLink’s Indian office.

You can direct any questions for Deepika through StudyLink’s Contact a Counsellor form. Be sure to include Deepika’s name in the comments/questions box.

Meet Melinda...

Melinda Rippe is the Manager of StudyLink’s Counselling Services. She has over 6 years of experience in international student recruitment and advising. Melinda grew up in the state of Minnesota in the USA. She earned her bachelors degree in the USA, spending a semester abroad in France and earned her masters degree in Australia. Melinda has worked in New Zealand and travelled in 17 different countries. She has intermediate level French language skills. Melinda is a member of NAFSA Association of International Educators (USA) and EAIE (Europe). Melinda’s interest in international education began around the age of 10 while attending a language immersion camp and getting to know the staff from around the world. Her work, study, and travel experiences have intensified her strong belief in the importance of cross-cultural experiences and her interest in helping others benefit from living and studying in a different country.

Meet Natasha...

Natasha Woessner is an International Student Counsellor at StudyLink. She has 2 years of experience in international education and also has a background in travel and tourism. Natasha grew up in Sydney, Australia and earned her bachelors degree at a regional Australian university. She has studied in Japan and Switzerland; worked in Japan, Canada, Switzerland, and the USA; and travelled in 16 different countries. She has basic Japanese and German language skills.

Natasha considers herself lucky to have travelled through work as well as pleasure. With her strong interest in cultural/educational exchange and travelling, she has a breadth of experiences which she applies to her role as a counsellor. She looks forward to helping you with your future study plans.