Should you take a gap year after high school? It’s a question thousands of students ask every year, and the answer isn’t always clear.

In this podcast, Rob Malicki from Choosing Your Uni breaks down the real reasons to take a gap year (and the times you probably shouldn’t).

We cover:

✔ Why friends, independence, and travel can make a gap year life-changing

✔ Why you don’t have to fear “missing out”, uni itself has amazing travel opportunities

✔ When skipping the gap year makes sense (and how to know if it’s really YOUR choice)

✔ Why needing a break after Year 12 is completely okay

Whether you’re craving freedom, unsure of your next step, or considering going straight to uni, this video will give you the right questions to ask so you can make the best decision for your future.

When Aavash left Kathmandu, Nepal for Australia, he wasn’t just chasing a degree—he was chasing a feeling of home. In this conversation, he shares how Toowoomba’s crisp winters and breezy summers drew him to the University of Southern Queensland, and how a love of coding and community is shaping his future.

Highlights from our chat:

• Why USQ stood out – From its top-400 world ranking to Australian Computer Society accreditation, Aavash explains the practical reasons behind his choice.

• From web to software development – His plan to start in web development before moving into bigger software projects.

• Residential college life – How living on campus has built lifelong friendships and kept homesickness at bay.

• Sport and social connections – Football clubs, gym sessions and endless campus events that make student life vibrant.

• Weather that feels like home – Cool winters, warm summers and that famous Toowoomba breeze.

  
  

Small class sizes, hybrid learning options and supportive lecturers round out the experience, giving Aavash the flexibility to work and study while staying connected to family back in Nepal.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company. Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Angelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.

The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website. This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets.

For guest suggestions and feedback, email [email protected].

When Anita Van Rooyen tells you she used to be cripplingly shy, it’s hard to believe. Today she’s a dynamo of confidence—helping students everywhere discover their own courage and voice.

I met Anita at a conference and was instantly struck by her energy. In this conversation she shares the turning points that took her from saying “no” to everything to becoming a sought-after coach transforming student lives. We talk about why courage comes before confidence, why words like “mental health” can push students away, and how small acts—like never walking past a compliment—can change the world.

Episode Highlights:

• •Anita’s “lightning bolt” moment: If nothing changes, nothing changes.
• The “Courage Bucket” exercise and why action creates confidence.
• Why she refuses to use the words “mental health” in student programs—and what she says instead.
• Quick confidence boosts: 92-second dance breaks, posture shifts, and the art of dropping a “compliment bomb.”
• How universities can re-think orientation and prevention to truly support students.

From corporate fundraiser to confidence coach recognised by the Australian Government, Anita proves that a shy kid from Bright, Victoria can become a global advocate for student wellbeing—and have a lot of fun along the way.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university.

Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them.

You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠.

Blue skies, budding trees and the buzz of Open Day set the scene as Rob chats with two students—both coincidentally named Maddy—who are thriving at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney.

Madi, a Bachelor of Arts student diving deep into philosophy and history, reveals how a teenage curiosity about “jobs for antisocial people” led her to archiving and, eventually, a love of big questions and academic life. Madison, a second-year nursing student, shares how Notre Dame’s supportive culture and practical pathways drew her in—and why the degree gives her options far beyond the hospital ward.

Together they talk about finding confidence, building community through the Student Association and Sonder, and the unexpected ways university can transform you. From late-teen nerves to a sense of purpose, their stories highlight Notre Dame’s unique, student-centred approach: a place where learning isn’t just about a degree, but about discovering who you are and what you can become.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university.

Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them.

You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠[email protected].

What happens when life doesn’t go according to the script? For Dani and Amy, two student ambassadors at Southern Cross University, the answer is resilience, discovery, and finding purpose in unexpected places.

In this episode, Rob sits down with Dani and Amy on the Gold Coast campus to hear their raw and inspiring journeys through uni. Dani’s story is one of second chances: after years in sales and marketing and overcoming serious health challenges, she returned to study social work in her late 20s. Now thriving, she shares how lived experience became her greatest strength and why rural placements have stolen her heart.

Amy’s path was equally unorthodox: after finishing school without a clear direction, she stumbled into a degree, realised it wasn’t for her, and had the courage to stop. That decision led her to nursing, where placements, labs, and hands-on learning lit the spark she’d been searching for.

Together, they reveal the behind-the-scenes life of being student ambassadors, from forklift mishaps at expos to the pressure of juggling study, work, and moving away from home.

They also give a candid look at Southern Cross University’s innovative six-week block model, explaining why it transformed their learning and boosted their results. From the sense of community across campuses to the unique Gold Coast lifestyle, Dani and Amy’s experiences shine a light on what makes SCU a distinctive choice.

Whether you’re a high school student feeling the weight of expectation, a parent trying to understand the uni landscape, or someone considering study later in life, their journeys are proof that there’s no single “right” way into university — and that sometimes the detours are where you find the most meaning.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much more.

No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university. Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them.

You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠[email protected]

Picture this: the sandstone arches of Sydney Uni’s quadrangle are buzzing with students, the spring air is alive with chatter, and tucked away in a booth Rob sits down with Steph from the Student Life team. Most people think of clubs, societies, and late-night study sessions when they imagine uni life. But behind the scenes, there’s a whole world of support that can make or break a student’s experience — and surprisingly, most students don’t know it exists until it’s almost too late.

In this episode, we unpack the vast range of support available at the University of Sydney: from financial help for when life throws curveballs, to academic consultations that guide you through referencing, maths, and study skills, to wellbeing services, counselling, disability inclusion, and even grants that empower students to create their own campus projects. Steph shares how high achievers often struggle the most with the transition to uni, why asking for help can be the hardest step, and how that very first semester is less about grades and more about learning how to “do uni.”

Whether you’re a high schooler about to take the leap, a parent wanting to understand what’s ahead, or a student already finding your way, this conversation shines a light on just how much help is out there — if you’re willing to ask.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university. Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them.

You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.

What does it take to thrive in one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields in the world? In this episode of the Choosing Your Uni podcast, Rob Malicki heads to Perth’s Edith Cowan University to uncover the answer with Elliott, a current student of the Bachelor of Cybercrime, Security and Intelligence.

Elliott’s story is as global as it is inspiring — with roots in Spain, Italy and England, he discovered his passion for coding early and, thanks to a high school teacher who nudged him towards cybersecurity, found his way into one of ECU’s flagship programs. From competing in Australia’s national high school hacking competition (PECAN) to now running parts of it, Elliott shares how those early challenges shaped his career path.

We dive deep into:

• The ECU Advantage: why the university has become a leader in cybersecurity education and what makes its teaching style stand out.

• Hackathons & Capture the Flag: how safe environments help students learn to think like hackers — without the risk of ending up on the wrong side of the law.

• Global Opportunities: Elliott’s upcoming exchange to Portsmouth in the UK as part of ECU’s dual degree program, plus his New Colombo Plan–funded study experience in Japan.

• Student Life in Perth: what it’s like to study at ECU’s leafy Joondalup campus (and the upcoming new city campus), balancing lectures with part-time work, and making the most of Perth’s lifestyle and lower cost of living.

• Advice for Future Students: from course research tips to embracing different problem-solving styles, Elliott reflects on what kind of students might thrive in cybercrime and how to navigate the challenges of choosing the “right” degree.

  
  

This is more than a story about cybersecurity — it’s about opportunity, curiosity, and the confidence to explore pathways you might never have considered. Whether you’re a high schooler intrigued by IT, a parent curious about what the future holds for your child, or simply fascinated by how universities are preparing students for tomorrow’s challenges, this episode is packed with insights.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university. Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them.

You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

When MJ arrived at the University of New South Wales, she was full of optimism—and a touch of nerves.

Like many new students, she wondered: How do I actually make friends here?

(Spoiler alert: it wasn’t during lectures).

In this refreshingly honest and insightful conversation, MJ joins Rob to share the ups and downs of her uni experience so far, from the awkward first weeks to finding her groove through clubs, hobbies, and a surprise love of salsa dancing. Along the way, she opens up about what it’s really like to juggle part-time work, rent, study pressure, and a major change in her academic direction.

Some highlights from MJ’s journey:

• • Why making friends at uni isn’t like high school, and what finally worked
• • The unexpected ways hobbies like boxing and dancing helped her build community
• • Changing from politics to marketing and psychology: what triggered the switch
• • The hard truth about working while studying, and what she’d do differently
• • Honest advice for students choosing a degree (hint: it’s about values, not just ATARs)
• • Why finding your people takes time, but it’s absolutely worth it

  
  

MJ’s story is full of insight, heart, and humour, and it’s a must-listen for any student who’s wondering how to make uni work for them.

This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets. For guest suggestions and feedback, email [email protected]

From a small town in the Snowy Valleys to the bustling streets of Bangkok, students Gabbi and Lina took very different journeys to arrive at the University of Canberra — but they both found a place they could call home.

In this episode, Rob heads to campus in Canberra to chat with two students — one current, one a recent graduate — about what it’s really like to study at UC. The conversation covers everything from degree choices to dumplings, and from gap years to on-campus jobs.

Some of the highlights include:

This is one of those conversations that gives you a real feel for life at uni — the doubts, the discoveries, and the small wins that make it all worthwhile. Whether you’re just starting to think about your uni options or already eyeing off courses at UC, this episode offers warmth, clarity and practical advice from students who’ve been there.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company. Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.
The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website.
This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets.
For guest suggestions and feedback, email [email protected]

When Belle started at ANU, she was studying law. Today, she’s teaching a subject that once inspired her to switch degrees — and writing a PhD on girlhood in French cinema.

Sophie moved to Canberra from Maitland, chasing a degree that didn’t exist in her local options. She thought Canberra would be all politicians and puffer jackets. What she found instead was lifelong friends, embassy internships, and more support than she ever expected.

In this heartfelt episode, Rob sits down with Belle and Sophie at the ANU booth in Melbourne to unpack what really makes ANU unique — and why more students than ever are choosing to move for university.

Highlights include:

• 🎓 How ANU supports students to change degrees — even halfway through a law course

• 🧳 What it’s like moving to Canberra from interstate (and why it’s not as scary as it sounds)

• 🎬 How Belle went from student to tutor in her dream subject

• 🌏 Internships with embassies and New Colombo Plan opportunities in Indonesia

• 💬 Honest advice for 16-year-olds stressing about ATARs and “getting it right”

  
  

What shines through in this episode is how much students grow — not just academically, but personally — when they step outside their comfort zone. From the importance of curiosity to the power of starting fresh, Belle and Sophie share a refreshingly honest take on finding your place at university… even if it’s not where you expected to end up.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company. Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.
The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website.
This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets.

For guest suggestions and feedback, email [email protected]