A global journey of learning, teaching and sharing
Read Jessica’s story about embracing her uniqueness to succeed
Jessica Montero Muñoz, originally from Colombia, South America, has experienced a truly global educational career. After studying in four different countries, this avid traveller has settled in beautiful Tasmania.
Beginning her study journey in 2011, Jessica commenced an industrial engineering degree at ICESI University in Cali. She went on to study in both America and France before arriving in Perth, Western Australia, in 2018 to study English. However, she recognised there was much more of Australia to explore.
Come for the movie, stay for the people!
Jessica’s first exposure to the beautiful landscapes of Tasmania came when she watched the 2016 hit movie Lion, parts of which were filmed in several Tasmanian locations, including Hobart.
This portrayal of Australia’s southernmost state excited Jessica’s curiosity, so she decided to move there in 2019. Jessica says she has stayed because of the people and the many opportunities for professional growth.
Becoming an everyday explorer
Jessica says living in Tasmania as an international student feels like being an explorer.
“I love to hike in the mountains and swim in the sea,” she says.
Jessica really loves experiencing Tasmania’s stunning natural features. Some places she enjoys the most include Friendly Beaches, Strahan and Cradle Mountain – which she recently climbed! Jessica’s absolute favourite place is Goat’s Beach, a popular spot for surfing. It’s also the perfect place for Jessica’s four-year-old labradoodle, Charlie J, to stretch his legs.
Enjoying Tasmania’s unique food scene
It’s not just the picturesque landscapes Jessica loves about Tasmania. It’s also the people and the lifestyle.
“I love Tasmanians. They are always doing the best they can to make international students feel welcome and are very open to telling stories about their families and themselves. Tasmania is very different from the rest of Australia – to me, it feels a little bit European. Cheese and wine are a big part of Tasmania’s culture, along with the quality local produce.”
Jessica’s favourite way to enjoy Tasmania’s locally grown fruit and vegetables is by going directly to the source. She likes to drive 30 minutes out of town to discover roadside stalls where producers sell seasonal food they have grown. Including potatoes, berries, apples and cherries, all fresh from the farm gate!
Discovering the lifestyle
It hasn’t taken long for Jessica to discover the ‘Tassie lifestyle’. Along with its rich natural features and magnificent heritage buildings, Tasmania also boasts modern amenities, thriving industries and world-class education institutions.
“It’s a fast growing state but also a place where you can be at peace and take a break from hectic capital city life,” Jessica says.
From eager student to project professional
Since arriving in Tasmania, Jessica has further developed her skills by completing courses in leadership and management at the National Institute of Education and Technology (NIET) and project management at the University of Tasmania (UTAS).
“These courses opened doors for me to understand the community better and make connections with other international students,” she says.
Jessica began her project management career as a project administrator for a construction company. Since then has completed the Certified Project Professional (CPP) course through the Institute of Project Management (IPM).
Jessica is currently working for TasNetworks as a project coordinator. In this dynamic role, Jessica ensures the quality of project delivery, provides performance reports, ensures timelines are met, facilitates stakeholder communication, and implements solutions to keep things running efficiently.
Make the move!
Jessica has some advice for prospective students considering Tasmania as their next study destination.
“Make the move!” she says. “You will find community, support, quality education and an amazing lifestyle here.”
Tasmania has no shortage of world-class institutions. You have the option of UTAS, TasTAFE, a range of private registered training organisations, and secondary and independent schools. There are also many scholarship options.
A bright future
It’s clear from Jessica’s many qualifications that she is an avid learner, so it’s no big surprise that she sees further study in her future as she continues her of education and professional development journey.
Jessica’s personal philosophy is ‘learn, teach and share’ and it’s clear that she takes great pride in sharing her skills and knowledge with others. One of Jessica’s hobbies is interpreting from Spanish to English, and she is currently undertaking a certification in interpreting skills for NAATI (the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters), which she will complete later this year.
Jessica says: “I want to study, share and teach others. I want to embrace diversity and help others to do it as well”.