Making a difference: Mia’s story

Arriving in Tasmania from Vietnam in 2019, Mia set out to pursue a Master of Social Work at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). She wanted to study and work in an English-speaking country and to build a career where she could make a real difference in people’s lives.

This was not Mia’s first time living overseas. Earlier in her life, she spent three years in India on a cultural exchange program scholarship. While there, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science and picked up English.

Her time in India inspired her to continue studying abroad. After returning to Vietnam, Mia considered universities in Europe and Canada. However, language requirements and prerequisite criteria proved challenging. Australia stood out as the best choice, offering clearer pathways into social work and strong professional recognition.

Mia applied to several Australian universities and accepted an early offer from UTAS. Tasmania’s island lifestyle, smaller population and slower pace of life appealed to her, especially compared to the fast pace of Ho Chi Minh City.

Alongside her studies, Mia sought hands-on experience. She worked part-time and volunteered with St Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army, supporting people from diverse backgrounds.

She also helped with a telephone support service established by Lifeline Tasmania in partnership with UTAS to assist Tasmanians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Those experiences were very valuable,” she said. “They allowed me to take what I had learned and apply it in real situations.”

As part of her degree, Mia completed two professional placements that shaped her career direction. Her first was with Child Safety Services, where she took part in home visits, managed referral intakes and observed supervised family visits. One of the most meaningful experiences was interviewing foster carers.

Her second placement was with the Richmond Fellowship of Tasmania, a community mental health organisation. Working within a recovery-focused support program, Mia supported clients receiving government-funded care. Her day-to-day work included supervising medication and supporting clients to attend medical appointments.

Mia spoke about working in an organisation that places recovery at the centre of its practice. Following her placement, she began casual work with the organisation, allowing her to continue contributing to this supportive environment.

When asked why she decided to stay after graduation, Mia reflected on how Tasmania had become more than just a place to study.

“It felt like my second home,” she said. “I knew I wanted to build my future here.”

Today, Mia works as a Wellbeing Social Worker at the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management. She describes the role as both challenging and rewarding.

Looking ahead, Mia hopes to continue growing within the profession and sees Tasmania as a place rich with opportunity for social work graduates.

For international students considering a career in social work, she offers this advice: “It’s an English-heavy and demanding profession, but if it aligns with your values, it can be fulfilling.”