Students

Diana Lee - International Student

Hi, my name is Diana, a proud QACI alumnus who graduated in 2021, and I'm here to share with you my post-QACI journey.



Graduating from QACI was the most defining chapter in my life. I have so many fond memories of my time at QACI, from meeting some of my favorite teachers to building lifelong friendships. QACI did not only shape me academically but also gave me a sense of belonging and ambition. During high school, I would often study at the UQ library and never once thought that one day I would come back to this place as a university student.



After QACI, I chose to study in Singapore because it’s relatively close to my home country, Korea, and also for its global reputation in terms of excellence in education. Admission to the top universities in Singapore was a huge accomplishment, and I chose to study at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), simply because my sister and close friends were there. Even my friends in Australia threw me a heartfelt goodbye party, which really made my departure bittersweet.



I studied Business and Computer Science at NTU because I believed it would secure my future. However, the huge workload and lack of passion for my studies threw this goal off-balance, as it was difficult to excel. It then became clear that I needed something more fulfilling, so after much reflection, I changed to pharmacy—a field in which my goals felt clearer and my interest more aligned.



Restarting my studies in Queensland was hard. It felt a bit embarrassing to go back after such a big farewell, but I knew it was the right decision. Queensland already felt like home, and UQ gave me the opportunity to reset and pursue a degree with purpose. And my IB score from QACI played a huge role in doing this transition.



Although starting over came with its challenges, I have never regretted my decision. That period in Singapore taught me resilience and helped me realize what I truly want in life. Coming back to Queensland feels like completing a full circle, and I am excited for the new chapter ahead, building on the foundation I started at QACI.

Diana Lee - Reflection (2025)

Solji Choi - International Student

Hi, I am Solji Choi, a 2021 graduate of QACI, and today I’ll share my post-QACI journey into university life. I recently completed three years of Biomedical Science at the University of Queensland, and I’m excited to be starting Medicine at UQ next year! The past three years of my biomedical science journey have been nothing short of transformative. Coming from QACI, where creativity and collaboration shaped every experience, to the analytical and fast-paced world of biomedical science was a big change but also an exciting one.
 
One of the biggest highlights has been diving deep into subjects I’m passionate about, like molecular biology, human anatomy and immunology. Applying theoretical knowledge in labs and research projects felt like a tangible step toward making a difference in the world of science. I’ve also met incredible peers and professors who inspire me every day.
 
Of course, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. The workload was a significant jump from high school, and there were moments of self-doubt, especially when comparing myself to others. Balancing assignments, part-time work, and life wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and the importance of asking for help when I needed it. Time management became my survival tool, and those little victories, like nailing a tough exam or completing a complex lab practical, made the challenges worth it.
 
Looking back at my time at QACI, I’m filled with nostalgia. The collaborative group projects, the thrill of presenting ideas, and even the late nights perfecting Internal assessments feel like yesterday. QACI gave me the confidence to think critically and creatively; skills I carry with me to this day. I especially cherish the friendships I made there; those connections remain a meaningful part of my journey.
 
To aspiring QACI students, my advice is simple. Embrace the creative and collaborative opportunities QACI offers. Build strong organisational habits; they’ll be invaluable in university. Stay curious. The curiosity QACI fosters will be your biggest strength. And most importantly, balance is key. These years are about more than academics; they’re about personal growth, too.
 
As I reflect on my journey, I’m grateful for the foundation QACI gave me and the experiences of my undergraduate years. They’ve prepared me to step into the future with confidence and excitement for what’s to come.

Solji Choi - Reflection (2025)

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Carmen Yip - International Student

Carmen Yip arrived in Queensland from Singapore in 2012 with her family and graduated from Queensland Academies Creative Industries Campus (QACI), Brisbane in 2019 as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme Dux. Carmen is now studying Medicine at the University of New South Wales, pursuing her aspiration to become a neurosurgeon. 

Carmen’s commitment to learning and discovery was evident throughout her entire QACI journey as she worked diligently across not only her subjects, but also in her research with the Queensland University of Technology’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (QUT IHBI) in the field of regenerative medicine. 

Her impressive array of academic accolades includes Subjects Awards in English Literature SL in 2018, as well as English Literature SL, Chinese Language B SL, Business Management HL, Chemistry HL and Mathematics SL in 2019. Additionally, Carmen received the Artistic Excellence Award, Inspired Learner Award, and Academic Student of the Year in 2019, and Academic Excellent Awards in both 2018 and 2019.

Her inspiring story about her migration to Australia and her time studying at QACI) in Brisbane can be seen below.

Tell us about yourself, why did you decide to come to Brisbane?

I chose to come to Queensland because I had relatives residing here and heard that the lifestyle was conducive for learning, creativity and development. Queensland was ideal for our family, as it allowed me to still feel at home in the presence of my relatives yet challenged me in terms of adapting to a new land, culture and social conventions. I also considered Canada however, ultimately settled on Queensland as it was more culturally diverse here.

How did you choose the school you wanted to study at?

I selected QACI as my preferred school due to the school culture and the subjects aligned with my aspirations and who I was. QACI was one of the few schools that offered the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. As a passionate learner, this programme stood out to me as a prestigious programme known to be academically rigorous and challenging, which I knew would prepare me well and give me a competitive edge to gain entry into my preferred University course. 

Moreover, prior to enrolment, I was given a personal tour by the Principal who showed me around the school and the facilities available to students. Being interested in studying film I was impressed with the industry standard green room and recording studio available for students to use. I remember personally choosing this school myself as I was sure this was the place that would allow me to grow academically and creatively.

What did you enjoy the most about QACI?

The culture that underpins the school is what I enjoyed the most. The IB programme definitely contributed to this culture. Unlike many curriculums that other schools adopt, the IB assesses students solely based on their own ability and does not rank students against one another.  This creates a loving and compassionate community in our school where students help one another study the rigorous IB Diploma programme. We are a close community that resembles a family – the culture is difficult to qualify; I think one has to experience it to understand it.

The IB Diploma Programme is inherently challenging. It stretches high school students to think critically. It is a program that academically set us up to be receptive to any challenges in future.

How have the experiences you had at QACI and in Australia changed you?

I have developed into a more resilient person and I am definitely a life-long learner. I faced many challenges ranging from not understanding a particular topic in class, to finding it difficult to assimilate into a new culture, to missing my family in Singapore. These challenges, however, were life lessons that facilitated my personal growth and shaped me into the stronger and more resilient individual that I am today.

What were some of the more enjoyable experiences you had at QACI?

One of the most enjoyable experiences I have had included filmmaking with my peers for an assignment we had to complete. The time spent planning, storyboarding, shooting and editing our film, though time consuming and challenging, were the most fruitful and enjoyable moments in my time here at QACI. It featured collaboration with my peers as we worked towards a common goal. In retrospect, this was one of the major takeaways too – I have gained filmmaking skills, learnt to appreciate the intricate art of film and made lifelong friends through this process I will never forget.

What will you remember most about your time in Australia?

I will remember my school, the lifelong friends I have made and the experiences I have gained. My top 5 highlights include SongFest, an annual event in QACI whereby the whole school engages in music making, getaways to the beaches in Noosa and Surfers Paradise, a research placement opportunity at QUT IHBI where I did a project in the field of regenerative medicine, a performance I did with my peers at Brisbane Convention Centre and lastly my school Graduation, where we celebrated the years of hard work, friendship and gratitude to our teachers and parents.

What are your career ambitions now? Have they changed from when you first arrived in Queensland? 

When I first arrived in Queensland, I was 12, oblivious to the endless possibilities and was clueless as to what I wanted to become. As time passed and I started senior school at the age of 16, I found myself passionate about STEM, taking part in countless STEM-focused activities at school - I knew I wanted to do something relating to Science. Today, I am 18, I have graduated school with an accumulation of more life experience.  I realise I want to pursue a challenging career that will give back to society with an humanitarian aspect to it. I am now studying a Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine at UNSW to fulfil my aspiration of becoming a Neurosurgeon in the near future.

Please finish this sentence for prospective students.

If you are choosing to study overseas, I would recommend a Queensland state high school because...

It has intrinsically motivated me to be a better version of myself, it has offered me countless opportunities and has paved the road for wherever I want to go.

​​​Carmen Yip Reflection (2020)

Bunny Phetmunee - International Student

Where is your home city, country and the school you go to? What are your favourite hobbies and activities at home?   

I lived in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. I went to the Saigon South International School before I came to QACI. It was the only school I had ever been, so moving here meant that I had to leave the tiny bubble I was in. At home, I enjoy a lot of hobbies like playing musical instruments, drawing, painting, knitting. I’ve always enjoyed hands-on activities more than sitting at a desk all day. 

How did you choose QACI? 

I actually went to another school before I came to QACI. I chose it because it had a good reputation as an IB school, and back then I was dead set on becoming a doctor. I’m still going into the STEM field, but I realised shortly after I started school that I needed to give myself an opportunity to create and be myself. I’ve always needed a little bit of freedom in my learning environment to let me do things the way I like to. When I learned that there was a school that offered IB courses in the creative arts, I felt myself being pulled in that direction.  

What do you enjoy the most at QACI?  

I​ honestly really appreciate the QACI culture. Everyone here is really friendly and inviting, and each person is unique and talented in their own way. It’s the first time in a while that I can say that I love every single one of my teachers. There’s not as much pressure to have a perfect performance academically, and since I already put a lot of pressure on myself anyway, being at QACI helps me relax. I chose to do the IB because my old school back in Vietnam offered IB courses and I already knew what the IB was. I was already familiar with the system and I knew that it was known for its academic rigor. I figured that this would open more doors for me in the future. 

How have you changed personally from the experiences you had at your school? What life lessons did you learn?  

I’ve changed a lot in the past few years. Being at QACI did reignite my love for the arts. I learned that it’s important to be yourself and go after what you’re passionate about. As long as you’re doing what you love, there will be people who will support you. 

What are some of the most enjoyable experiences you have had at QACI? Did you make friends you will stay in contact with? 

I never thought I would say this before I came here, but I really like school assemblies. There haven’t been many this year, but at a normal assembly people would get up to sing and dance and it was always a lot of fun.I’ve made some really valuable friendships at QACI. 

Do you have new favourite hobbies and activities that you started in Australia?  

I did start rock-climbing regularly for CAS, and I really enjoy that. 

What are your career ambitions now? Have they changed from when you first arrived in Queensland? What do you want to do after you finish high school/college? 

Right now, I am planning to go into software engineering. I applied to a handful of universities in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne for a double major in computer science and software engineering. They’ve changed a lot. At first, I came here wanting to become a doctor, then I wanted to become a biomedical engineer. When I came to QACI, I wanted to become an animator. Right now, I’m going into engineering, but I’m not entirely sure. 

Please finish this sentence for prospective students. 

“If you are choosing to study overseas, I would recommend QACI because... you’ll find like-minded people with creative passions.” 

​Bunny Phetmunee Reflection (2020)