A childhood interest sparks curiosity

Pritish, an ambitious student from South Asia, is pursuing a Maritime Engineering degree at the University of Tasmania, and his journey began with a childhood fascination with ships.

"We had a beach dock in my hometown, and I had never seen a ship up close before," he said. "When I saw one for the first time, I was amazed by its size. That sparked my interest in the maritime industry."

Before coming to Tasmania, Pritish knew little about the island.

I thought of Tasmania as a remote place," he said. "But once I arrived, the peacefulness here really stood out. It’s a perfect environment for studying, especially coming from a busy city like mine.

Pritish's goal is to become a naval architect, with a focus on artificial intelligence in the maritime sector, and he said the course has exceeded his expectations.

"AI has huge potential to improve the industry. I’m excited to be part of that future.

"[The course] encourages you to think outside the box. Assignments and feedback help us focus on practical solutions, which prepares us for real-world challenges."

One of the highlights of his time at the University of Tasmania has been the chance to learn from professors with extensive industry experience.

"They share more than just academic knowledge. Their insights are invaluable to my development as an engineer."

Pritish also appreciates the vibrant campus life, and said living on campus at Newnham has been a great experience.

I’ve made lots of friends here from different cultures. It’s important to put yourself out there, and that’s how you meet new people and grow.

"The community feel is what I love most. We cook, hang out, and do activities together. It’s a great way to understand different cultures."

Pritish’s time at the University of Tasmania is shaping him into the engineer he aspires to be, while also giving him the chance to immerse himself in a new culture.

"Tasmania offers the perfect balance for studying and personal growth."