I’ve completed my first placement in aged care, which was also in Essendon. I was a bit apprehensive at first because my grandmother had been in aged care and had a difficult experience. Initially, I viewed the placement through her eyes, but with time and patience I completed it successfully. I built really good bonds with some of the residents, and it was actually quite sad to say goodbye at the end of the two weeks. The placement really cemented what we’d learned in class and allowed me to put theory into practice.
The staff at Kangan Essendon are amazing. The teachers are incredibly supportive and go beyond the curriculum to help prepare us for future subjects. They talk about “planting seeds”, which really helps with what comes next in the course.
Returning to study while raising a family is definitely challenging, but I have a very supportive husband and a strong team around me. The teachers are respectful and understanding, especially when you put the work in. Being an older student hasn’t been an issue. Everyone has the same goals, and age really doesn’t matter. The key is being prepared for the workload and being open to the experience.
I specifically chose Kangan Institute because when I reached out before moving to Australia, they were the only institute that replied to my email. That immediately felt like a sign I was meant to be here. From the first interactions with the admin team through to starting on campus, it felt like a supportive and welcoming environment.
Having the campus close to home has made a huge difference. It reduces stress, allows me to be there for school pick‑ups, and makes balancing family and study much more manageable. Overall, Kangan Institute has provided me with a strong foundation, clear pathways and the confidence to pursue my goals in healthcare.
