Lidia Boguslawska (US Virgin Islands)

Lidia Boguslawska is a recipient of the JCU Vice Chancellor’s International Student Scholarship. These prestigious Scholarships recognise students who have achieved academic and personal excellence and demonstrate a commitment to JCU’s values.

“When I received the email that I was invited to apply for this Scholarship, I knew it would be a great opportunity. Obviously, a lot of people have a passion for marine biology, but I knew I had to try and differentiate myself, plus I had a great recommendation letter. It’s only me and my mum, so we have always lived off her income. It’s not easy to move across the world and be supported by one parent, so it really does means so much to me to receive this Scholarship.”

Why did you choose to study at JCU?

“I was very lucky to grew up in the US Virgin Islands. I originally went to university in New Jersey because I was on the College swim team. I hadn’t decided on a major yet, but I was sad being so far away from home and the ocean. I couldn’t go spearfishing and freediving, which are all the things I am interested in. That’s when I decided I wanted to major in marine biology but the university I was studying at didn’t offer these courses.

I started researching universities that were sub-tropical and offered marine biology. JCU is very well known around the world for the Bachelor of Marine Science program and have classes dedicated to marine biology. It almost seemed too good to be true, but I applied and received an offer letter and decided to move across the world for this amazing opportunity.”

What has been a highlight of your time at JCU so far?

“The people at JCU are really nice, and the community has been very welcoming, which is similar to where I am from in the US Virgin Islands. My high school graduating class was 25 students, so I am used to being part of a smaller community and in Townsville, there is a strong sense of connection and community.

I have also had the chance to check out some of the natural wonders surrounding the city, including Magnetic Island and Paluma. I am a qualified dive instructor, so living so close to the Great Barrier Reef, I hope to pick up some work during my studies at JCU.”

International Student Lidia Boguslawska with JCU's Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs.

What are your career aspirations?

“I am really interested in sharks, and I have done some internships that involved researching these creatures. My goal will be to try to find funding for research on sharks. Coral research is also big in the US Virgin Islands, with a focus on rebuilding reefs, so I could go into this field as well.”

What is your advice for prospective international students?

“When you are deciding where to study it may seem like the biggest deal in the world in the moment, but sometimes you need to take a step back and think about your future self and if it will be good for your career and aspirations.

You are going to make new friends and have some great experiences. There’s also such a diverse range of people from all over the world, which is what makes JCU a wonderful place to study. You read about it online but coming here and seeing it, it’s so multicultural and everyone is trying to meet new people, which helps when you move to a new place. Just do it and immerse yourself in this new, exciting life opportunity!”