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Queensland is the third largest settlement location in Australia.
New arrivals face a range of challenges in beginning a new life here
and each individual case is complicated
in terms of the context that may have led to a decision to migrate.
As business migrants with significant resources for investment,
as skilled migrants with high levels of education and human capital,
as family migrants, forming the backbone of communities and support systems,
and finally as humanitarian entrants, including refugees,
those escaping war, persecution and traumatic circumstances.
In my home country the streets are so vibrant and full of life,
it is easy to engage in conversation.
In Australia, I have no friends or relatives to talk to
I feel like I don't belong.
I grew up in a country where government could not be trusted.
There are cases of people uprising the government, never to be seen again.
Now I'm standing here, in this foreign country,
looking to its government for assistance.
Due to my past experience I'm hesitant, cautious and distant.
I don't understand the process, where to go and who to talk to for help.
This foreign environment and my lack of confidence
in being understood are adding to mental stress.
I don't have any social support to lessen
the effects of what I am experiencing.
I struggle to go through day-to-day living in an environment
that is unfamiliar to me - how to get water, food and supplies.
It take me a long time to figure out the basic daily operations,
giving me no time to deal with the scars from my past.
Back home the students do not question their superiors.
We do as we are asked and we only speak when spoken to.
I get very confused in my new classroom,
because the teacher is very different to what I am used to.
I'm not sure what the rules are here,
so most of the time I am just quiet and watch.
My parents don't know how to speak english.
I miss a lot of school because I have to go with mum
to all of her appointments and translate for her.
I want to help my mum but it makes my life difficult.
I am missing out on a lot of school and I am being left behind.
All of the study and work experience that I gained
in my home country is not recognised in Australia.
My family need food and a roof over their head
so I took whatever job I can find.
I am thankful for the opportunity to relocate to Australia
but I miss my profession.
I feel depressed and my confidence has lessened.