2026 Ambassadors
2026
Student Ambassadors
Our Student Ambassadors are exceptional students who are passionate about studying, living, and working in Toowoomba.
By sharing their stories, experiences and involvement with Study Toowoomba, our Student Ambassadors have the opportunity to improve their personal and professional skills, while contributing to the international marketing of Toowoomba as an education destination.
Ambassador Haddassha Tabel
Home Country
Papua New Guinea
Field of Study:
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Institution:
TAFE Queensland – Toowoomba City Campus
With a strong background in education, Haddassha brings a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and cultural awareness to her role as an early childhood educator. Hailing from one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse nations in the world, she understands the value of patience and connection across differences. She applies these same principles when nurturing the “little minds” she teaches. Haddassha sees each child as unique, deserving of a clean slate every day, and believes in meeting them with love and compassion to help them flourish. She’s embraced Toowoomba – the Garden City – as her new home and hopes the garden of children she teaches continues to thrive and grow with each lesson she instils.
Ambassador Ariestela (Aries)
Home Country
The Philippines
Field of Study:
Diploma in Agribusiness
(Completed: Certificate III in Rural Operations, June 2025)
Institution:
TAFE Queensland – Toowoomba Campus
Aries chose Toowoomba – the “Garden City” – for its academic excellence, scenic lifestyle, and incredibly warm and supportive community. Over the past year, living independently has shaped her resilience, responsibility, and adaptability. She has never felt alone thanks to the vibrant local culture, welcoming residents, and stunning nature.
Her journey began with a Certificate III in Rural Operations, and she’s now studying a Diploma in Agribusiness with future plans to pursue a university degree. Aries is excited to one day take her skills back home to support her community and contribute to agricultural development in the Philippines.
When she’s not studying, you’ll find her hiking Tabletop Mountain or soaking in the views at Picnic Point. A lover of tradition, Aries fondly celebrates Christmas starting in September with decorations – Noche Buena, and family dancing.
To Aries, being a Study Toowoomba Ambassador means growing as a person and a leader, and inspiring other international students to choose a place where there is truly unity in diversity.
Ambassador Siri
Home Country
Thailand (Bangkok)
Field of Study:
Doctor of Engineering
Institution:
@UniversityofSouthernQueensland – Toowoomba Campus
Siri chose Toowoomba for its future-focused research opportunities, welcoming environment, and balance of lifestyle and learning. With a background in mechatronics and mechanical engineering, Toowoomba’s advanced research facilities and regional charm provided the perfect foundation for her doctoral work in high-performance filament-wound composites and joining systems. She appreciates the friendly pace of life and natural beauty of the region, where study, career, and personal wellbeing can thrive together.
A scholarship recipient, Siri says the value for money and support she’s received have been key in helping her focus on high-level research without financial stress.
She loves afternoon walks and weekend drives to explore Toowoomba’s surrounding landscapes, while continuing to gain experience in both academic and industry research. Her journey has led her to pursue a doctoral degree and contribute to innovations in advanced manufacturing.
Her long-term goal is to build a strong research and industry career, with Toowoomba serving as a launchpad for global impact. Through her studies, Siri is gaining both technical expertise and global perspectives by engaging with local and international communities.
Fun Facts About Siri:
Lived in Belgium as a teen exchange student and learned Dutch
Created her own website to share life as an international student
Has been an International Student Ambassador at UniSQ since 2023
To Siri, being a Study Toowoomba Ambassador means turning challenges into opportunities and helping students enjoy every moment of their time in Australia
Ambassador Vic
Home Country
Perú
Field of Study:
Diploma of Hospitality Management
Institution:
TAFE Queensland – Toowoomba Campus
Vic chose Toowoomba for its high-quality, future-focused education and welcoming, supportive community. With affordable living costs and an easygoing lifestyle, Toowoomba offers a peaceful yet connected location, making it the ideal environment for international students. Its proximity to Brisbane gives Vic the best of both worlds — quiet study life and access to city opportunities.
Since arriving, Vic’s journey has been inspiring and full of growth. The hands-on, practical training at TAFE Queensland has helped develop real-world hospitality skills. Outside the classroom, Vic has enjoyed the friendly local community and the chance to gain meaningful work experience that supports both study and career goals.
In the future, Vic hopes to further studies in the arts or humanities — fields that bring together creativity, culture, and human connection. These areas reflect Vic’s natural strengths and passions, and offer the opportunity to build a career that’s both personally and professionally rewarding.
Fun Facts About Vic:
Loves drawing in free time
Enjoys playing games and being expressive
Is a great communicator and loves meeting new people
Enjoys cooking (but rarely cooks for one!)
Passionate about learning languages and exploring cultures
To Vic, being a Study Toowoomba Ambassador means having the opportunity to share unique perspectives, express ideas, and inspire other international students to choose Toowoomba as their study destination.
Ambassador Manaswini
Home Country
India
Field of Study:
PhD in Agricultural Science – Population Genetics and Genomics of Pyrenophora teres f. teres
Institution:
University of Southern Queensland – Toowoomba Campus
Manaswini moved to Australia in 2023 to pursue her Master of Agriculture Science at UniSQ, which she completed in 2024. Now undertaking her PhD with a full scholarship and stipend, she is focused on the population genetics and genomics of Pyrenophora teres f. teres, the pathogen behind net blotch in barley. Her work is contributing to sustainable crop disease management — a goal deeply connected to her passion for agricultural research.
She chose Toowoomba for its peaceful lifestyle, strong academic reputation, and welcoming community. The calm streets, vibrant mix of cultures, and supportive professors at UniSQ have made Toowoomba the ideal place for her academic and personal growth. From day one, she felt embraced by the environment and encouraged to pursue her goals.
Her experience so far has been filled with learning, growth, and exciting opportunities. From mastering lab techniques to building friendships with people from around the world, Manaswini’s journey reflects the best of what Toowoomba offers — value, support, and connection. She’s even gained casual and part-time work experience while maintaining a healthy balance between her studies and lifestyle.
Manaswini’s dream is to work as a researcher in sustainable agriculture, and Toowoomba’s real-world farming environment, strong research programs, and academic mentors are helping her build that path. She also hopes to one day support and mentor the next generation of international students in their own journeys.
Fun Facts About Manaswini:
Loves experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen
Enjoys celebrating vibrant Indian festivals with family and friends
Favourite spot in Toowoomba: Picnic Point for its peaceful views and relaxing atmosphere
To Manaswini, being a Study Toowoomba Ambassador means sharing her story, inspiring others, and helping showcase the academic, cultural, and lifestyle opportunities Toowoomba offers international students.
Ambassador Jahnvi Passi
Home Country
India
Field of Study:
Bachelor of Nursing
Institution:
University of Southern Queensland – Toowoomba Campus
When I first moved to Toowoomba at 18, I thought I was simply coming here to study nursing. I didn’t realise that this city would reshape my life in ways I never imagined.
Toowoomba became the first place I built a home on my own, the first community I belonged to without my family beside me, and the place where I discovered my passion for leadership and service. I chose Toowoomba because of UniSQ’s reputation, the warmth of regional Queensland, and the opportunities available for international students — but what kept me here was the way this city made me feel seen and supported.
From my very first semester, staff members, mentors, and fellow students encouraged me to step into roles I never thought I’d be brave enough to take on. Over time, I became a Residential Leader, Student Ambassador, International Student Representative, Nursing Society Treasurer, and an active volunteer in the community. Each role taught me something different — resilience, responsibility, empathy, and the joy of helping others feel at home. These experiences shaped not just my university journey, but the person I am becoming.
As a nursing student , Toowoomba’s calm environment and strong sense of community have been exactly what I needed. This city gives you space to dream big while staying grounded. Some of my favourite memories here are simple ones — watching sunsets at Picnic Point, attending cultural festivals, long evening walks after placement, and sharing meals with friends who have now become family.
To me, being a Study Toowoomba Ambassador means sharing the same comfort and belonging I received when I first arrived. I want other international students to know that Toowoomba is more than just a study destination — it’s a place where you grow, rebuild, heal, and discover your strengths.
I’m proud to represent a city that has given me so many opportunities, and I hope my journey encourages other students to choose Toowoomba with confidence, courage, and an open heart.
