Xusheng (Leslie) Li: MCCSA Skilled Migrant Stories

ORIGINALLY FROM: China

CAREER: International Student Services

Hello! My name is Xusheng (Leslie) Li, and I am currently working full-time at Flinders University as part of the International Student Services (ISS) team.

I hold a master’s degree from the University of Adelaide and have been actively involved in student services, particularly supporting international and sponsored students to navigate their academic journey smoothly.

Outside of my professional role, I am deeply passionate about volunteering, having dedicated over 700 hours to 30 different organizations and events in the past two years.

I arrived in Australia in February 2022 from China, drawn by its renowned international reputation for higher education. As an international student, I faced significant challenges, primarily starting afresh without established resources or networks. To overcome these obstacles, I proactively sought opportunities to connect and integrate.

I began volunteering at the university, which was instrumental in building my social network. By helping others, I not only made lasting friendships but also established a broader professional and social network.

My efforts in volunteering and my commitment to community service led to significant achievements. After eight months in Adelaide, I was honored with the StudyAdelaide International Student Award for peer support, and later in 2022, I received the Volunteer of the Year award at the University of Adelaide. These accolades were pivotal in affirming my sense of belonging and contribution to my new community.

My journey from volunteering to securing a casual job, and eventually a part-time role at the university, culminated in graduating in September 2023 and landing my first full-time job in Australia just two months later.

I continue to volunteer not only because it aligns with my passion but also as a means to assist others, particularly new international students, in embracing their new life in Australia. My experiences have shown me that Australia values dedication and hard work, and I am committed to supporting others on their journey, just as I was supported.