When Esterlina Palu Vava’u Alipate arrived in Adelaide with her husband and five children, she knew the next two years would be transformative, though not always easy. Now graduating with a Master of Economics and Resource Policy, Esterlina reflects on a journey shaped by perseverance, deep community support, and extraordinary personal and family growth.
Esterlina was recognised with multiple accolades during her studies, including a High Achievement Certificate, the School of Economics and Public Policy Excellence Award for Services Trade, the Adelaide Graduate Award, and awards through the Australia Awards Women Leading and Influencing Program.
But for her, the heart of the experience was not only academic achievement, it was the journey her whole family shared.
“Every step, though difficult, transformed me.”
Reflecting on the early challenges of settling into a new country with a young family, Esterlina says:
“My Australia Awards experience has been both challenging and enriching. As a master’s student, a wife, and a mother of five children, adjusting to a new life in Adelaide was not easy. There were moments of uncertainty, emotional and financial hardships, but through faith, perseverance and a great support system, I found the strength to complete this two-year journey successfully.”
She credits the Australia Awards community, her university networks, and her faith as crucial supports:
“Through the Australia Awards experience, I had the space, time, and resources to reflect, to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually… All these contributed to strengthening my confidence, my well-being, and my academic successes.”
At the centre of it all was the strength she found in the people around her:
“Perhaps the most meaningful of all were the connections I made during my time in Adelaide… Their encouragement, alongside God’s guidance and grace, gave me the confidence and reassurance during times when my journey felt overwhelming and I felt like giving up.”
A family learning and growing together
A defining theme of Esterlina’s time in Australia was watching each of her children thrive in a new learning structure.
“Some of the most meaningful highlights of my time in Adelaide included seeing my five children benefit from the Australian education system. This opportunity enriched their academic development and approach to learning in a multicultural setting.”
Beyond school, Adelaide became a place where her family built lasting memories. Highlights included road trips, church community events, and excursions to iconic South Australian locations such as Victor Harbour, Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills.
Finding balance through community, service, and leadership
While balancing full-time study and parenting, Esterlina committed herself to service and professional development, defining features of the Australia Awards journey.
She volunteered for more than a year with St Vincent de Paul, supported community programs, and contributed to international student engagement through the Language and Cultural Engagement (LCE) program.
Her professional growth was equally significant. She completed an internship with the Institute for International Trade, participated in Adaptive Leadership and Women Leading and Influencing training and the Global IQ Connect Program.
Esterlina’s story stands as an inspiring reminder of what the Australia Awards program makes possible—not only for scholars, but for their families, communities, and future contributions to their home countries.
