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#WEMELD Meets: Abir Hiranandani

Meld Magazine

Thu Oct 22 2020

Abir Meld

Abir is one of our Videographer and Photographer! If you recently saw our recent Sextember video, then we introduce you the mastermind behind it.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself (name, major/career, a bit more about what you do at meld, etc.)

My name is Abir Hiranandani. I’m a third year international student at the University of Melbourne. I’m studying film and media and I’m a part of the Visual Team at Meld Community.

Q: Why did you decide to join Meld community?

I wanted to work with like minded individuals to create accurate and engaging content for the international student diaspora in Melbourne and Meld gave me just the opportunity and freedom to do so. 

Q: What support would you like to see for international students? Is there enough being done right now?

Currently, the emphasis should be on the reduction of tuition fee, immigration, post graduation services, reviving the job market and most importantly healthcare. Work being done right now is definitely really helpful but it still is only the tip of the iceberg.

Q:What challenges have you faced as an international student in Australia?

Professionally, adjusting to the changes in the education system and adopting a more analytical approach while studying arts was quite challenging towards the beginning of my degree. Personally, the hardship of staying alone and away from family during a pandemic year has to be up there.

Q: Are there any international students that you look up to as role models and why?

Ulan (my visual team manager), people in my university clubs and collectives, other creatives and my seniors – they’ve all definitely inspired my creativity and conscience in a fruitful way this year.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to increase the awareness of the challenges that international students are facing?

We form a huge chunk of Victoria’s population and Australia’s economy. We are massive contributors to this country and must be heard and valued.

Q: Why did you decide to study overseas?

It was a collective decision made by me and my parents. They always wanted me to go abroad after I was done with school. We all loved Australia as a country and Melbourne as a city for me to pursue my tertiary education. 

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