Meet Novita Indah Nugraheni, a driven Australia Awards scholar from Jakarta, Indonesia, currently pursuing her Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Griffith University. From being the first in her family to graduate high school to becoming a Mayor’s Student Ambassador on the Gold Coast, Novita’s story is one of resilience, inspiration, and purpose. With a passion for sustainable tourism and empowering young women in her hometown, she’s making the most of every opportunity—on campus, in the community, and beyond.
Hi Novita! ? Can you tell us why you chose to study at Griffith University?
There are three main reasons why I chose to study at Griffith University.
Firstly, the quality of the education. I’d be receiving. Griffith University is Australia’s leading university for tourism and hospitality. Their program offers relevant courses with dynamic delivery such as experiential learning in the Cruise Industry Experience course. Additionally, Griffith also has a dissertation pathway that allows me to tailor my program with both coursework and research components, equipping me with multiple skillsets for both personal and professional development.
Secondly, the duration of study. As an Australia Awards scholar, I was excited to complete the full-length program allowing me to fully immerse myself in student life abroad and experience everything the course has to offer. Griffith University offered me the opportunity to complete the full two-year program even though I have extensive experience working in tourism and would have qualified for advanced standing, should I have wanted to reduce the duration of my course.
And finally, the location! Griffith University is conveniently located on the Gold Coast, Australia’s tourism capital. The proximately of the campus to the hustle and bustle has allowed me to learn about the industry both as a practitioner and a customer, with invaluable firsthand experiences offering learnings and insights. Living in Queensland, I’ve found the weather comfortable all year round and have enjoyed exploring the beautiful coast and hinterland surrounds.
What do you love most about studying at Griffith University?
Definitely the sense of community. I love how supportive and vibrant the community is on campus. I have found the more I put myself out there, the more I have been able to find like-minded friends and foster connections which I believe to be a vital part of a successful student life. To establish my social support system as early as possible I joined various activities provided by Griffith Mates and the Student Guild. I’ve maintained the friendships I made on the first day of O-Week and it has made a big difference to my university experience.
What experiences from your home country influenced your decision to study abroad?
I am immensely grateful to have been born into a family that values education, even though my parents themselves did not complete higher education. I grew up in a rural area with limited awareness of the importance of education, where most children only finished junior high school and even fewer girls had the chance to continue. I was the first in my generation to graduate from high school and go on to university.
By continuing to grow and better myself, I hope to inspire children in my hometown, especially young women, to see that there are so many doors waiting to be opened, so many places to be explored, and countless opportunities to be seized. Education is the key that can give them the wings to achieve it all.
How has the Australia Awards scholarship helped you achieve your dreams?
The Australia Awards Scholarship is helping me achieve my dreams by serving as the bridge between determination and realisation. I have always wanted to pursue higher education, and I have long envisioned doing so in a foreign country. However, due to everyday responsibilities such as work and family, studying abroad was not something I could easily pursue.
The Australia Awards Scholarship provides a range of support that enabled me to take this step. One key support is the study leave permission. By receiving the scholarship, I was granted leave from my current job, allowing me to maintain a valuable network and a support system that will help me implement what I’ve learned upon completing my studies.
On a personal level, Australia Awards also offers a thorough preparation program to ensure scholars are ready to begin their studies. This includes pre-departure training and an Introductory Academic Program, both of which helped reduce the anxiety of pursuing higher education in a foreign country.
Moreover, Australia Awards has an extensive alumni network that creates multiplier effects, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term impact for scholars.
Can you share with us why you wanted to be a Gold Coast Mayor Student Ambassador and why you are excited about the program?
Stemming from my love for the Gold Coast and the wonderful moments I’ve experienced here, I hope to share my journey and inspire other students to embrace student life fully and immerse themselves in the adventures the city has to offer. Representing international students has certainly deepened my sense of belonging to this city and encouraged me to live each day with purpose, making the most of this opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.
The Mayor’s Student Ambassador Program was created to showcase the many charms of the city from students’ perspectives, through curated events, community involvement, and professional development. It is truly a privilege to be part of this program, and I’m excited for all the meaningful experiences this role will bring.
Can you share a memorable moment or adventure you’ve had in Queensland that captures the essence of what you love about living there?
One of the most memorable trips I’ve had was a study visit to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. It all began with a fateful encounter during the Griffith Business School Networking Night, where I connected with one of the managers from O’Reilly’s. Coincidentally, one of my assignments was related to the sustainability practices of tourism establishments. Out of curiosity, I reached out to see if they would be interested in being the subject of my group’s case study and thankfully, they readily agreed.
After conducting online interviews, we were invited to visit the retreat, where we had the opportunity to meet the sustainability officer. He shared a heartfelt story about the O’Reilly family’s history, dating back to before the establishment of Lamington National Park, and their long-standing efforts to work with the local community to preserve the hinterland.
It was a deeply meaningful experience to learn about the place, the people’s values, and their commitment to environmental preservation, driven by a genuine love and appreciation for the land they call home.
How do you typically spend your weekends in Queensland? Any favourite places or activities you like to indulge in?
As a family with a young child, I always try to explore the many attractions and festivities the city has to offer, so my family can enjoy as many immersive experiences as possible. One weekend might be culture-focused, with activities at museums, exhibitions, arts events, and markets. Another might be more nature-oriented, with hikes, beach days, or trail walks. Even if nothing special is planned, we always have the option to visit one of the local theme parks!
Personally, I love going to festivals and recently attended the Gold Coast Harmony Festival at Broadwater Parklands. Spending a relaxing day having a picnic, surrounded by multicultural communities proudly showcasing their cultural heritage was a beautiful way to enjoy the weekend with family and friends.
Reflecting on your initial concerns about studying abroad, how have those fears changed over time?
After years in the workforce, becoming a student again at a mature age, especially in a foreign country, initially came with many worries. I was concerned about adapting to academic life, keeping up with fellow students, and forming friendships with much younger classmates. However, shortly after starting university, I realised that none of those fears were true.
I found the environment at Griffith University to be incredibly supportive. Everyone is respectful, inclusive, and kind, which made the transition much smoother than I expected. A big part of that successful adjustment was thanks to the Australia Awards’ Introductory Academic Program, a five-week course provided before the trimester officially begins. This program helped me prepare both academically and socially, giving me the confidence to step into university life with ease.
I also believe in the law of attraction, that kindness and positivity attract the same. This belief motivates me to continuously grow into a better version of myself—by being brave, staying open-minded, and always leading with kindness.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received?
One piece of advice that has shaped many of my life decisions is: “Say yes to every opportunity.”Based on my personality, I would rather experience the bitterness of failure after trying than live with the regret of not trying at all. While I understand the importance of knowing my own limits, saying “yes” to new opportunities and being open to challenges has allowed me to learn invaluable lessons—lessons I would have missed if I hadn’t dared to take the first step.
Is there someone in your life who played a significant role in shaping your career and life choices? What made their influence impactful?
The most prominent figure who shaped me into the person I am today is my mother. To provide some context, we don’t come from a wealthy or powerful family, nor is she highly educated. What makes me brave enough to take on any challenge in life is the unwavering assurance my mother has always given me that, no matter what happens, she will always have my back. She has a gentle way of encouraging me, saying, “Go try it. If you don’t like it or if it’s too hard, come back to me. I will be here.” That sense of assurance and safety has empowered me to be more courageous, knowing that, no matter the outcome, I am enough for someone.
Considering your overall experience at Griffith University, are there any standout moments or lessons you’ve learned that you’d like to share?
It’s not a single moment, but an accumulation of moments over time, and I’ve only realised this quite recently. Looking back on my working life, my days were mostly consumed by work, to the point where I can’t even remember the last time I engaged in a hobby, learned something new, or joined a new community. Unknowingly, I had become a tired, dull adult.
However, since becoming a student again, I’ve experienced a burst of energy and the time to take on any challenge that comes my way. In just one year, I’ve joined the Student Guild, the Indonesian Student Community, Griffith Mates, and a dance community. I’ve performed at various events, worked in the hospitality industry, volunteered, gone on impulsive trips, and most recently, become a Mayor’s Student Ambassador. This is something I could have never imagined back then. It feels like I’ve resurrected the vigor I had back in my school days.
I believe this is largely due to the supportive environment here and my determination to make the most of my time in Australia. I truly love this version of myself and aim to maintain this spirit moving forward. I’ve learned that there are no limits to self-discovery—my curiosity stays alive, I remain grateful, and I make every day a wonderful one.
Beyond graduation, what are your aspirations and dreams for your career, and do you have a specific path or field you’re passionate about pursuing?
As an Australia Awards scholar, I am committed to contributing the knowledge and experience I gain during my studies to the development of Indonesia, and, by extension, to strengthening Indonesia-Australia relations. I am particularly interested in international tourism marketing, destination branding, and destination development.
Currently, I am enrolled as a Dissertation Pathway student and conducting research on Labuan Bajo, an emerging Indonesian destination for the Australian market. Upon graduation, I plan to leverage my position in the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia to develop a framework that maximises Labuan Bajo’s tourism potential, with a focus on benefiting both institutions and the local community.
In the future, I aspire to represent Indonesia in global tourism organisations, such as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
Thank you Novita! Where can we find you?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novitaindahnugra/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/novita-indah-nugraheni-5b542777/
Novita Indah Nugraheni is an Australia Awards scholar with a strong commitment to applying the knowledge and experience gained during her studies to contribute to the development of Indonesia and strengthening of Indonesia-Australia relations. Currently pursuing her Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Griffith University on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Novita has recently become a Gold Coast Mayor’s Student Ambassador and hopes to inspire other students to immerse themselves in all the vibrant coast has to offer and enjoy student life to the fullest.
