Why I Swapped Spreadsheets for Saucepans in Townsville
Chris from Germany, is studying a CIV in Kitchen Management and Diploma in Hospitality with @tafeqld in Townsville and shares his experience as an international student who chose to study in Townsville, North Queensland. Chris is a 2025 Student Ambassador with Study Townsville.
It’s true, no one really prepares you for that one-way flight halfway across the world. When I moved to Townsville, having never been to Australia before, I couldn’t help but question if I had been naïve. Friends, family, and co-workers back in Germany all asked the same thing: “Why Townsville? Where even is that?”
Looking at a map of Australia, the obvious choice for most international students would be the bigger cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, but I wanted something different. While these places offer plenty of opportunities, they can also feel overwhelming and life there often feels a little anonymous—something I knew all too well from my corporate job in Frankfurt. Arriving in Townsville, It was exactly how I pictured Australia in my mind. I was immediately struck by the warm, relaxed atmosphere. Neighbours welcomed me with gifts and there was a genuine sense of community. What stood out most was the Australian attitude: people don’t focus on what you were before, but on who you are now and what you bring to the table. That openness gave me the courage to pursue a dream I had quietly dreaming for years: a career in cooking.
Food had always been my passion: cooking for my partner, experimenting with recipes, and bringing people together. But in Germany, the corporate world left little room to imagine it as a real profession. Townsville gave me the chance to change that. I’m now studying Kitchen Management at TAFE, learning from experienced teachers in modern classrooms, while working at a beautiful café with a stunning seaview, where watching the sunrise has become part of my routine. The Australian work culture is also incredibly different from Germany: initiative, communication, and relationships are valued far more than just a résumé or qualifications. I’ve learned that being proactive in the community is what open doors here, and it has made my journey both challenging and rewarding.
One of the things I love most about living in Townsville is how easy it is to balance studying, working, and enjoying life. I’m an avid diver, and having the Great Barrier Reef right on my doorstep still feels surreal. On days off, my partner and I often hop on the ferry to Magnetic Island. During whale season, there’s nothing more magical than spotting humpback whales on the water. And if I ever feel like trading the ocean for greenery, I head north to explore the lush rainforests and waterfalls. The year-round sunshine makes all of this possible. For me, that combination of career opportunities and natural beauty is what makes Townsville such an incredible place to live and study.
For any future international students considering Townsville, my advice is this: don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Take on a part-time job, join local activities, and build relationships with the people around you. The skills you learn in class will prepare you academically, but the experiences you gain in the community will prepare you for life.
Photo Credit: Chris Klaer
September 2025
