Adventures of an International Student: Year Two in Townsville (Now With Friends, Whales, and Zero Thesis Drama)

Lekan, from Nigeria, has this year completed a Masters of Social Work at James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville. Lekan was a Student Ambassador with Study Townsville in 2024 and 2025, and shares his experience after spending a second year in Townsville as an international student.

Two years ago I landed in Townsville thinking I’d just get a degree and maybe see a kangaroo. Instead I got adopted by a whole city, roped into wearing the same hat for two seasons, and accidentally started a small ambassador recruitment cult *wink wink.

Returning as Ambassador (And Accidentally Starting a Squad)
Last year I wrote about how much I loved being a Student Ambassador. Apparently three of my friends read it, looked at the photos of me grinning like at Magnetic Island, and went “we want that energy”. Next thing I know, they’re filling out the forms and we’re all matching in hats.
The Great Barrier Reef Trip (From the Safety of the Boat, Thank You)
I finally saw the Great Barrier Reef and I didn’t even have to get my hair wet! Stayed on the boat like the dignified land mammal I am, staring from the top of the boat like it was Netflix in 4K. The coral was giving full Ribena-purple, Teletubbies-blue, and highlighter-pen realness. Then, because Queensland loves over-delivering, whales showed up on the way back and started breaching like they were auditioning for a movie. The entire boat lost their minds. I nearly dropped my phone trying to film and cry at the same time. Ten out of ten, would recommend (from the boat).
Cruise Ship Day: Professional Pointer and Occasional joker
One morning Study Townsville asked for volunteers to meet cruise-ship passengers. I showed up because I like free parking and food. We stood at close to the terminal looking official, handing out maps and telling wide-eyed tourists how to get to Castle Hill (“just drive towards the giant red hill, you can’t miss it”) and the Strand (“ice cream is mandatory, it’s the law”). One lovely grandma asked if kangaroos really hop down the main street. I said “only on weekends”. She believed me. I am a role model.
Part-Time Work: Still Getting Roasted by Children
The kids I work with as a youth worker remain undefeated at dragging me. Last week one looked me dead in the eye and said “bro, your beard is mid”. I’m pushing 30. Another tried to convince me that Michael Jackson is his brother. Between stopping Fortnite negotiations and celebrating when someone finally does their daily routine without a 45-minute debate, these kids keep me humble and highly entertained. If I can survive them, I can survive anything (including Australian rent prices).
Events, Free Food, and Perfecting the Art of the Sneaky Second Plate
More ambassador events = more free spring rolls and tiny desserts I can’t pronounce. I’ve mastered the skill of holding a conversation, a drink, and three plates without spilling. Future employers, put “advanced multitasking” on my reference, thanks.

As my degree wraps up (no thesis, just sweet relief and mild panic about adulting), Townsville turned a random Nigerian boy into someone who can say “she’ll be right” without irony and knows the exact bus that gets you to the Strand before the ice cream shop closes.
To everyone thinking of coming here: do it. Bring sunscreen, a sense of humour, and stretchy pants for all the free event food. Two years ago I stepped off a plane knowing nobody. Today I’m leaving with friends who became family, stories that will embarrass me at every wedding speech forever, and a weirdly strong opinion about turtle conservation.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have approximately 4,000 photos to stop my mum from printing and framing.

Catch you on the flip side (or at the reef if you’re lucky),
Lekan Ajalogun Two-Time Ambassador, Full-Time Minister of Enjoyment

Photo Credit: Olamilekan (Lekan) Ajalogun

November 2025