Sydney: By winning the International Student of the Year award at a prestigious university here, Paramjeet Singh has brought cheer to the thousands of Indian students in Asutralia, a group traumatised by the recent spate of attacks on them.

The 21-year-old was picked as one of the top 35 students in TAFE (Western Sydney) for the year 2008. He took the award for International Student of the Year. Paramjeet completed a two-year Diploma in Information Technology (Software Development) at Mount Druitt College in 2008.

"It took me by surprise when I first heard I was to get an award, but now, I just feel very inspired," Paramjeet told the Indian Link. "I want to study with even more dedication and reach the top in my field."

The Amritsar-born student has enrolled this year for a Bachelor's degree in IT at University of Western Sydney. He finished his diploma at Mount Druitt College last December.

What did he think about the quality of education here, compared to India?

"I've nothing to compare it with, really, because I didn't attend university in India - I came here straight after school," said Paramjeet, a high-ranking student throughout. "My teachers at TAFE were fantastic; very cooperative at every stage."

But he did find it was hard going, he confessed, given that he had to work long hours.

"It must be easier for students in India because they don't have to work, just concentrate on studies."

It took Paramjeet two months to find the kind of employment he liked.

"In the early days I did letter drops - walking and putting pamphlets in people's letter boxes. Then I found work in a restaurant - I'm still working there. It's quite nice, but I would like to find some work in my professional field".

He lives in Wentworthville in the west of Sydney with a cousin, also a student. He drives himself to work, and says he has never had any problems while commuting at night.

What has been the best thing about coming to Australia?

"That I won an award from college," Paramjeet smiled. "I never imagined that I would win anything in a foreign land ... my parents were very proud and that made me happy."

And the worst thing about coming here?

"Nothing. Sab kuch paaya hi hai (I've only gained). I was only 19 when I landed here - who could have thought I would be so independent and work my own way through uni?"

So what's his advice to potential students?

Paramjeet took a moment before answering: "Choose a subject that you're truly passionate about, then go all out to do well in it. Even I was advised to change my course to cookery or hairdressing, and I nearly did too, but thankfully I listened to a distant family member who is a long-time resident here."

Paramjeet says he has grown to love Sydney, and although he hasn't explored it as much as he would like, he enjoys the beaches, Blue Mountains and Wollongong. He hasn't been back home to India ever since he got here.

Paramjeet and his fellow-awardees were selected from more than 80,000 students enrolled at TAFE NSW in 2008. IANS