From Regional Victoria to Sydney: A student’s 7-hour weekly train journey to chase an Australian dream

Will Quijano and Johnny Santos Robles left a comfortable life in Singapore for the opportunities and beauty of Australia. They overcame long commutes, financial struggles, and student visa challenges to secure a regional sponsorship, showing that determination and resilience can make dreams come true.

[L] Will Quijano earned his qualifications in Kitchen Management and a Diploma in Hospitality in Sydney while travelling nearly eight hours by train each week for two years from Barnawartha, Victoria to attend classes, supported by his partner Johnny Santos Robles, who sold high-end kitchen equipment to help fund their expenses, a testament to their determination, sacrifice, and shared dream of success. Credit: Will Quijano/Johnny Robles Facebook

Key Points

• Will Quijano earned his qualifications in Kitchen Management and a Diploma in Hospitality while traveling nearly eight hours each week by train from Barnawartha, Victoria to attend classes in Sydney.
• Thanks to his partner Johnny Santos Robles’ business skills, Johnny supported Will’s studies while he worked in regional Victoria.
• In regional Victoria, Will found work and, despite the challenges, persevered with his studies in Sydney before securing a training visa and sponsorship as a chef in Barnawartha, marking a major step in his career.
• The couple says you must work hard and be resourceful on a student visa, but once it’s secured, you can explore, grow, and focus on self-healing.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

From Regional Victoria to Sydney: A student’s 7-hour weekly train journey to chase an Australian dream

SBS Filipino

15:19Filipino

Will Quijano and his partner Johnny Santos-Robles left a comfortable life in Singapore in 2022 to pursue their dreams in Australia, facing student visa denials and nearly a year-long appeal process.

Will Quijano earned his qualifications in Kitchen Management and a Diploma in Hospitality in Sydney while traveling nearly eight hours by train each week for two years from Barnawartha, Victoria to attend classes. Credit: Will Quijano/Facebook

While waiting, they took on odd jobs, collected recyclables, and hustled to support Will’s studies in Kitchen Management and a Diploma in Hospitality. Will endured weekly 7–12 hour train trips between regional Victoria and Sydney, eventually securing a training visa and sponsorship as a chef.

Johnny and Will had built a comfortable life in Singapore, but drawn by the beauty and promise of Australia, they chose to start over, taking on odd jobs with courage and determination to build a better future together. Credit: Johnny Robles Facebook

This photo shows the humble beginnings of partners Will Quijano and Johnny Santos Robles as international students in Australia. Credit: Johnny Santos-Robles

Despite the hardships, the couple embraced a simple, peaceful life in regional Australia, saving money and learning resilience, independence, and the value of hard work. Grateful for the opportunities and life lessons, they now inspire other international students to stay determined, resourceful, and focused on their goals.

Chef Will Quijano admitted that he wants to live in a regional area of Victoria, where he works in a café and a restaurant. Credit: Johnny Santos-Robles

Because Johnny’s business was thriving and Will had become stable in his job, the couple were able to travel abroad together for vacations. Credit: Johnny Santos-Robles

In February 2026, Johnny proudly opened his own cooking business in Newcastle, NSW, marking a major milestone in a journey built on hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in their dreams. Credit: Johnny Santos-Robles Facebook

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