'It's all worth it': From studies to finding love this former Filipina scholar found a new life in Australia

Former Filipino scholar Rachelle Tulloch first came to Australia on a scholarship in 1995, never imagining that her studies would lead her to meet the man she would marry and build a life with.

Rachelle Reyes-Tulloch never imagined that studying in Australia on a scholarship would lead her to the love of her life. Credit: SBS Filipino and Rachelle Reyes-Tulloch (Facebook)

Key Points

• Life-changing move: Moving to Australia helped Rachelle grow as a person, build a family, and embrace new opportunities.
• Overcoming fear and challenges: Arriving alone with no family was daunting, but facing fear strengthened her identity and faith.
• She encourages exploring the world, living abroad, and not letting negative stories about racism or challenges deter personal growth.

Looking back over 30 years, Manila-born AusAID scholar and learning designer Rachelle Tulloch reflects on her life-changing move to Australia, highlighting how stepping out of her comfort zone helped her grow personally and build a family of her own.

It's all worth it. Coming to Australia has really shaped me as a person. I sometimes think of the sliding doors thing that if I didn't go to Australia and I stayed in the Philippines, what would my life have been. And so I say to everyone, get out and see the world. Travel. Go to and try to live in other places because the world is a very big place.

Rachelle Reyes-Tulloch, a happy wife and mum