How ICMS Helps Students Build Community and Thrive

Moving to a new country to study takes courage. For Ethan Mupariwa, it also meant starting over without the professional connections or familiar community that most people take for granted. 

When Ethan left New Zealand to begin a new chapter in Australia, he arrived with ambition but without a network.  

The early months of his Bachelor of Business (Accounting) degree tested him. And yet, his experience at ICMS would come to define far more than just his academic career. 

Starting From Scratch

Ethan spoke about that period at the 2026 ICMS Scholarship Ceremony, describing what it actually feels like to rebuild your life in an unfamiliar place. 

“I moved to Australia from New Zealand with no professional network, no established community, and the considerable challenge of rebuilding my life in an unfamiliar environment,” he said.  

“The early months have been a real test of resilience, but a test I anticipated.” 

The ability to name the difficulty without being overwhelmed by it says a lot about Ethan. It also says something about the environment that helped him find his footing. 

A Scholarship That Changed Things

Ethan is the recipient of the Wellington College – Courtney-O’Connor Scholarship, and he doesn’t speak about it lightly.  

For him, besides financial support, the scholarship was the moment things began to shift. 

“Receiving the scholarship was a real turning point in my life,” he said.  

“It connected me to an institution, a community that genuinely proved to invest in those that studied there.” 

That sense of genuine investment is something Ethan returns to more than once. It’s clear that what stood out to him was the feeling of being seen and supported by the people around him. 

More Than Coursework

Ask Ethan what he values most about his time at ICMS, and he won’t lead with grades or career prospects. He’ll talk about people. 

From his fellow students to the staff on campus, and the friends he’s made at the Manly Marlins Rugby Club, the connections Ethan has built stretch well beyond the classroom.  

“What I’m most grateful for is not just the rich and authentic learnings gained in the classroom,” Ethan explained.   

“But the people I’ve met ranging from the boys at the Manly Marlins Rugby Club right down to the noble staff here at ICMS. I feel like I’ve created some relationships that are projected to last a lifetime.” 

It’s a reminder that community isn’t something colleges can manufacture on demand.  

It grows from culture, from the way staff engage with students, the way peers look out for one another, and the opportunities that exist to connect beyond campus. 

The Ripple Effect of Support

Ethan also took time to acknowledge the corporate partners whose contributions make scholarships like his possible.  

His message to them was direct and thoughtful. 

“To the corporate partners that make the scholarship possible, thank you,” he said.  

“Your effort has a compounding effect.  

“You’re not simply just funding one’s education, but you’re investing in the future of business, a decision that’ll prove to be beneficial.” 

Ethan’s journey isn’t a highlight reel.  

It includes real difficulty, real adjustment, and real work. What makes it compelling is that ICMS didn’t smooth over those challenges, it gave him the support to work through them. 

Disclaimer: Student experiences, scholarship opportunities, and industry partnerships shared in this article reflect individual journeys. ICMS does not guarantee employment, specific career outcomes, or job placements during or after the completion of any program. All scholarships are subject to specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and availability. Partner organisations are correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.