Life is full of pivotal moments, the kind that lead us to make decisions that change the course of our journey. For many Chileans, the dream of emigrating to Australia might seem like a distant goal or one filled with uncertainties. However, there are those who have faced this challenge, dared to step out of their comfort zone, and successfully built a new life full of opportunities. Today, we present the story of Camila Jensen, a Chilean dentist who left her life in Chile behind, embarked on her adventure with a Working Holiday Visa, and now practices her profession successfully in Australia. Her journey is full of lessons and challenges that show how, with perseverance and hard work, anything is possible. Through this interview, we aim to inspire you to take that big leap into a new adventure in a country that has so much to offer.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR PROFESSIONAL SITUATION IN CHILE BEFORE EMIGRATING.
My name is Camila Jensen, and I am a dentist. Before emigrating to Australia, I worked in Chile for about a year after graduating from university. During that time, I gained practical experience in the field of dentistry, which allowed me to develop my clinical skills and solidify my passion for dental health. I always knew this was my calling, and that first year in Chile was crucial for affirming my vocation.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO AUSTRALIA? DID YOU COME WITH ANY PLAN IN MIND, OR WAS IT ALL IMPROVISED?
In 2014, along with my husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, we decided to venture out and take a Working Holiday Visa. The initial plan was to stay for a year, save some money, and then travel through Southeast Asia and other destinations. Everything was quite improvised, as we had no intention of staying. However, Australia surprised us from day one: its quality of life, safety, the kindness of the people, and the opportunities captivated us. What started as a one-year adventure turned into a new life. Today, after ten years, we are still living in Australia, and it has been an incredible experience.
Sometimes, life takes us to unexpected places. What initially was an adventure without great expectations for Camila and her partner transformed into an opportunity to change their lives forever. It serves as a reminder that when we allow ourselves to improvise, we can discover paths we never would have imagined.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT PROFESSIONAL SITUATION IN AUSTRALIA?
In 2019, I managed to validate my dental degree, a process that took me three years. It was a very challenging journey, especially since at that time there was only one opportunity per year to take the exams, making it even more complex. After obtaining my license, I worked for a year in Sydney, and in 2020, we decided to move to Queensland, where I now practice as a dentist in Agnes Water, a small rural town. It has been a transformative experience.
HOW WAS YOUR ADAPTATION AND WORK INSERTION PROCESS IN AUSTRALIA?
The adaptation was tough but very enriching. While validating my degree, I worked as a dental assistant, which allowed me to understand the Australian healthcare system from the inside while also improving my technical English skills. That experience not only helped me familiarize myself with the work environment, but it also allowed me to create a key network of contacts for my insertion into the professional world as a dentist.
When I finally started practicing in 2019, I first worked in Sydney for a year and then in 2020, we moved to Queensland. The local community was incredibly welcoming. Living and working in a rural environment has been very rewarding, as I have had the opportunity to develop both professional and personal skills that I wouldn't have acquired in a more urban setting. Over the years, I have learned a lot about Australian culture, thanks to the closeness with my patients, which is something I deeply value.
It is remarkable how Camila seizes every opportunity, no matter how small, to advance her career. She took advantage of her time as a dental assistant to learn about the local healthcare system and create connections that facilitated her path toward fully practicing her profession.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A KEY MOMENT OR SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR CAREER IN AUSTRALIA?
One of the most important moments in my career was the validation of my degree. It was a long and costly process, both in terms of time and emotional energy. However, the effort was worth it, because today I can practice my passion in a country that has provided me with great opportunities.
Another significant achievement was the transition from working in a large city to a rural environment. Adapting to the needs of a remote community, where resources are limited and access to dental care is less frequent, has been a challenge that has brought me great satisfaction. Additionally, this change was key to obtaining a sponsorship, which allowed my husband and me to gain permanent residency in Australia. This achievement was a turning point in our lives, providing us with the stability and security we needed to build a future here.
WAS THERE ANY DIFFICULT MOMENT OR FAILURE THAT MARKED YOU?
The process of validating my degree was undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges. There were moments when I questioned whether I would succeed, especially due to the financial pressure and the time it required. However, that difficulty also taught me the importance of perseverance and patience. Although it was emotionally exhausting, overcoming that obstacle gave me an inner strength that drives me in every new challenge.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
We have fallen in love with the peaceful, nature-oriented life in Agnes Water. My husband and I bought a piece of land here, and our short-term plan is to build our house and become even more rooted in this community that has welcomed us so warmly. We want to continue contributing through our professions. We enjoy the quality of life that rural living offers us, and we are excited about everything that lies ahead.
Camila and her husband's future reflects a desire for stability and connection with the community they live in. It shows how, after so much uncertainty and effort, life can finally find an incredible balance.
LOOKING BACK, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?
In retrospect, I think I would have sought more advice from the beginning to find a path that would allow us to obtain residency more quickly. The process of validating my degree was successful, but it took more time and resources than we had anticipated. With better guidance, we could have explored other, more efficient routes to permanent residency. However, every step was part of the learning experience, and I wouldn’t change the overall journey we went through.
IS THERE ANY EXPERIENCE OR ANECDOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THAT YOU THINK COULD INSPIRE OTHERS?
One anecdote that I believe can inspire others is how we started our life in Australia as simple backpackers, with no savings and degrees that were not yet recognized in Australia. We started from scratch: I worked as a dental assistant in a clinic, and my husband delivered food through Uber Eats while developing his own business. Today, after years of effort, I can proudly say that I have managed to validate my degree and practice as a dentist, and my husband has created a study agency that has been in the market for over seven years, even overcoming a pandemic.
It serves as a reminder that, although the path may seem uncertain and difficult, with perseverance and determination, we can achieve our biggest dreams. Our story is proof that even if you start from scratch, if you believe in yourself and work hard, the results will come.
I hope our experience inspires others to follow their dreams and not give up, even when the path gets tough.
FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER PEOPLE IN CHILE WHO DREAM OF COMING TO AUSTRALIA?
My main advice is to never give up. Immigration is a challenging process, filled with uncertainty and moments of doubt. There were times when I felt demotivated and questioned my abilities, but the most important thing was to keep my goals in sight. Having my husband’s support was fundamental, and together we managed to overcome the obstacles.
Australia is a country full of opportunities, but it is essential to be perseverant and understand that challenges are part of the process. While the road may be long, with effort, consistency, and a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved. The key is to stay focused and believe in yourself.
This experience has taught me that although the path may be difficult, following your dreams and not giving up can lead to incredible achievements and a fulfilling life.
Did Camila Jensen's story inspire you?
If you would like to learn more about her journey and the challenges she has overcome to build a successful professional life in Australia, we invite you to read other interviews where Camila shares more details about her personal life, her achievements, and the lessons she has learned along the way. You can discover more in the following interviews:
Each interview offers a deeper insight into her experience as an immigrant and a Chilean professional abroad. Don’t miss them and keep discovering what perseverance and effort can achieve!
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