Meet Study Online Australia's Director, Pavla Hannan

Hello, my name's Pavla! I'm the Director of Study Online Australia.

I’m originally from the Czech Republic and came to Australia in April 2007 as an international student. During my studies, I spent over two years working for a student visa agency based in Sydney. 
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Once I completed the course, I packed my bags and went on a huge road trip with two of my friends across Australia covering 17000 kms in just over three months. We were incredibly fortunate to see what this beautiful country has to offer!

Jervis Bay, Australia

After my trip, I worked in marketing roles for a number of leading education providers in Sydney. It was during this time that I met my future husband and shortly afterwards, we were expecting our first child.

Whilst I was on maternity leave, I still wanted to help shape the international student industry. I take pride in assisting people to find courses and love helping them on their student visa journey(s). 

Cradle Mountains, Tasmania

So in 2012, I founded my own online student visa agency - Study Online Australia.

I have over 13 years experience working in the international study industry and am really fortunate to have formed amazing friendships among students and education partners along the way.

​Study Online Australia is devoted to students and provides exceptional services for anyone who decides to either study or work with us. ​​

What inspired you to study in Australia?

I’ve always wanted to study and work in an English-speaking country and have been lucky to have visited a lot of countries. Coming from the Czech Republic, I spent a number of holidays in the United Kingdom but really wanted to experience long-term study. 

I first came up with the idea to study in Australia whilst working for a student travel agency in Prague. My role was to assist tertiary students with work and holiday programs in the United States. When I was in my third year of university, I decided to spend my summer break in the United States. I worked in an amusement park in Ohio and absolutely loved it!

Whitsundays, Australia

So when one of our travel agent partners mentioned to me that they needed a Czech speaking person for a part-time job in Sydney, I jumped at the opportunity. Both dreams came true. I studied my favourite subject, marketing, and worked as an education specialist in Sydney. 

Tell us about your experience as an international student in Sydney...

I finished my Master’s degree in Business and Administration at Prague University. During my studies, I realised that I wanted to deepen my knowledge of marketing. The passion came during my work experience on marketing teams at PHILIPS and PlayStation (Sony).

So I decided to study Advanced Diploma of Marketing & Communication, a two-year course at a college in the Sydney CBD.

I expanded my knowledge in marketing subjects and formed amazing friendships among my fellow students which exist still today! I used to live right in the Surry Hills and shared accommodation with three fellow students. It was an amazing experience!

What do you love the most about Australia?

Australia offers so many opportunities. It’s a great chance to meet people from all over the world which is incredibly inspiring.

Diving with dolphins in New Zealand

Of course, one of the biggest draws to Australia is its natural beauty too.

​You can go for a morning bush walk in the Blue Mountains and then jump in the ocean at Bondi Beach in the afternoon. A healthy lifestyle and great food are serious highlights here. 

How do you help students to find the right course for them?

The most important thing for me is listening to what the student wants and needs from their experience in Australia. I ask aspiring students lots of questions and this really helps me to understand their current situation.

My background as an international student helps me to relate to their inquiries too. I have great contacts within the industry which helps when managing last minute student visa applications. You may be surprised to learn that we help students to organise everything from first contact to a student visa lodgement in less than 24 hours!

What do you love the most about your job?

I love helping students through every step of their individual journey towards getting their student visa.

From the very first email to exploring study options and then organising all of the paperwork for enrolment, I love partnering with people from all over the world. Most of them share a similar pathway to me. 

Ayers Rock, Australia

Tell us three fun facts about yourself...

Every week, I swim roughly 10 kilometres. My favourite restaurant is Phamish in Crown Street Sydney. I love listening to Triple J every day.

What are your favourite things to do when you're not working?

I love spending time with my family and friends. I love to explore new parts of Australia and show them to my kids.

My favourite place in Australia is Ayers Rock and the remote parts of Australia with aboriginal history are something that I really would like to show my kids in the near future.

​I love reading biographies, going for dinners with other mums and exercising. I’m a triathlete so lots of swimming, running and biking help me to relax.