“Perth Became Home”: Lovisa’s Journey Through Berghs & ECU Into Australia’s Creative Scene

Hi Lovisa! Could you tell us a little about yourself and what made you decide to apply to the Berghs Bachelor Program in the first place?

I’m Lovisa, and I grew up in Stockholm. I was fortunate to travel a lot during my childhood, including two trips to Australia, which sparked my interest in experiencing the world. 

After finishing high school and spending time living and traveling across Canada, the US, and Mexico, I knew I wanted to study abroad within marketing, PR, and creativity, so when I discovered Berghs School of Communication's Berghs Bachelor program, I applied and began my journey there in September 2017. I was 21 when I moved and this year I turned 29, and I’ve lived in Perth for seven years now.

What do you work with today, what does that entail and what do you enjoy most?

My career journey hasn’t been linear, and graduating from ECU during the height of the pandemic was challenging, but every step has led me to where I’m meant to be. 

Today, I work at Bonfire, a leading independent Performance Media Agency that recently launched a creative department to pair impactful creative with strong data insights. 

I’m part of the in-house marketing team, very unique for an agency to have a marketing team. I’m managing partnerships, social media, our branding, and events, and I love the variety, growth opportunities, and being part of a company at the forefront of industry change.

How would you describe your semester at Berghs — what were your biggest takeaways or favorite parts?

The semester was intensive, inspiring and full of valuable learnings, and I met some incredible people who have become close friends. I loved how hands-on and practical the teaching was, especially the focus on presentations, strategic thinking and visual communication, all of which prepared us for real agency work. The collaboration, real client pitches and high-quality lectures really set the tone for what to expect when entering the workforce.

How did your time at Berghs help you prepare for your studies abroad?

The foundation semester prepared me well for studying abroad through constant collaboration, working fully in English, and managing deadlines and strategic project work.  Berghs created a strong standard for how to think, create and deliver. The structure and expectations of the semester translated seamlessly into my studies at ECU.

Why did you choose Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth as your destination?

I chose Edith Cowan University (ECU) because it aligned best with what I wanted to study, and out of the three partner schools at Berghs it offered the broadest range of units rather than a very niche focus. 

I also knew I wanted to live in Australia and experience the sunny, coastal lifestyle, and Perth felt like an exciting choice because it was less familiar and more of an adventure. I had visited Australia before, so moving here felt exciting rather than overwhelming.

How was the transition from Berghs to ECU — in terms of learning environment, culture, or pace?

The transition from Berghs to ECU was quite noticeable, as the learning environment at ECU is much more relaxed and academic compared to the hands-on, practical approach at Berghs. 

At ECU you enrol in new units each semester, mix with students from many different degrees, and the campus culture feels younger and more flexible. The pace is similar with four units per semester, mid-semester breaks and exams, but you really need to be proactive with networking and engaging with lecturers, guest speakers and industry opportunities.

What degree did you pursue, tell us a bit about it, and which parts of the program inspired you the most?

I completed a Bachelor of Media and Communication with a double major in Marketing and Public Relations, which allowed me to build two strong specializations within one degree. I enjoyed being able to tailor my studies with the support of my course coordinator and choose units I was genuinely passionate about, such as Social Media Marketing, Global Communications, Consumer Behavior, PR Event Management and Marketing Strategy. The lecturers were engaged, encouraging and always supportive, which made the experience both motivating and inspiring.

WWhat’s it like to live in Perth, Australia — any favorite neighborhoods, cafés, or routines?

I’ll admit that my first semester in Perth was challenging, because it feels like a big country town and it’s one of the most isolated cities in the world, but once I found my neighbourhoods and routines, Perth really grew on me.

I’ve lived both north and south of the Swan River, and my favourite mornings are spent at Leighton or Cottesloe Beach going for an early Sunday run along the coast, having a dip and grabbing a coffee at Ohh Coffee in North Fremantle, with Saturdays always starting with Pilates followed by pastries. 

Now I live along the river in Attadale, and I love waking up early to walk by the water, listen to the birdlife, spot dolphins and enjoy the nature, with my favourite areas across Perth being Fremantle for its culture and restaurants like Vin Populi and Madalenas, Leederville for great cafés, shops and restaurants, Subiaco where I work, Highgate for beautiful Hyde Park and the local icon Chu Bakery, and Cottesloe and North Beach for my favourite beaches.

How do you feel Perth’s creative scene inspires you?

Perth loses a lot of talented creatives to Melbourne and Sydney, but there has been a big push this year to celebrate and strengthen the local creative scene. I’m lucky to work with a very talented Creative Director and collaborate with inspiring industry bodies that showcase the best creative work through design awards and events. 

Walking through Fremantle, exploring street art, live music, Sculpture by the Sea, the Kings Park Light Festival and other creative festivals, I find inspiration everywhere, and it’s exciting to see how much creativity thrives across Perth.

DID you experience any cultural surprises or lessons when you moved abroad?

Overall, Australians are very relaxed and Perth feels like a big, chilled-out country town, where early mornings are spent being active, Sundays are for the pub, and you’ll hear plenty of funny slang like “arvo” for afternoon or “servo” for petrol station. 

Since this was my second time moving abroad, I was more prepared, but I was surprised by how many shops close on Sundays and public holidays, and how early coffee shops shut.

Some of the biggest cultural lessons have been learning about the Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the land and waters where we live in Perth, experiencing new public holidays like ANZAC Day, and seeing how differently Australians celebrate Christmas and Easter.

What have you learned about yourself through this experience?

I’ve learned that I am capable of more than I ever imagined. Moving to Perth in 2018 and then experiencing the pandemic with borders closed until May 2022 was challenging, and there were many moments of uncertainty about whether I should go home to Sweden or stay in Perth, which had become my home.

Living so far from family for three years taught me resilience, patience, and how to create a life I love from scratch. I’ve also learned the importance of putting myself out there, building friendships that become family, and going after my dreams, landing my dream job at Bonfire, becoming a Permanent Resident, and soon in 2026, an Australian citizen. 

I feel incredibly lucky to call Australia home and proud of the life I’ve built here.

How has your journey through Berghs & ECU shaped your career?

My journey through Berghs and ECU has shaped my career by combining creativity, curiosity, and practical skills. Berghs gave me the hands-on experience I loved, from pitching to clients to collaborating on creative projects, and taught me to challenge my thinking and always aim high. 

ECU gave me an academic foundation and insight into the Perth workforce, where relationships and respect are key. These experiences taught me to deliver high-quality work, communicate effectively, and maintain a hunger for excellence, which has been part of the journey that helped my agency win Digital Agency of the Year in WA and Agency of the Year nationally in 2025.

What advice would you give to future Berghs students thinking about joining the Bachelor Program and studying abroad?

First of all, do it! You won’t regret it. Follow your dreams, go to the school and country you want, and don’t be afraid to go by yourself. During my year, 95% of the class went to San Francisco, and only a few of us went to Perth and Sydney, which made it an adventure.

It can be scary to move abroad and leave the comfort of Swedish friends, but stepping out of your comfort zone and meeting Australians and other internationals living in Perth is so rewarding. You’ll get to experience the country, the culture, and the beauty of WA, while learning about yourself along the way.

I’m lucky to call one of my fellow Berghs classmates my best friend here in Perth. We’re both permanent now, and I’m also grateful for the many other connections I’ve made that have helped me feel truly integrated in the country and culture. Studying abroad is one of the best things you can do. You grow so much, and if it doesn’t work out, home in Sweden will always be there. Don’t be afraid to reach out and make connections. People are always happy to help. It’s amazing to see fellow Berghs graduates building incredible careers in the Perth creative scene, and I feel so lucky to be part of it.

Send me a message if you move to Perth and I’m always happy to help and share my tips!