Karishma Das initially found the high-tech environment at Flinders a little daunting having completed studies recently in Delhi, India, where assignments are written by hand. But the social work master’s student, a StudyAdelaide Student Ambassador, has adapted to the Flinders way.
Ms Das is one of ten students to receive a StudyAdelaide India Student Ambassador scholarship this year.
Benefits include up to $1,500 towards airfares, $1,000 towards living expenses and two weeks free accommodation in Adelaide for recipients studying at an Adelaide university or TAFE.
From the small city of Guwahati in northeast India – gateway to the region’s conservation areas that feature one-horned rhinoceros, tigers and Asian elephants – Ms Das admits she was nervous upon arriving at Flinders. However, the University’s rural feel and friendly community quickly helped her feel at home.
“Everything was different, for example in India everything happens offline, we wrote everything by hand at university,” she says.
As a StudyAdelaide ambassador, Ms Das receives tickets to several local events to ensure she gains a good understanding of the city and its culture. So far, she has enjoyed the Royal Adelaide Show and various city tours, and has heard much about the annual Fringe Festival.
Attracted to Australia for its quality education, she homed in on Flinders for its solid reputation in social work.
“After I completed my masters in sociology, I did an internship at a drug rehabilitation centre. From this experience I decided that I really wanted to work in counselling in this area.”
A search for universities that excel in social work followed, with Flinders coming up among the top contenders. The safety, affordability and vibrancy of Adelaide no doubt played a role in her decision.
Ms Das is hoping to obtain some hands-on local work experience when she finishes her two-year program, to strengthen her practical skills and instil further knowledge she can take back to her country.
“In my home-town there are virtually no drug rehabilitation facilities for women,” she says.
“There are centres for men, but it is taboo that a woman could be addicted to substances, so they suffer alone. I want to change that.”
Ms Das is joined at Flinders this semester by fellow Indian student ambassador Janvi Chaudrey – who is the youngest ever Study Adelaide student ambassador – and studying a Bachelor in Software Engineering.
The StudyAdelaide ambassador initiative provides a unique opportunity for international students to experience the best of Adelaide and share their experiences with friends and peers.