For Chinese student Cindy Hu, living in Adelaide and studying at Flinders is the perfect mix of friendly, supportive – and fun. Studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics and Chinese), Cindy is hoping to become a teacher as well as pursuing postgraduate studies.
Why choose to study in Australia at Flinders University?
Cindy chose to study in Australia at Flinders for the work experience opportunities on offer.
“While I studied at Adelaide High School, EIC Adelaide helped me to compare the three universities in Adelaide, and they found Flinders was the best for my degree.”
EIC Adelaide, one of the largest providers of overseas education services outside China, helps students study abroad in countries like Australia. They supply prospective students with information and services to make fully informed decisions on their educational institution.
With the help of EIC, Cindy discovered “Flinders Uni put more attention on placement experiences,” which will give her enough time to “…feel how is it if I become a teacher in the future.”
Graduate career-ready
Many universities only offer short placements, but Flinders aims to provide students enough time in the workplace to gain an understanding of the career they’re planning. Cindy took a 15-day placement at Marryatville High School, which she says, “…helped me to understand where I needed to improve,” as well as allowing her to get to know the students and network with staff for her future career.
Placements are vital across all degrees and are an example of how Flinders University strives to produce graduates who are work-ready and empowered to step into the workplace.
Discover more about our student placement and Work Integrated Learning program – here.
Top-quality facilities and a beautiful campus
She was also attracted to Flinders for the beautiful Bedford Park campus. “Flinders University has a great environment, not only for study but also for life,” Cindy says of her experience.
Located 12km south of the city of Adelaide, Bedford Park is Flinders’ main campus. It’s a spacious, elevated site with panoramic views to the coast and over the city. With a lake and natural leafy surroundings, it is one of South Australia’s most spectacular natural campuses. Don’t be surprised to see resident ducks, koalas, and the occasional kangaroo.
“When you are at the Bedford Park campus, you will feel like you are in an arcadia, away from the noisy city,” she says, but don’t worry because “…this doesn’t mean it’s hard for shopping. There is a major shopping centre just 10 minutes’ drive from the Uni!”
Discover ways to keep your cool in an Adelaide summer – here.
Fun and student-friendly Adelaide lifestyle
Cindy makes sure to take advantage of everything Adelaide has to offer in her free time. “The tram in the city is free, which helps save plenty of money when I’m having fun in the city.”
A fan of the many beautiful metropolitan beaches, Cindy loves that they are easily and quickly accessible. “Henley Beach is close to the city,” she says of her favourite local beach.
“There are always plenty of people around and Henley is a good place to catch crabs.” A favourite pastime, for locals and tourists alike, there is plenty of fresh and seafood to be caught for fishing fans. “Semaphore Beach has the longest jetty in Adelaide, and usually has a market. Glenelg Beach has great bars to eat oysters, and Brighton Beach is good for catching squid.”
It’s not just the beaches and fresh seafood that Cindy enjoys. “They have a big Chinatown in Adelaide, which is super friendly to Chinese students.” There are plenty of traditional festivities to be found, including annual New Year celebrations. Living in a city with a slower pace and friendly attitude makes Cindy’s life happier.
“I love living in a quieter and slower-paced city; unlike Melbourne or Sydney,” she says. “People are so friendly, and here is the only place I found people would say ‘thank you’ to the bus driver when they get off.”
It’s true that Adelaide has been consistently voted as a clean and friendly city for living and visiting, and is rated as one of the the *Top 10 World’s healthiest cities, and is in the **Top 10 most liveable cities. Cindy has lived in Adelaide since she was 14 and says Adelaide is always changing and developing, with something new to discover all the time.
*(Spotahome 2018)
**(Economist Intelligence Unit, Global Liveability Ranking 2019)
High-quality teaching staff
Cindy has always found the Flinders teaching staff to be friendly and engaging. “Teachers are always happy to help when I need it,” she says. “All of my professors are friendly, and help when you are confused about studies. The lecturers always give students time for discussion and to ask questions.” It’s this interaction that she finds most attractive about her learning experience at Flinders.
Advice for prospective students
“Flinders Uni is super friendly for international students. ISS [International Student Services] is always there for help.” If you’re worried about settling in at Flinders and in Adelaide, Cindy says “At the beginning of the year I recommend attending Orientation Week – you really shouldn’t miss it if you can.”
Whether attending in person or online, the O’Week team puts on events and workshops which can help you to figure out important things like your bank card, transport and stationery. The friendly team acts as your introduction and induction to Flinders Uni life.
“The lecture in that week would explain and answer all of your questions,” Cindy says of her own experiences. “You always receive a welcome email, and a welcome morning tea or BBQ from ISS.”
For Cindy, her experience can be neatly summed up in one sentence.
“International students at Flinders always receive lots of support.”