“I am deeply passionate about social justice. Social work gives me the opportunity to address issues of social inequality and advocate for human rights and social justice, which is the most exciting aspect of working in this field for me.”
For Anne, making a difference in the world is a dream she is determined to make a reality. Originally from China, her drive to support marginalised and vulnerable communities led her across the world to Adelaide, Australia, where she’s now studying a Master of Social Work.
When researching universities, Anne was looking for a course that offered real-world experience alongside a strong academic foundation. She wanted a university that would prepare her not just to graduate, but to thrive in the field.
“I believe that a strong curriculum and valuable placement experiences will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a qualified social worker, as securing a job after graduation is very important to me. That’s why I ultimately chose Flinders University,” she says.
An Australian social work program structured for success
Over the two-year course, the Master of Social Work at Flinders takes students through 12 diverse topics and 500 hours of hands-on placement, with the opportunity to focus on areas of personal passion For Anne, this has involved developing a deeper, more meaningful understanding of social work practice, while gaining experience in environments that align with her personal values.
“The two years of study will equip us with the knowledge and skills needed to address some of the most pressing social issues in our communities, such as homelessness, domestic and family violence, and racial inequalities,” she explains.
While this course may require a high level of commitment and preparation, the unwavering support and expertise of the Flinders faculty have made all the difference for Anne, especially during her more challenging moments. She particularly credits the highly experienced teaching staff, whose careers cover a wide range of areas within the social work sector.
“Their practical expertise and guidance have provided me with the essential knowledge I need for my placement. It was incredibly valuable to engage with them during the workshop. I believe they are a major factor in what makes the Flinders MSW program stand out,” she says.
Real experience, real impact
The 500 hours of hands-on placement is a standout part of the Flinders Master of Social Work course, giving students real-world experiences across diverse settings and client groups. For Anne, whose passion lies in giving back to communities, her placement experiences have been both rewarding and deeply insightful.
“During my first placement, I worked with children in residential or foster care, many of whom had experienced domestic and family violence. Being a social worker allows me to support them in navigating crises, recovering, and intervening proactively in cases of domestic and family violence. This brings me a great sense of fulfilment,” she says.
Flinders has built strong, long-standing partnerships with leading organisations, giving students access to impactful placement opportunities in the field. These connections not only prepare students like Anne for the realities of social work but often become the most memorable and meaningful part of their journey.
“One of the most memorable experiences would be my current placement at South Australia’s largest domestic and family violence support organisation, which accepts Flinders University students due to a strong, established relationship between those two.”
Close-knit partnerships like Anne’s current placement don’t just help her build on her skills and knowledge, but they also lay the groundwork for a future career in Australia.
“This network is beneficial for our students, especially international students, as it provides a solid foundation when we transition from university to the job market,” Anne explains.