Photo: Strawberry picking at Beerenberg Farm

Ruo Yi from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore undertaking an exchange at Flinders University during Semester 1 2025.

Two months ago, I was freaking out on my flight here. Hundreds of thoughts filled my head and got me wondering if I made the correct decision to come on his study abroad programme.

Here I am, two months later, and I can confidently say that it is the best decision that I have ever made. 

Upon stepping foot in this city, I have received many warm welcomes and exchanged numerous friendly smiles with strangers that I have crossed paths with. The Global Experience team at Flinders was also really helpful and provided us with all the necessary information and support to ease our transition here. The Victor Harbour tour organised by the University at the start of the semester provided me with an opportunity to meet other people, whom I quickly made friends with, while enjoying the scenery that this city has to offer. School has also been smooth sailing, with many friendly and approachable professors who are experts in their own respective fields sharing their knowledge with us. Lectures and seminars were also very interacting and engaging, making the learning process more effective and enjoyable. 

While Adelaide is a smaller city as compared to Melbourne and Sydney, this city still has a lot to offer. Being ‘The Festival State’, the city is always bustling with excitement with the numerous festivals and events. From the annual Adelaide Fringe, Australia’s largest arts festival, to footy games, there will always be activities catered to your interests. Also, located only a stone’s throw away from the beach, the city has a plethora of beaches to explore and engage in some water activities. My favourite would be Brighton beach, which is conveniently located only a few bus stops from the Bedford Park campus. Facing the west, it is a perfect spot to catch the sunset after class. 

Away from the hustle and bustle, Adelaide also boasts lots of greenery, providing a quiet and peaceful sanctuary to enjoy a slower pace of life. I can easily spend hours in the park, with my trusty book and a warm cup of coffee.

In my remaining months here, I am planning to explore outside Adelaide, to other cities like Melbourne and Sydney, and fully absorb whatever this country has to offer.

I really appreciate the opportunity to indulge in such an amazing experience. If I were given the choice to do this all over again, definitely, without hesitation.

Ruo Yi was fortunate to be awarded a Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program Scholarship to support her exchange experience.

Photo: Sunset at Brighton Beach