Overview: In addition to the individually focused services and programs we provide, the teams at HCD and Oasis are interested in helping support student communities. The Flinders Mates program is one such initiative connecting international and domestic students for conversations and fun times. This post provides an overview of the Flinders Mates program and how to get involved. Reading time ~ 3 minutes.
Flinders Mates is a program that was intended to be launched a while back, but a variety of things (including COVID-19) got in the way.
But you can’t keep a good idea down for long and Flinders Mates is getting its revival in 2022!!
What is Flinders Mates?
Flinders Mates connects Australian and International students for conversation and fun times. Flinders Mates is a great way to meet interesting people, expand your intercultural intelligence and build global networks. Sessions are run by student facilitators who create a safe and informal space for people to connect around conversation.
Flinders Mates celebrates the diversity of the Flinders community and the strength of student-led events to create new networks amongst students. Networks that leverage and honour the different cultural groups here at Flinders.
OK, how can I get involved?
You can register to be a facilitator (e.g. run groups) and/or a participant.
For would-be facilitators this is an opportunity to increase your connections, grow your intercultural intelligence and gain Horizon Award points by volunteering one hour a week over the university year to facilitate a Flinders Mates group. Please read the position description and then complete the application form to register your interest. You will also need to complete a Volunteer Engagement form (gotta love forms!).
For those that would simply like to participate in these intercultural conversation groups, simply contact Oasis (oasis@flinders.edu.au) and attention it ‘Sarah Harding’ or simply keep an eye on our Instagram, Facebook and our Oasis Online FLO topic for times in 2022 and just turn up ! 
The world re-unites
As the world slowly but deliberately heads back to us all interacting in physical space, Flinders Mates is a welcome addition to the arsenal of wellbeing programs offered out of Oasis and Health, Counselling and Disability Services. If building your social network and expanding your cultural knowledge are desirable to you, we’d love you get involved.
