Agnes Mella NADIA

Student of Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Indonesia
Exchange to Flinders University, Australia

If I have to describe my exchange experience to Adelaide, South Australia in a single word, I would choose FANTASTIC. It was a great pleasure for me to participate in this program, as this program gave me the opportunity to experience learning in a whole new environment, make new friends from various backgrounds, and gain new knowledge for my degree education as well as my daily life.

I know a quote that goes: ‘Friendship isn’t about whom you have known the longest. It’s about who came and never left your side’. I might not find old friends who have known me for years in this small, ‘quiet’ city. Instead, I found heartwarming individuals in each and every place I went who cheered my day during my six-month stay; local people who never stopped making me smile because of their kindness and affection, and also the Indonesian community who shared their laugh, love, and care.

Studying abroad in a country I have never been to was terrifying at first, but at the end of it all, it was indeed very wonderful and satisfying. I met great lecturers, tutors, and technicians who helped me learn and complete laboratory exercises; local as well as foreign students whom I made friends with in classes, and advisors who helped me settle in the city. I figured out that the methods of teaching and learning in Adelaide are different from that in my home university, as they have tutorial classes, group discussions, as well as independent laboratory works besides lecture. In my opinion, these methods are very effective for students.

It will be a waste of time if you just spend your time in Adelaide indoors. Knowing this, I did not miss any chance to go out and enjoy what Adelaide provides for its people. The city has beautiful beaches, gardens, churches, malls, and not forgetting, its amazing sky, which reminds me of an Indonesian song titled ‘Adelaide Sky’. Now I know why they chose Adelaide, among all cities, as the title of the song.

Besides, during the six-month stay, I also went to different places, such as the Zoo and Cleland Wildlife Park, where I could see Australia’s signature animals - kangaroos and koalas. I also visited West Beach and Henley Beach where my friends and I took many pictures of the magnificent view, as well as the Central Market and the restaurants nearby which serves delicious food.

Adelaide is also known as a city with lots of events. Within the period of my stay, I went to several events held by the Adelaide City Council or groups of foreigners who reside in Adelaide. The Moon Lantern Festival, Adelaide Zombie Walk, and the Christmas Pageant were some of the most fascinating ones. Another event that I loved was the Royal Adelaide show, where Australian food and culture were showcased.

Agnes Monica, an Indonesian singer/songwriter once said, ‘Dream. Believe. Make it happen’. Indeed, I dreamt, I believed, and I made it happen.My dream was to study abroad. I believed I could do it and after months of hard work, I seized the opportunity and flew off to Adelaide, where I had these valuable experience and unforgettable memories. Thanks to the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards for this amazing experience. Even though it was a short term program, it was one of the best achievements of my life.

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