Student Testimonials

You don't just have to take our word for it that our graduate programs are interesting, innovative and educational - our past and present students are quite prepared to tell you too!

Provided below are testimonials from students in the various  programs offered at Flinders University, talking about such things as their experiences of certain topics, the staff in the department, what they like about living in Adelaide, initiatives offered by the department to enhance their learning, and what they are gaining from pursuing their degrees here.

Darren Kipping is a Master of Maritime Archaeology student,  from Canada, who was happy to describe for us some of what he considers to be the best elements of the graduate programs in Archaeology at Flinders:

Studying archaeology at Flinders University could not have been a better choice. The archaeology department is full of a professional and experienced staff that is tremendously approachable and allows a student to connect in the archaeological community. The well-structured classes engage in modern archaeological thought and principles over a wide array of topics. The master classes offer even more for a graduate student, be it 4WD advanced training, advanced total station training, or simply a specialty lecture from a world renown archaeologist, the options are all available to a graduate student. The city itself is a bright spot on being an international student at Flinders. Adelaide is a very metropolitan city of one million people, offering great pubs and nightlife (not to mention the best beer in Australia), which also attracts the best bands and festivals, but with waterfalls, beaches, hiking, camping, surfing literally minutes away, still doesn’t have the feel of being too urban. Studying at Flinders University offers a unique experience of being an international student without ever feeling like one, that is to say not feeling misplaced or out of touch, which may occur in other places. Oh and coming from Canada, I can confidently say that the almost year-round warm weather is definitely a nice touch!  Darren Kipping, Master of Maritime Archaeology, May 2008

Another current student, Crystal Henry in the Master of Archaeology program, has the following to say about how a 'Directed Study' topic is different to other learning options:

The major difference between Directed Study and other topics is that it is very independent and open. The student is given a project, but must make decisions on how it will be accomplished and be motivated enough to follow through with no (or very few) in between due dates. As the pace and extent of the project is dependent on the student, it requires a different level of concentration. It helped me better pace my work so that everything is planned, organized and written as I go. Procrastination is not an option in this class. It is also through an industry partner and will be read and utilised outside the limited student-teacher circle. The fact that it is used outside of the classroom (and is archived on campus) means that it can be used on a resumé - which cannot be said for your general Uni paper. I find it much more fulfilling to research a project with actual use besides assessment. Working through an industry partner also gives the student a glimpse of the heritage/archaeology industry and the way it is viewed outside of class. It has more grit; less theory and more action. I really enjoyed the Directed Study topics because they give a student the chance to experience the work world from the comfort of Uni. Crystal Henry, Master of Archaeology , October 2007

Jenni Lennox, a Master of Archaeology student in 2007/2008, has similar things to say about the Directed Studies topics:

Elaine Mun is a graduate of the Archaeology program who completed an internship at the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves in South Australia.  She had the following to say about her internship experience:

My eight week internship program at Naracoorte Caves World Heritage site was insightful. My initial intention was to attain work experience in the field of heritage management and learning to understand the structure of working on a World Heritage site. But the program had offered me much more than that. Not only have I the unique opportunity to work side by side with the site manager in day to day managerial work; I was also given the freedom to expand my work interest whenever I see fit. I was involved in almost every aspect of the business; from managerial work, guiding both show and adventure caving tours to general maintenance of the site.  Working at a World Heritage site enable me to further understand the role tourism has to play on such a significant site. I get to learn the most effective and useful conservation practices and methods used on the site.  Steve Bourne, the site manager and his staff have been helpful and most importantly generous in sharing their knowledge with me. I was also encouraged by the site manager to attend to various conferences and participating in lectures held on parks to get an insight into research as well as managing events on parks. The first hand knowledge enabled me to contribute effectively at meetings and planning sessions. Also, through meetings and conferences, I get to meet people from different fields and get precious advice and knowledge. Elaine Mun, Archaeology graduate, March 2008

In 2008 Zach King from Ohio commenced a Graduate Certificate in Archaeology as a precursor to entering the Master of Maritime Archaeology program.  As part of his program, he recently attendance an Archaeological Field Methods topic run at the Coorong in collaboration with members of the Ngarrindjeri Nation, the Indigenous Traditional Owners of the area in which we worked, and had the following to say:

Working alongside the Ngarrindjeri and getting their perspective, as well as hearing about their land was probably the greatest aspect of the Coorong field school.  The Ngarrindjeri were a friendly group, willing to answer questions and discuss issues.  I personally believe the importance of this is to allow the Indigenous people of an area to have a say and witness what is going on, and see the results, as well as to learn about archaeology and how its interpretation will affect their history and culture.  After all it's their country we're digging up.  More students should get involved due to how humbling the experience is.  Overall I found it to be a great way to familiarise myself with the country and the community.  Zach King, Graduate Certificate in Archaeology, April 2008

Peter Ross is a Canadian student in the Master of Maritime Archaeology program, who in 2008 is pursuing a thesis looking at fish traps and fishing technology of the Ngarrindjeri people of the Coorong region.  He says:

The faculty in the archaeology department are very friendly, encouraging, and supportive.  It was quite a straightforward matter to suggest a research project that straddles interdisciplinary boundaries, in my case between maritime archaeology and Indigenous archaeology.  The master classes have been a highlight for me this semester, with inexpensive or free instruction ranging from underwater photography to advanced Total Station use to tours of Indigenous rock art sites. Peter Ross, Master of Maritime Archaeology student, May 2008

Nicole Ortmann, a Master of Maritime Archaeology student in 2008 has the following to say about what it is like to live in Adelaide whilst pursuing her degree:

There are so many great aspects to studying at Flinders, not the least of which is the great view of the ocean and the city from the library.  The Archaeology department staff go out of their way to provide little extras that are so important to you enjoying and making the most of the your studies.  The weekly Master Classes are a great way to get know other archaeology grad students, as are the various barbeques held throughout the year; seminars and special lectures provide you with the opportunity to hear about the many different topics of research being explored throughout Australia and meet the people who could eventually give you that all important first job!  The staff in the International Students Services Unit are friendly and genuinely interested in making sure that your university experience is the best it can be, whether you have just arrived or are almost finished.  The weather is as cheerful as the university's staff and the beaches offer great sand, great surf and great diving. I'm a huge fan of seafood and there is plenty of great fare to be sampled - and plenty of choices on offer for accompanying beverages, with the best Australian wines in your back yard! Nicole Ortmann, Master of Maritime Archaeology, May 2008

Rhiannon Tabaka, another current student in the Graduate Program in Cultural Heritage Management, has the following to say about an Internship which she is currently undertaking in Mongolia:

I am currently undertaking a 12-month assignment as an Art Restoration Officer at the Cultural Heritage Center of Mongolia. This assignment involves working as a volunteer for the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program. The AYAD program is an Australian Government initiative and is fully funded by AusAID, the Australian Government’s overseas aid agency. Each year this program sends Australian youths to developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region and aims to achieve sustainable development through capacity building, skills transfer and institutional strengthening.  By undergoing a thorough and competitive selection process, which included a selection panel and a phone interview, I was accepted into this program on the basis of my skills and knowledge obtained throughout my university studies, extra-curricular activities and work experience. The first few months of my assignment were mostly spent acclimatising to living in a foreign, non-English speaking country. However; more recently my time has been spent: visiting museums as part of my assignment; preparing reports; writing professional emails; assisting in the cleaning of museum objects; analysing museum collections; and I have even been a guest speaker for an English language learning program at the one of the university’s here.  I have already accomplished so much since arriving here. Everyday I learn something new and exciting about this culture and the people. I have developed an exceptional ability for networking, I am learning a new and difficult language and way of life, and the professional team of conservators has shared with me many of their skills and knowledge and given me a chance to put that knowledge into practice. I have also been able to assist my colleagues with their English language learning by working closely with them, a task that is very rewarding to me.  Rhiannon Tabaka, Graduate Diploma in Archaeology, February 2008

Alain Gough-Olaya is an exchange student from Leicester University studying in Australia at Flinders University for a semester: