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town, country: Horten, Norway
Through the partnership between Hanne Andresen’s home university in Norway and the University of South Australia, Hanne had the opportunity to undertake part of her Nursing degree abroad.
The clinical placement at Flinders Medical Centre was a highlight for Hanne. “It gave me an excellent insight into Australian health care, mental health in particular and provided experiences different from what I would have had at home.”
“My placement at Flinders Medical Centre involved working in the mental health ward. I would start the day at 7am – pretty early! But it gave me the opportunity to follow a normal working day for someone in my future field of work when I finish my studies in 6 months time.”
“Throughout the day I would focus on patient-nurse interaction and sit in on consultations with the treatment team. When there was less to do I would write up assignments or meet with my facilitator.”
“The placement was of most interest to me since I consider it to be the best way to learn a profession like nursing. You can study and read – but it’s not until you meet real people that you experience the effects of your actions.”
Hanne found contact with teachers and facilitators easy and helpful. “It was great to get feed back as quickly as I did when emailing them.”
Study Abroad is an opportunity to experience living as well as studying in a different place. For Hanne this meant sharing an apartment in Glenelg with another Norwegian student and the nightly highlight of watching the sun set over the ocean from her balcony. “I would have liked to live in Adelaide for longer, however, during the time I was there I got to know parts of the city. I found getting around Adelaide really easy.”
And Hanne’s advice to other Study Abroad students: “If you haven’t studied or travelled in Australia before; take the opportunity to see the country while you’re there!”
Hanne Andresen
International Study Abroad Program, 2008
For further information about UniSA programs, use Enquire Online, email international.office@unisa.edu.au or check out our UniSA International website.
