UniSA International
When Economic Science student Konrad Kornder decided to embark on a
one-year study exchange program, he was attracted to Australia’s image
of "sun, surf, and wildlife".
With ambitions to combine study with travel, Konrad has certainly done just that. Since arriving in January, he's managed to see more of Australia than most Australians. Perth, Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne, Uluru. He's even gone trekking in the Blue Mountains and scuba diving in Cairns.
After almost a year down under, Konrad has become a big admirer of the Australian lifestyle. "You are only here for a short time, so you have to make the most of it," he says.
"I got involved with the UniSA Students Association, and they have heaps of recreational activities. I joined the rock-climbing and board riding club. We take our boards 'down south', about an hours drive, where the best waves are."
Lucky that he keeps active, because his other newfound love - the great Aussie sausage roll - needs a lot of burning off.
Konrad says that what drew him to UniSA was its international flair. His classmates are from Asia, India, America, "everywhere". He even lives in a share house with seven other international students.
"We have a really big house, it’s like a big family, and it’s great because there is always someone home. I have a push bike, and its 10 minutes ride to the beach and 10 minutes to the city. And if I am going to Uni by public transport, the Go-Zones on the main roads mean I don’t have to wait anymore than 15 minutes for the bus."
"Campus Central was a great go-to point when you need to speak to someone. The staff there provided me with heaps of info and directed me to things. When I arrived, they helped me find temporary accommodation at a great hostel, which is where I met my housemates. Accommodation was really easy to find in the paper as well."
Another service of the Uni that came in handy was the UniSA Students Association.
"You can borrow free camping equipment, so we took that to Kangaroo Island and Innes National Park on the Yorke Peninsula."
"Adelaide is so relaxed - it’s a great place for studying and living. My favourite watering hole is the Grace Emily, on Monday nights they have 'Billy Bobs' BBQ Jam', and for a gold coin donation you get to watch live bands and eat a barbeque."
Konrad says that UniSA’s online environment makes everything more accessible, and is a very handy "one-stop-shop" for open learning.
"Getting in contact with academics is really easy through the internet, and I can send off an email to my Professors and always get a quick reply. The 24/ 7 computer pools are something new to me and so useful. I have done a few night shifts before an assignment is due!
"The best thing about the courses I am taking here is that I learn very international perspectives on business and economics - something that is not taught at my home University, and will give me an edge in human resources management, especially in our globalised world."
But despite being a keen business student, Konrad admits his favourite experience in South Australia hasn’t been spent in a lecture theatre or a computer pool.
"My friends and I went on a road trip to Darwin during our study break. We took three cars up there. We could only stay for three days, but it was more about the journey. The scenery was amazing. Camping outdoor is something very unique. Germany is very crowded, wherever you go, so being on land that is uninhabited was really different and exciting."
Konrad Kornder
International Exchange Student Program, 2006
For further information about UniSA programs, use Enquire Online, email international.office@unisa.edu.au or check out our UniSA International website.
