Elizar

Master of Education (Maths & Technology)

Advice: It is hard leaving your country for the first time to a place where you know no one and everyone speaks a different language. You experience culture shock in a sudden. As an international student, I also had the same experience and I hope the following steps will assist you to survive in your first week in Adelaide. First step is, keep in touch with the people in your home country to reduce your homesickness and the second step is, keep smiling and be friendly. At the end, you will find that coming to Adelaide was the best decision ever!

Integration: Meeting new people from different countries and backgrounds is so interesting. All you have to do is to be open and try to talk to many people to learn their culture. It will broaden your horizon and you will be surprised at a bunch of new information you have never heard before. However, you should also maintain your culture. In addition, practice your English as much as possible to boost your confidence in communicating with others in order to be successful in your integration.

Indonesia

Mohsen

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil & Structural)

Advice: It is all right if you feel alone for first couple of weeks that’s why Peer Mentors are here to help you! My advice is to find as many friends as you can, especially from different backgrounds. Don’t just hang out with people who talk your language. Adelaide is a beautiful city with people from all over the world and I am 100% sure that you will like it here. One more thing, remember you are here to follow your dreams and in order to be successful, it is better to get involved with the study from day one!

Integration: If you want to enjoy the new culture just remember you need a little bit of cultural endurance and mutual understanding. Sometimes ‘Aussie Culture’ may sound strange, but in general they are lovely people.

Iran

Augustine

Master of Engineering (Advanced) (Chemical)

Advice: When you are stressed at a new environment, do not panic, rather have a pleasing smile on your face. That way, your stress is halved. It worked for me, when I was stressed on my first day in Adelaide. You have lot of resources and people here, around you to help you. Only thing you need to do is, to keep a cool head and be friendly to all. Make sure you speak your mind and let others know what you are really after. Make many friends and enjoy your days in Adelaide. It's really a good place to be in.

Integration: It is actually getting along with multiple cultures. You have a huge opportunity here to learn other cultures. To do so, join in the Adelaide Student Union and other student clubs, thereby you are exposed to a lot of people and get a chance to move along with them. It is real fun!

Jennifer

Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)

Advice: Always be yourself and never be afraid to open up to new people. New people are friendlier than you could imagine and it only takes one smile to say hello! This step into the University of Adelaide is an important milestone, so don’t be afraid to step up to any challenges that may be in your way. Strive until you achieve what you set out to do, try new things and enjoy the adventure that comes with it!

Integration: Acceptance of other people’s differences and the mutual understanding that is shared between them. Try to surround yourself in this new, unfamiliar culture. If cultural conflicts do exist, rather than see this in a negative light, try to understand the difference and always be open minded.

Will

Bachelor of Commerce

Advice: Take advantage of opportunities to go out and try to meet as many people as you can, local and international. Adelaide may seem boring at times but stay positive and be open minded, the more you get out and about and experience, the more there is to enjoy.

Integration: Coming to accept and assimilate into the way of life of different people. Mixing with different students and people from many different cultures and becoming comfortable with the environment around you.

Yimeng (Emon)

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Corporate Finance)

Advice: Do not struggle with difficulties on your own and seek as many opportunities as possible to be involved! You can get help and assistance in organising yourself from experienced people. Take full advantage of all the facilities at Uni and all the support available to you. You will be exposed to a dynamic learning environment, preparing yourself for future challenges. Finally, do not forget to manage your time to seek a balance between your study and life. It must be interesting as well as rewarding.

Integration: When in Rome, do as the Romans do! When in Australia, do as the Australians do! This would probably be the best way to adapt yourself to the new environment quickly and easily. Always keep your mind open for various exciting and interesting culture, even though you have never experienced before. Additionally, taking the opportunity to be involved in various community events, starting with the Peer Mentor Program, is a great way of integrating.

Jonson

Bachelor of Environment Policy and Management

Advice: One of the hardest parts of settling into Australia is familiarising yourself to the culture here. A strategy to adapt that I would recommend is to get yourself involved in the community. By doing so you will expose yourself to a variety of diverse cultures that exist in Australia. Join a sports team or a club (or two), help out the community by volunteering, be an active participant in a social community, and if possible, maybe apply for a part time job. Few of the many benefits include improving your English, meeting new people, and most importantly, the experience you get out of it. They can also be beneficial in your overall academic performance, for example your language skills, confidence, and overall knowledge. Of course this is not the only way. We Peer Mentors speak for our experiences here, so be sure to check out other's advice!

Integration: What really made Australia a culturally diverse nation is through active involvement of people from all sorts of cultural background. They are willing to share their own beliefs and practices, as well as participate in other's. We all have a part to play in society, and you will be missing out a lot if you conceive yourself within your personal space. So be active, get involved, integrate yourself!

Mike

Master of Wine Business

Advice: From my Study Abroad experiences, I found that the best way to get over home sickness was by making new friends. The quickest way to make new friends and to meet Australians would be to get involved in the activities that are on offer at the University and the clubs. There are numerous clubs that will host several social events throughout the year and there are also a number of sports clubs that are unusual, but a lot of fun.

Integration: In my opinion involves being open to experiencing and accepting the new cultural differences, which awaits you in Australia!

Laurean

Bachelor of International Studies

Integration: Showing respect to the host culture but not abandoning all your own values in favour of that of the local one. It is about adapting in way that does not harm or offend the beliefs of the people in the new country but does not make one feel completely cut off from the old one. What is important to keep in mind is that you are a guest in a different culture so try to adapt to that or at least try to understand that culture.

Kerry

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) with Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences

Advice: Even if sometimes in a new city you can feel lonely, just remember you're never actually alone (unless you want to be, in which case it is possible). There are lots of people in the same situation, all you have to do is find them. Some ways to do this include joining sporting groups, hobby groups or (my favourite) the chocolate group. Even try different things in the area you live, that way you will know people at Uni and in your local area. And if all else fails, there’s always us Peer Mentors to help you find people in a similar situation, or even just for a chat.

Integration: Naturally people feel more comfortable with people of their own culture, and to a lesser extent religion. But from my own experiences I have found that meeting and getting to know people from different backgrounds is an opportunity not to be missed. The easiest way to integrate personally with new people is to keep an open mind, take any opportunities to be a part of your new environment and remember not to take anything too seriously, have fun!

Justine

Bachelor of Science

Advice: The one thing I wish I knew before going to Uni was that you have to try to make friends. After high school you have been with the same people for probably 5 years so you forget what its like. Go on all the pub crawls! It’s the best way to get to know people outside of the more ‘serious’ Uni lecture environment. Chat to people in your tutorials before or after they begin. Ask people about themselves. Be friendly and up for everything because it makes Uni life so much easier when you have people to talk to about assignments and to share a beer with.

Integration: When coming to any new country you need to hang out with the locals (rather than just with other international students) if you want to get to know the area. They know the best places to eat, drink, shop and most likely will want to show you why Adelaide is so great! Take any chances you get to go on excursions too.

Vincent

Bachelor of Science

Advice: Talk to other students and get to know them. Remember that there is no question you can't ask no matter what it sounds like. Get to know the University and life outside by talking to people and finding out the best places to go.

Integration: Coming together of all different cultures and people from all walks of life with each taking the best parts to then combine and learn from one another.

Yiqing

Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications) / Bachelor of Laws

Advice: Be open and try to make as many friends as you can. You should believe Adelaide is such a great place studying and living. Spend some time travelling around Australia and don't spend too much time to chatting with your overseas friends. Another important thing is go to your lectures as much as you can, you will get lots advice from them.

Integration: Look beyond your circle of friends; try to meet people from other cultural or ethnic backgrounds. It is important to respect other people and learn something from their culture. Also try to speak English as much as you can, especially with people from your first language.

Eva

Master of Accounting & Finance

Advice: Have faith in yourself, no matter what you'll come across in the future. You ve already made it here and there is nothing else you can't get it through. Try to make acquaintances with new people. You can always learn more from people than books. Questions are welcomed here. Australians don't like keeping questions to themselves. Just speak out. Life here can be challenging but you are going to love it!

Integration: Be tolerant to the cultural diversity in Australia. That is also a reason that you can enjoy the food all over the world here. Be involved as a part and have fun!

Ryan

Bachelor of Commerce with Bachelor of International Studies

Advice: Be open to new experiences, be warm and friendly to new people, and get involved with campus life. Attending lectures and tutorials is a great way to make new friends, which will make your stay at Adelaide Uni much more enjoyable. Also, if you are having difficulties with your studies or understanding the way the University works, ask someone for help! Lecturers and tutors are there to make you succeed in class, not to do badly.

Integration: The best way you can integrate into Adelaide Uni is by making new friends. Make the first move and talk to new people. Adelaide Uni is extremely diverse in terms of cultural groups, so mix with as many different people as possible! Relax, enjoy yourself and be proactive and you will be sure to have a great time.

Angie

Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology)

Advice: Have a great time in Adelaide but get organised and stay on top of study. Talk to people, it's the best way to make new friends. Adelaide has a lot to offer, so get together with some friends and explore. Don't be shy in asking questions, especially when you don't understand something or someone.

Integration: To me integration incorporates a number of things such as feeling like a place is home and that you belong to the community. Its little things as well, like bumping into someone you know whilst at Uni or window shopping in Rundle Mall. It's picking up Australian habits that at first seem 'bizzaar' and rather different from those habits that you came to Adelaide with. It's being open to new things. It's understanding, 'Whaddaya reckon about brekky at Maccas cos I reckon it'd be heaps good,' but it's also helping out a mate in need. It's when you can't quite answer the question, 'Where are you from?' without telling people your story.

Australia

Jon

Bachelor of International Studies with Bachelor of Economics

Advice: It can be scary being in a new country, and it takes you time to adapt. Remember across campus and outside it, there are people willing to help you; just as you may want to learn from Australian culture so too do Australians want to learn from yours. Take the time to get help if you are having trouble, and above all, enjoy yourself, and try new things.

Integration: The key thing is to find a balance. Don't think that just because you are in a different country you have to abandon your own identity and your own way of doing things, but, conversely, it is important to respect the customs and expectations of the country you are in. This can be little things an appropriate level of body contact, for example or much bigger things. There are always going to be people ready to help you with this, but don't lose your own identity in the process!

Kay

PhD in Sciences

Integration: In practical terms, integration into multicultural Australia requires an active effort you have to be open and to reach out to others rather than expecting others to come to you first, as well as to understand and respect the inevitable differences between different cultures rather than to impose your own set of values and thoughts on others. It would be extremely useful to learn up some Australian slang as the locals use a lot of colloquial expressions in their conversations!

Integration does not take place overnight it takes time to adapt to different cultures, languages spoken, or even the changing climate. But when you are there, your life in Australia and the university experience would be mind blowing and invaluable, and Adelaide would be a city you could actually feel a sense of belonging!

Mo

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

Advice: Living in a new country can be absolutely confronting. You may not notice it, but little things you have to deal with may turn out to be negative experience, especially when the culture, the life-style and the people are all new to you. However, always remember you are not alone! There are heaps of help out there!! There are people in the Uni, in your own school who are willing and ready to help, just like us! All you need to do is ask. Remember you are here to achieve and succeed. Keep trying and making efforts, don t let other things get in your way!

China

Joey

Bachelor of Psychological Science

Advice: Being away from the hometown that you are familiar with and stepping out of the comfort zone sounds daunting and challenging. Don't worry! It's just the transition period into University, a whole new chapter of your life! Networking is very important. It's best to keep an open mind and get to know a wide range of people and make friends. University life is doubly as hard without some friends around to share it with you.

Integration: Aussie Culture is going to be different from the culture of your home country. Besides that, you will be able to meet people from different backgrounds, religions, cultures and races. Be open in understanding a new culture and at the same time respect the differences between these cultures.

Faith

Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws

Advice: Being a new student you have every opportunity open to you in this lovely University and this beautiful city. The University offers lots of activities all year around and Adelaide is a city full of surprises if you are keen to explore.

Integration: I've learned enough about a place and the people around me to feel confident in expressing my thoughts and ideas, while my surroundings also appreciate the way I am. I've integrated by observing the environment, attending social activities and developing my set of routines within this new environment.

Aushim

Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) with Bachelor of Finance

Advice: Be the first to step forward in any activity for the opportunity of studying in Australia comes only once in your lifetime! Be confident among a diverse group of people and make a great first impression!

Intergration: Mixing among students of various ethnical and cultural backgrounds and being able to distinguish yourself, yet enjoying yourself together with them. It is the ability of making friends from outside your own community and being able to mingle comfortably within the local community.

Hilda

Bachelor of Economics / Bachelor of Laws

Advice: University usually presents a totally different atmosphere from that which most new students are used to. The best way to cope with it all is to embrace the experience positively. Strive to get the most out of the University and the greater Adelaide community as much as possible because it presents rich opportunities and diverse cultures. Don t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because campus life can be confronting. Remember that help is always around when you need it.

Integration: The fusing of different unique backgrounds, cultures and experiences with a positive end in mind. University life presents a healthy environment for such fusion to take place. For successful integration to occur, one has to have respect for others ideals, cultures and religions. It does not necessarily entail changing one s opinions; it only requires that we acknowledge that the world is diverse and that this diversity presents itself in the university community. The best way to be part of it all is to socialize, observe, ask and respect.

Emmanuel

Bachelor of Commerce (Corporate Finance) / Bachelor of Laws

Advice: Adelaide is a great place to study. Because it is a small city, it is easy to get around and there are not too many people, but at the same time it has everything a student needs for their convenience. My advice for new students is to take advantage of the opportunities and facilities offered at the University. There are many clubs, academic groups and sports to get involved with here at the University of Adelaide. Participating in these activities will contribute to a balanced educational experience that would look good on any resume.

Integration: It's all about being open to new cultures and experiences. It doesn t always mean taking up a new way of doing things, but always means seeing the world from another point of view. At University, this may mean socialising with people of different cultures, talking to local students or just having a warm smile on your face.

Sarah

Master of Arts (Research)

Advise: Be fully prepared for your first day. It will make adjusting to University go a lot more smoothly. Scope out where every lecture theatre and seminar room will be ahead of term time so you re not walking around panicking on your first day of class. Learn where all the great places to eat are (Union House, Rundle Mall), were the toilets are on campus (usually in the foyer of every building), and how the library works. With that under your belt, you first day will be a breeze!

Integration: In Australia, community revolves chiefly around the beach, the pub, the footy oval and to a lesser extent, the shopping centre. Making friends with people in these places is a great opportunity to learn about Australian culture.

Matt

Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) with Bachelor of Science

Advice: Feel free to ask for help or advice while at the University. A lot of (both local and overseas) students find it hard to talk to lecturers, other students, course advisors etc as they feel that their questions are unintelligent or are a waste of time and will not be answered sufficiently, or will just simply be flatly rejected. This is especially true in lectures, whereby students often sit rigid and quiet not bothering to enquire about any incidentals or extension questions about the work they are doing. Lecturer's especially love people to be inquisitive about the implications of the work they are teaching. So go on, break the mould, and ask away!

Integration: A euphemism for making the most of the opportunities presented to you here at the University of Adelaide. You may ony get one chance to study (and/or travel) overseas, and so to spend that time enclosed in your bedroom studying is of no real benefit. By getting out of your comfort zone, making all efforts to experience the fantastically varied and vibrant culture that Adelaide has to offer, you will not only have the time of your life, but develop the 'life skills' employers seek desperately: great communication skills, and the ability to adapt easily to new and changing environments and situations. So study, but try not to over-do it!

Takako

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Bachelor of Laws

Advice: I would advise the new students to get involved with as many activities as possible and meet as many people as possible in their first year. Don t be scared to try new things and meet new people. Study is obviously very important as university lecturers and tutors are not the same as high school teachers and will not spoon-feed you. However, it is important to have a balance between study and your social life.

Integration: Keep an open mind and accept there are people from so many different countries, cultures and races, with different values and backgrounds. Importantly, treat others as you would like to be treated.

Valentina

Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)

Advice: When you first arrive here, it might get a little bit overwhelming. Don t panic! Breathe 'IN' and 'OUT.' Find those who will help and listen. Create your own support network. There are plenty of international students as well as locals who are ready to help. Use University services and facilities and just reach out for new friendships. And soon you will feel it all coming back together again. Adelaide opens so many doors for exciting opportunities. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself and embrace those opportunities; just get out of your comfort zone! In the end you will be rewarded with unforgettable memories, life-long friendships and priceless experience. But at the same time do not lose focus on the goal ahead. Magical atmosphere of this country might lead you many different ways but always remember where you come from and where you going to.

Integration: Unity in diversity. It's about the unique qualities and wisdom of your own culture combined with valuable experience of the new country. Integration is about contributing to the process. Bringing your own distinctive qualities and skills and at the same time staying open to new ideas. It is about being able to respect opinions of others and ultimately achieve common good. In the age of global integration it is essential to learn effective cross-cultural communication, acceptance and mutual reciprocity. And I am sure you will master the art of integration as you go along the path of your university experience.

Shefat

Master of Agricultural Science

Advice: Try to meet and talk as much as you can with new people over here. Also try to join most of the social events. It will help you a lot in making yourself integrated with local culture and customs.

Integration: To understand and adapt ourselves to new cultures and customs. It can be achieved simply by meeting with others and enjoying the cultural and social events.

Glenn

Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws, Diploma in Languages

Advice: Come with an open mind and be prepared to go outside of your comfort zone. Make the most of your time in Adelaide to meet new people, share new experiences and learn new things. I would recommend getting involved in University sports, clubs or activities, as they are a great way to make friends and enjoy yourself. On the academic side of University, make sure you go to the first lectures for your courses as they will set out what is involved throughout the semester. Finally, although living in a foreign country can be daunting at times, stay positive and do not be afraid to ask people for help.

Integration: Mixing into a society and culture. In terms of living and studying in Adelaide, this not only means familiarising yourself with the city and University but also making an effort to get involved and experiencing what our culture has to offer.

Jasmin

Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Laws

Integration: Getting to know your new surroundings and the people in them and then finding where your place is in this new environment. New students - don't worry if it is taking a little while to settle in. You will soon make friends, find your way around and have many wonderful experiences. It will happen!! Just come with an open mind, a positive attitude and a big smile and you'll be right!! Looking forward to seeing you around campus!

CQ

PhD in Sciences

Advice: Don t be afraid to try something new and try to get yourself involved in activities. It will help you to integrate into this university, gain valuable experience and of course, make new friends. Don't panic when you encounter any problem, it is always good to seek advice from uni staff or anyone from the university. You will be amazed how kind and how useful they can be to you.

Integration: Being open-minded, accepting diversity and respecting different points of view from people that share different background, religion and culture with us. This doesn t mean that you need to live in your own comfort zone, try to reach out and interact with people from different countries and have fun!

Minh

Bachelor of Commerce (International Business)

Advice: Be prepared to spend more time studying because many international students probably find it a bit difficult to understand the academic literature written in English at first. In case you have any problem with your course contents or do not know how to work out assignments, you should contact your tutors or friends to seek help. Do not feel hesitate to ask because if you let the misunderstandings remain unsolved, you will definitely struggle in the final exam.

Integration: The world is integrated and globalised more than ever and studying at Uni Adelaide will give you a first hand experience of integration. To integrate well with people from different backgrounds, a sound understanding and respect of peoples values, beliefs and ideas are key. What is more, you need to be active getting to know people, or else you will find yourself bored and lonely. Try speaking to students sitting next to you in lectures or tutorials and make friends with them. Perhaps saying hello to them in their first language will be a good start of a friendship. In addition, join the AUU (Adelaide University Union), OSA (Overseas Student Association) or various student clubs to get in touch with both local and international student community.

Naomi

Bachelor of Design Studies

Advice: Being a student in Adelaide is all about finding out where the cheapest places to eat are, knowing the best places to go and generally how to save money and time with your student card. The best way to find out all this information is by speaking to local students and getting involved in student activities and just taking time to explore and get to know the city. Use the programs and opportunities offered by the University because they usually are pretty helpful!

Integration: Just ask lots of questions of your fellow students! It helps the local students make an effort and it is a great way to meet new people and get involved in Adelaide University life.

Dannie

Bachelor of Science

Advice: Living overseas alone is quite challenging, but you can learn a lot as you go. And in the end, you will be proud of yourself at what you achieve through this experience. Be open-minded to the difference, be friendly to people, smile a lot, and enjoy yourself in this new city and new country! Personally, I believe studying abroad is not only a good opportunity to acquire knowledge, but also to have fun, make friends and improve your social skills, which are very important as well. As an international student, remember that your uniqueness is an advantage and keep confident even under difficulties.

Integration: Find the people who have a common interest with you and spend time developing your hobbies. Joining the uni clubs you are interested in is a good way to spend time and make friends. For some international students who are seeking local friends, feel free to join any uni activities that interest you and talk with people whenever you want to. Aussies are pretty laid-back. Making friends with people who are interested in your language or cultural background through language and cultural exchange programs could be a good kick- off.

Jun

Bachelor of Media

Advice: I believe that studying at University isn't just about completing a degree and then moving on to the career you want to pursue. Studying at University is a valuable opportunity to explore who you really are and what you really enjoy doing for your career. It is also a valuable opportunity to explore different cultures while getting to know more about your own culture through making friends with people from different socio-cultural backgrounds. As a new student of the University of Adelaide, you should take time and be patient to familiarise yourself with the University environment and meet as many new people as you can during the orientation weeks and throughout the semesters.

A new and unfamiliar University environment is often a challenge for most new students; however, remember not to be shy to ask for help when you need it. There are always nice people around campus to help you out! When you have questions, you just need to ask! It may seem to take a long time to complete a degree; nevertheless, you will finish University so soon without even realising it. This is because time flies! So, enjoy your time being a university student, be open to others and be prepared for the challenges you may encounter! Good luck!

Integration: Getting to know a culture that is different from your own and in the meanwhile respecting the people with different socio-cultural backgrounds. Integrating into a new culture isn t always easy, but you will be fine. All it takes is just time and patience to seek a sense of belonging in a new cultural environment. The key to successfully and comfortably integrating into university environment or Adelaide (if you are from other countries or other states) is just being able to be open to others! Be open to explore different cultures, be open to meet different people and be open to let others get to know more about you!

Alex

Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical & Electronic) with Bachelor of Finance

Advice: Nothing is impossible, you can achieve whatever you want if you set your mind upon it. Cherish your University experience, be adventurous to new elements in your life, meanwhile, have a balanced life. The most important rule: enjoy your study and have fun!

Integration: The ability to fit in the local community and adapt to the new environment in a short period of time. Getting involved in extra-curricular activities would be a good start. Also making many friends would always be pleasant.

Zixiang (John)

Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)

Advice: Never try, never gain! As long as you keep trying and keep a positive attitude, you will be easy going and make a lot of new friends from different cultural backgrounds.

Integration: There are lots of events happening at Adelaide Uni such as BBQs on Barr Smith Lawn, social clubs, O'Ball, Multicultural Week and etc. That is where you can easily meet new people and get along with new friends. Orientation week is the first event your guys will see Aussie Life at Uni when you just arrive. So do not miss out your chance to enjoy yourself and make new friends!