My name is Samantha Meyer and I am from Canada . I completed my Honours BA in Anthropology at McMaster University in Hamilton , Canada and decided to study abroad for my post-graduate work. I am currently enrolled in the PhD program at Flinders and I am completing the 3 rd year of my candidature. My experiences at Flinders have been incredible in terms of the facilities, staff and support systems.
Doing a PhD within the Discipline of Public Health has been a wonderful experience. The brand new facilities are an excellent place to work and communicate with other higher degrees students. The department also runs PhD support programs where PhD students meet each month to present their research ideas/presentations/writing. In addition, the support program provides an excellent forum where students can voice their concerns in confidence.
In addition to support from other students, I have found the staff within the Discipline of Public Health to be tremendously supportive. The administration and teaching staff have been extremely efficient, helpful, and willing to go the extra mile to support students during the highs and lows of their PhD.
There are also services within Flinders University that are very beneficial to PhD students. The Research Higher Degrees committee runs programs specifically for PhD students. I have enrolled in several courses which I have found to improve my skills as a higher degrees student including how to write a literature review, public speaking, introduction to EndNote, introduction to SPSS, introduction to Nvivo and many others. Not only do these courses build your skills but they also help you to meet PhD students from different departments and disciplines. It is a great way to network and make contact throughout the university.
Another useful service and Flinders is the International Student Services Unit (ISSU). As an International student I have found the ISSU staff to be not only incredibly involved in the student body by organising activities for international students, but they have also been very supportive regarding visa requirements, enrolment, and providing information about living in Adelaide.
If you are interested in public health, I would recommend that you look through the numerous research projects being carried on within Flinders Discipline of Public Health and contact staff with whom you may be interested in working with.
