- Home
- International Student Information
- Elmari Whyte
Elmari Whyte
 |
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Student Testimonial
Student Testimonial
Student:
Ms Elmari Whyte
Home Country:
South Africa
Program of Study:
Adv Master of International Studies (Peace and Conflict Resolution)
Time of enrolment:
2007 - 2008
How would summarize your experience studying at UQ?
I graduated with an Advanced Master of International Studies (Peace and Conflict Resolution) from the University of Queensland in 2008. The program proved the perfect vehicle to build on and combine my previous studies with my experience as a junior diplomat in South Africa. It also provided me with the opportunity to learn from some of the experts in the fields of international relations and conflict resolution – both in the form of lecturers and fellow students. The participation of the Rotary Peace Fellows in the program not only ensured a significant international contingent in the classroom, but one that is particularly diverse and experienced in numerous areas pertaining to peace and conflict studies. The synergy between the students made every class unique and greatly enhanced my overall learning experience. The high calibre of the teaching staff challenged and inspired me as a student, and I observed a definite improvement in my research and writing skills throughout the course of studies. At the end of the two year program, I found myself with a postgraduate degree from one of the leading universities in my field of study and friends on every continent in the world except Antarctica.
What do you particularly enjoy about your program?
The calibre of the teaching staff and my fellow students. The participation of the Rotary Peace Fellows and other international students in the program truly enhanced my learning experience.
The calibre of the teaching staff and my fellow students. The participation of the Rotary Peace Fellows and other international students in the program truly enhanced my learning experience.
What advice would you offer to students wanting to enrol in your field of study?
That UQ is a leader in the field of peace and conflict resolution, and regarded as such by its peers. So, I would therefore encourage any students with a passion for the field to consider studying at UQ. Some of the courses have a significant practical side to them (predominantly role playing activities), so if that does not appeal to you, the International Relations major might be a better option than the Peace and Conflict Resolution major
That UQ is a leader in the field of peace and conflict resolution, and regarded as such by its peers. So, I would therefore encourage any students with a passion for the field to consider studying at UQ. Some of the courses have a significant practical side to them (predominantly role playing activities), so if that does not appeal to you, the International Relations major might be a better option than the Peace and Conflict Resolution major
What have been some of the highlights/memorable experiences of your time at UQ (academic/professional/social)?
Growing as a student - I could see my skills improve throughout my studies. Getting married and having an entire table of my fellow-students at the wedding, many of whom I did not even know six months earlier! Going from UQ student to a UQ employee...
What are your career aspirations?
To become UQ's Academic Registrar, maybe? Seriously, though, I would like to combine my administrative experience at UQ with my experiences as a UQ student and junior diplomat in South Africa to grow and become as effective an employee of UQ as I possibly can, regardless of my official title.
To become UQ's Academic Registrar, maybe? Seriously, though, I would like to combine my administrative experience at UQ with my experiences as a UQ student and junior diplomat in South Africa to grow and become as effective an employee of UQ as I possibly can, regardless of my official title.
Why did you choose to study in Australia?
Quite honestly, because my partner was here. I had travelled to Australia on two previous occasions - one of which was my first trip overseas when I was 16 and knew that I would enjoy myself here. The culture is very similar to South Africa's in many ways.
Quite honestly, because my partner was here. I had travelled to Australia on two previous occasions - one of which was my first trip overseas when I was 16 and knew that I would enjoy myself here. The culture is very similar to South Africa's in many ways.
How is a UQ degree perceived in your home country?
Very well. Suffice it to say that if I returned to the Foreign Service now, I would almost automatically go in at a higher rank.
Very well. Suffice it to say that if I returned to the Foreign Service now, I would almost automatically go in at a higher rank.
How did studying at UQ help you to develop your English language skills (if applicable)?
Even though I consider my English skills on par with that of my mother tongue, Afrikaans, my English writing skill differently improved during the course of my studies.
Even though I consider my English skills on par with that of my mother tongue, Afrikaans, my English writing skill differently improved during the course of my studies.
What advice would you offer to other students from your country thinking about studying in Australia?
Not to convert prices in AUD back to South African Rand! (Australia is very expensive compared to South Africa when you don't take into consideration the differences in average income). I would definitely encourage other South Africans to study in Australia. Both countries share a love for beaches, sport and barbecues. Despite these similarities that are always raised when speaking about these two countries, there are also many differences. I truly appreciate the public transport system in Brisbane, which is something I'm sure South Africans who have not lived in Europe, the US or UK also would. Australia is also much less formal than South Africa in many ways - I still struggle to get used to members of the media referring to Ministers or even the Prime Minister by their first name.
Not to convert prices in AUD back to South African Rand! (Australia is very expensive compared to South Africa when you don't take into consideration the differences in average income). I would definitely encourage other South Africans to study in Australia. Both countries share a love for beaches, sport and barbecues. Despite these similarities that are always raised when speaking about these two countries, there are also many differences. I truly appreciate the public transport system in Brisbane, which is something I'm sure South Africans who have not lived in Europe, the US or UK also would. Australia is also much less formal than South Africa in many ways - I still struggle to get used to members of the media referring to Ministers or even the Prime Minister by their first name.
On this site
- Home
- International Student Information
- Elmari Whyte
