International Student Story - Prakriti Nanda
Prakriti Nanda is a student in the Master of Applied Project Management program. Prakiti tells us about her life in Adelaide and the new hobbies she's picked up during COVID-19 restrictions.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m from Delhi, India. I came to Australia one year ago to pursue a Master of Applied Project Management. I have always been a big city person, so adjusting to Adelaide took a while for me. However, after a few months, I become a fan of the University of Adelaide campus, the scenic Adelaide Hills, and the varieties of Adelaide Hills wines and gins. I have always been a strong believer of helping the community and understanding the local culture so I have been actively volunteering from day one of my studies. I am a Student Ambassador in the domestic recruitment team, which has taught me a lot about the schooling structure in Australia and allowed me to interact with other students. I am also an International Peer Mentor in the Faculty of Professions where I am mentoring multiple groups of students.
What is your goal once you have completed your degree?
I want to stay in Australia, and work in an Australian firm where I can experience the Australian work culture. I would love to work as a project manager, or in any similar field. Since I have already experienced the work culture of India when I worked at IBM, I want to see the work culture around here, and how I can practically apply what I’m currently learning to real projects.
How have you adapted to learning online?
Well, it’s fun and more comfortable. It took me a while but now I’m used to it and kind of enjoy it. I feel it’s more comfortable doing online classes in your own space with a coffee on the side.
What support have you received from the University of Adelaide during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The University has been very generous. I got international support packages for food, IT support and some quick funds. I feel the University has also positively supported my mental health during this time as well.
Have you learnt any new skills from studying online in the past semester?
I think studying online gives more opportunity for you to interact one-on-one with your lecturer, and I feel more focused in online classes.
Have you picked up any new hobbies since spending more time at home?
I have started to do gardening, at the moment I'm growing strawberries and lettuce. I have also started cooking, and I find it fun and satisfying to cook dishes from different cuisines. I enjoy cooking Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
What do you miss about home?
Family, food and my cat. I really miss going out and meeting my friends in the evening, or going for a quick snack, or catching up to go see a movie. Enjoying relaxing and calming tea breaks with my family is also something I miss. I also sometimes miss shopping in my favourite shops!
Speed round!
Zoom or in-person?
In-person.
What's your go-to study music?
'Breaking Me' by Topic featuring A7S.
Adelaide Hills or Adelaide's beaches?
Adelaide Hills for sure! The vineyards are beautiful.
Home delivery or home-cooked?
Both actually, but home cooked a bit more often.
Reading books or streaming TV/movies?
I have actually been watching a Turkish TV series during the COVID-19 restrictions, I like a show called Resurrection: Ertuğrul. It's awesome, and after watching this series I'm definitely more into watching TV now!
3 things you won't miss about COVID-19 restrictions?
- Face masks
- Social restrictions
- Not being able to travel
3 things you won't forget about COVID-19?
- My addiction to gardening!
- Video calling my friends and family
- Not being able to go to night clubs