28 September 2023
While a whim and a moment of spontaneity may have drawn Linus Ta, 25, to picturesque Adelaide, it’s a decision he continues to cherish.
The Vietnam native, hailing from Ho Chi Minh City, was eager to explore more of Australia after experiencing Melbourne’s peak lockdown period.
Attracted to the University of South Australia by its comprehensive Master of Architecture, which is professionally accredited1 along with being spurred on by a close friend, who had touted Adelaide as an affordable and welcoming city, Linus made the move in 2021.
Adelaide the “humble” city
"Adelaide is very humble,” Linus says. “Everyone here is quite friendly.
“Adelaide is also a very flexible city because if I want the vibe of a city, I can get that and if I want a getaway, I can get that too with Adelaide’s landscapes.”
As for his degree, Linus, a first year Master of Architecture student, says it has not been without its struggles.
“I have had quite a good experience. There’s been a few ups and downs because of the workload but it’s part of the learning process,” he says.
UniSA tutors “very empathetic”
Despite the piling up of assignments, Linus says he’s been astonished by the level of care his tutors have demonstrated.
“I remember, for one of my first classes, I was running late and I was panicking but my tutors were very empathetic and very understanding and one of the tutor’s actively reached out to me.
"She organised another student to help me attend the class virtually with their laptop,” he says. “It was a very good first impression of the University.”
Linus says he’s also really enjoyed the structure of his degree. “It’s very thorough and step-by-step, which is super helpful.”
UniSA’s architecture students work in award-winning, purpose-designed facilities, including dedicated design studios and workshops that are accessible 24/7. UniSA’s art and design facilities are ranked top 5 in Australia2.
Sights set on gaining Australian experience
Linus, who labels himself as “not much of a planner”, says he is, however, eager to apply his architectural knowledge to an Australian organisation after the completion of his degree.
“If I could be involved in a company that is helping create pavilions or community spaces that would be fantastic.”
His advice for prospective students particularly those from his homeland is to ask questions.
“It’s very important because in my culture we consider we are very shy so sometimes we are afraid to be wrong and therefore, when we think about asking questions we keep asking ourselves, ‘okay if I ask this question, will other people judge me?’ so it prevents us from asking questions,” he says.
“If we ask straightaway and someone knows the answer or has experienced the situations we’ve been through, then the problem will be solved much quicker.
“So it’s very important to just ask.”
Success in learning from mistakes
He urges students to be courageous.
“Don’t be afraid and go with the flow. If you make a mistake that’s okay, you go back, you learn from it.”
Linus is a University of South Australia student ambassador from Vietnam. He is part of a group of students who are available to chat with future students about what it’s like studying at the University and living in Adelaide.
To reach out to Linus click here.
To speak to a student ambassador who speaks your own language or is studying your preferred degree click here.
- The Australian Institute of Architects recognises the program, endorsing architecture qualifications required for membership of the AIA, including student and graduate membership. Recognition of the program demonstrates compliance with the Institute's Education Policy Performance Criteria.
- Ranked #3, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Creative Arts – Learning Resources Indicator (Postgraduate). Public universities.
