Sophary

Master of Social Work

Coming from Cambodia to Australia to study at Flinders University meant a whole new cultural experience for Master of Social Work student, Sophary.

She felt she needed to quickly learn the culture and customs of local life, but this was quickly curtailed once COVID-19 restrictions hit.

‘I had only just arrived in the country, and then, after lockdown, I found myself all alone in my apartment,’ says Sophary. ‘I was very lonely.’

Her loneliness was compounded by the great distance that separated Sophary from her family, who were suffering great hardships in Cambodia as a consequence of COVID-19 disrupting the local economy.

‘My parents are landlords, and most of their tenants had lost their jobs. It became a huge circle of many people all being affected by no income.’

In her Adelaide apartment, Sophary was forced to live very frugally on minimal food until she received a Matthew Flinders Scholarship.

‘I had come to Adelaide with financial support from my parents. But, I lost my part-time job, so it was a great worry for myself and my family about how I would be able to get through this time.’

‘Receiving the Matthew Flinders Scholarship means a lot to my family. My parents smiled with a sense of relief when I told them about the scholarship. It proves to them that even though I am far away, I am still in good care during this very difficult time.’

With life on campus and her study routine now returning to normal, Sophary is hoping to expand her Australian experience.

‘I like to travel and I know that Australia will be a very good place to explore,’ she says. ‘Maybe now I will have the opportunity to do some of my own exploring.’