Hein van Eeden from South Africa studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Recreation & Outdoor Environmental Science at USC Sunshine Coast

Hi, I am Hein van Eeden from South Africa. I started my Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies on the 22^nd of February 2019 and will finish my degree at the end of 2022.

I have been at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) for 7 months and have had so many positive experiences. USC staff and students on campus are always there to help. The quality of education that I have received at USC up until now is certainly of the highest standard. I have been exposed to many different cultures around campus as USC is a renowned University for students all over the world. The University offers many sports, both competitive and social for those who just want to enjoy the activity. The University is built on a nature reserve spanning 100 hectares, with many different species of animals that can be spotted around campus. There are many different cafés and eateries on campus, each one offering a different experience.

Public transport is easily accessible from the USC campus and makes it easy to explore astonishing places on offer on the Sunshine Coast. One of my favourite places, Mooloolaba has some of the best beaches and a great nightlife, and certainly a great place to watch the sunset. The internationally renowned, Noosa, is 40 minutes north of campus. It has beautiful scenic places and amazing wildlife. There are many surf competitions all year round which makes Noosa the place to be. Interstate travel makes it easy to explore the diversity of the vast country and to experience the different scenery, communities, and cultures. Travelling in Australia never has a dull moment because the locals are friendly, and they are always keen to share their knowledge on the area.

My experience at USC has certainly been enjoyable and I would encourage students to study at USC as they will not regret it.

– Hein Van Eeden @heinve

Kruger Park, Africa

Doing my overseas work experience at Kruger Park I had some quite extraordinary experiences.  In this first picture I am helping Kruger Park scientists and veterinaries performing a health check on a captured wild White Rhino as part of a research project to eradicate tuberculosis among the park animals.   For me this was a win-win situation. The Rhino got a free health check, and I got an awesome and unique experience that I will never forget.

This second image captures the essence of Kruger Park’s natural landscape: a picturesque scenery of Africa with a touch of life.  While having lunch along the Sabie River all of a sudden out of the clearing a herd of elephants started crossing the river. The herd was led by the matriarch, the oldest, wisest female of the herd. It was a out of this world experience and it felt like watching a animal documentary on TV.

In Kruger National Park the main inhabitants are not people, but animals. I believe the only way to showcase this unique culture is by portraying these magnificent and unique creatures. This elephant was quenching its thirst from a waterhole near the Satara Camp. The elephant was waving its ears to cool itself in the scorching heat.  After having a drink the elephant started spraying water on its body before throwing dry dirt on itself to get protection from the sun. A truly magnificent sight, which is rarely experienced by a student on a study trip.