Profiles

Santosh Raj Pandey
Master of Water Resources Management

Coming from a landlocked country to being surrounded by surf beaches is a refreshing change for Santosh Pandey. The Master of Water Resources Management student has moved from his homeland of Nepal to study at the Waurn Ponds Campus in Geelong.

“I have come from a landlocked country Nepal, where we have more mountainous terrain and a more concentrated population in town. I am enjoying seeing beautiful beaches, unique landscapes, less population density and the vastness of the country.”

The opportunity to get hands-on industry experience attracted Santosh to the course. “During my course I am able to get professional experience within the Australian water industry. I have worked at the water reclamation branch of the regional water authority Barwon Water during last summer vacation. I am also planning to do an industrial project with Barwon Water which will not only give me job exposure to the water resources sector in Australia, but also provide me with experience that is recognised internationally.”

Santosh says one of the main differences he has found between Nepalese and Australian education is that here education is more practical than theoretical. The practical focus of learning appeals to him. “I found this course had more emphasis on practical activities, rather than theoretical learning. It is based on learning by doing rather than just memorising facts and figures. The course is based on the day to day activities of sustainable management and utilisation of our precious water resource.”

He is settling in to his new surroundings and welcomes the encouragement and support he has received. “I have experienced support from the time I landed in this beautiful country and was greeted at the airport. I had help in finding accommodation. The ongoing guidance and encouragement from the course director makes learning more enjoyable,” he says.  

Santosh is studying at Deakin under an ICE WaRM scholarship. The International Centre of Excellence in Water Resource Management (ICE WaRM) offers this scholarship programme to attract high quality international students to education and training in water resources management delivered by partner institutions, such as Deakin. (See http://www.icewarm.com.au for details).