Etornam Kosi Anku
Country: Ghana
Degree: Master of Global Food and Agricultural Business
Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics
Scholarship: AusAID
What motivated you to study this program?
I particularly liked the fact that Trade Policy, Marketing, Management and Applied Finance are all course options available within the program. I also liked the two year duration of the course and the research component associated with the MGFAB. These criteria contributed to me choosing the University of Adelaide over other institutions, such as the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland.
How do you hope this qualification will progress your career?
I work in academia and so I needed the skills and knowledge from the MGFAB to be able to teach in the newly created ‘Agro Enterprise Development’ department in my institution. This qualification will enable me to teach in both the engineering and business departments and therefore make me a versatile member of staff. In short, the MGFAB is the best qualification I could gain to progress my career.
Now, I am an Engineer learning to become a business person.
Etornam Kosi Anku
How has your time at the University impacted on your life?
The University of Adelaide has impacted positively on both my personal and work life. I have become a better person for my family, society and my country as well. I have a better understanding of issues and my decisions are now based on learning experiences. I have also picked up leadership and team work skills which will hopefully aid me in my interaction with my colleagues and family, on my return to Ghana.
What have you enjoyed the most about your degree so far?
The field of study I am under-taking, is totally different from my undergraduate studies. Now, I am an Engineer learning to become a business person. However, within two months of studying at the University of Adelaide, I have been able to think, talk and make economic decisions like a business person. The degree I am pursuing now is giving me a global view of Agriculture and allied fields, such as trade, marketing, management and economics.
How have you found the lecturers?
Within a short space of time, the lecturers and tutors at the University of Adelaide have contributed immensely to my acquisition of knowledge and skills. I am excited that I will get the opportunity to share my new knowledge and skills with my students back home in Ghana.
What do you do in your spare time?
I am the President of the University of Adelaide AusAID Scholars' Association (UAASA), which connects AusAID students from all three Universities in South Australia. Together with a colleague, we formed this organisation from scratch and now we have over 100 members. I'm in charge of the day-to-day administration of the club including its finances, with nine other colleagues forming the executive committee. I'm also a member of the University of Adelaide chapter of the prestigious Golden Key Honours International (GK). I am also a Christian and therefore participate in the congregation of God's people on Fridays and Sundays at Influencers Church.
How do you find the cost of living in Adelaide?
I have been to Sydney and have heard feedback about the cost of living in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, and I can confidently say that Adelaide is the most affordable city to live in Australia. The transportation system is really efficient and even discounted for international students. Food, rent, and clothing are also really affordable.
Where is your favourite place in Adelaide?
Port Adelaide is my favourite place in Adelaide. When you travel from the city to Port Adelaide by train, you feel as though you are going out into the country-side. The Port Adelaide dolphin cruise and people’s expectations of spotting a dolphin give me a lot of pleasure too. The click of the cameras, the pointing of fingers and the shouts of...’there it is...there it is...there it is’, reminds everybody that the dolphins are there.