Akshay (Sem 2, 2022)

My Exchange at The University of Queensland

As I sit here and reflect on my exchange experience, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. It was without a doubt, one of the best 5 months of my life and I would 100% recommend applying for an exchange to anyone who has the opportunity. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, of course, but the highs definitely outweighed any challenges I faced. It all started when my older brother, a UOA graduate, told me about the 360 international exchange program. After doing some research and finding out about the amazing host universities, courses, and past students’ experiences, I knew I had to apply.

The application process was a bit time-consuming and required some effort, but it was totally worth it in the end. I was thrilled when I was nominated to study at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane Preparing for my exchange was stressful, as I was leaving home and living on my own for an extended period of time. However, the pre-departure briefing organised by the 360 team helped alleviate some of my anxiety and gave me a better idea of what to expect.

One tip I would definitely pass along is to sort out your accommodation before you leave – I recommend staying on campus, specifically at one of the colleges. I was fortunate enough to be able to live at International House (IH), and it really made a difference to my experience. Not only was the accommodation simple but sufficient, with each person having their own room and desk, but IH also had a ton of social, sports, and cultural activities that I could get involved in. Plus, I met so many amazing people from all over the world – something that might not have been as easy if I had lived off-campus in student accommodation. I will admit that the colleges are a bit pricey, but in my opinion, they are worth the cost. As for the general cost of living in Brisbane, I found it to be similar to Auckland.

My advice would be to budget a bit more than you think, as you will inevitably end up spending extra on activities, food, etc. Speaking of food, the meals at IH were pretty good (at least for someone like me who isn’t picky) and the portions were enough. The only thing was that meal times were quite early (5:30 pm for dinner) so I often needed a snack before bed. The orientation at UQ was fantastic and lasted for 2 weeks. I highly recommend attending as many events and activities as possible, as it’s a great way to meet people and learn about life at UQ.

In general, I found it really fulfilling to get involved in every aspect of the exchange – clubs, societies, traveling, etc. The fact that the exchange program was pass/fail also helped take some of the pressure off and allowed me to fully immerse myself in my new surroundings. The teaching at UQ was similar to UOA, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork. Brisbane itself is a lovely city situated along the river. It’s much warmer year-round than Auckland, especially in the summer when it can get quite hot. There is so much to explore in and around Brisbane, and I would definitely recommend incorporating some travel into your exchange. Whether it’s a day or weekend trip to the Gold Coast or Noosa, or a longer road trip to Cairns or Sydney with stops along the way, Australia has so much to offer.

In conclusion, I absolutely loved my exchange experience. I will cherish the memories and friendships I made for a lifetime, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have studied abroad. If you have the chance to embark on an exchange, I highly recommend taking it. The growth and personal development you will experience, both academically and personally, are truly invaluable. Plus, who wouldn’t want the chance to live in a new country, meet amazing people from all over the world, and create memories that will last a lifetime?

Q&A

What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?

I felt that UQ took a more collaborative approach to teaching, compared to UOA, with most of my courses focusing on group/team projects and work. Tutorials and workshops also had an emphasis on group discussions. Additionally, I found my courses to be more relevant to today’s world with many incorporating current industry news, legislation, and developments into learning and assignments.

Would you recommended any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?

I would recommend attending as many events in O-week and Connect week as possible to grasp all the different aspects of UQ, including clubs/societies, sports, college life, etc.

What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?

1. Get involved with college life (if applicable)

2. Explore the campus

3. Travel around Queensland (many great day/weekend trips)

How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?

The budget was based on the student allowance from StudyLink. This is enough for activities and food but not accommodation as well.

What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?

People are everything. It was great to interact and live with people from all over the world, seeing their cultures/backgrounds and upbringings really expands your horizons in terms of socialising and gives you a different perspective on life.

Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?

Must see’s:
– Great Barrier Reef
– Whitsundays
– Noosa
– Gold Coast
– Byron Bay

Would recommend doing a road trip from Brisbane up to Cairns!