“a taste of a tertiary experience different to my own”

During the winter of 2024, I attended a Global Short Program at the University of Leeds in the UK for 2 weeks to study bacterial genomics and the increasing impact of antibiotic resistance. As a third-year student in the last year of my undergraduate degree for a Bachelor of Forensic Science, I chose to undertake an exchange in order to get the most out of my tertiary experience. As someone who had done very little international travel, the University of Leeds was perfect as it was in many ways similar to life back home in regards to language and way of life. This was a comfort heading into the exchange alone however I soon connected with individuals from all over the world, whether that be on the bus from the airport, the numerous activities and social gatherings arranged by the program each day, or simply in class.

The short exchange program at the University of Leeds was organised incredibly well, with there usually being little time when there wasn’t activities to attend. It created an environment for socialisation and promoted sharing of stories and future travel plans. A highlight of the trip for me was the daytrip on the first weekend to York. Leaving early, buses were organised to take us to the town where we were given the freedom to explore the city and all the quaint historic sights it had to offer. From high tea at Betty’s to pictures with the gorgeous York Minster, it was the best day, that led me to return a week later after my exchange had ended.

Overall, despite the brevity of the exchange, it was a taste of a tertiary experience different to my own. Putting the academic experiences aside, the trip upon reflection now, woke me up to a few important lessons.

Following the first week of classes I woke up on the weekend, and finding that my new friends weren’t available, I went for a walk. Through a park and along a main road I walked and took in a part of the city I hadn’t yet seen. Despite being alone I was content to just feel comfortable with only my own company. This coincided with the newfound feeling of independence, in that I was half-way across the world from my life and I could decide how I wanted to spend my afternoons. Often this was spending time with the new friends I had made, but it also affirmed that despite the opportunities available there was no guilt in taking a night off or spending an afternoon to rest.

Overall, undertaking an exchange enriched my UTS experience and gave me the opportunity to connect with individuals from all over the world, and further develop my sense of self in a different environment. Though the program was only for 2 weeks for me, the short program also gave me the opportunity of further travel, where I spent the following 3 weeks travelling the UK and Ireland. I will always be grateful for the opportunity and experience of the exchange and how it has altered me for the better.

Jade Alexander
Bachelor of Forensic Science
University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal