UTS Think Global

Woo! han Wuhan by Henry Birtwistle

September 13, 2015

Studying in Wuhan China at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) has been a great experience so far. The city itself is huge with a population of over 10 million Chinese. Wuhan itself is a combination of 3 key surrounding cities. The campus itself is huge, taking about 40 minutes to walk from west to east of the campus.

The morning rush to class is crazy, dodging cars and avoiding major traffic jams; all of this I see is the norm in china. Driving around in my scooter is always great fun regardless of the danger.

In regards to the city, Wuhan is very pretty and huge with each distrcit having its own distinct charm and personality. In particular the Yellow Crane Tower was very beautiful as seen in the images below. Moreover the city of wuhan is known for its great food. The city itself focusses on spicy style food however has all types of specialities from China in it. This is due to the fact that Wuhan is the centre of transportation in central china making it easy for all types of food to be introduced to the region.This transport point has its benefits with travelling into other parts of china. During the term China has 2 key national holidays, making wuhan the perfect city to reside in during that time as it is easy to travel with.

Wuhan is very much a student town and soit is very easy to make friends of the same age. at night the city comes alive very much ensuring that all you students can have fun.

Aditionally, since this si a student town the cost of living is very cheap. particularly in regards to food. Wuhan is a very good place to study in on a budget instead of other chinese cities. The street food outside the university is very good with a big food market just outside. In regards to on campus the univeristy has its own mcdonalds is you are ever interested in western food.

Many people dont speak too much English in this city making it very useful for a student who is willing ot practice their chinese on people. Nevertheless the people are very kind and eager to help foreigners. Since hust is one of the top univeristy in the country many of the students are campabile of speaking english making it easy to befriend the locals on campus.

If you are an exchage student you will stay in the huahong apartments on the west of campus. classes tend to be on the east however. Regarless this is no problem as the west side of campus’ gate stays open all night whereas the other gates of the univeristy close by 11pm.

Most exchange students are from Euorpe and Africa, namely France, Germay, Russia and Morocco.

Wuhan is a great city to be in and i look forward to the rest of semester!

PS to use WordPress I recommend a good VPN.

By Henry Birtwistle 11707243
MAASTRICHT

September 12, 2015

I decided on Maastricht in the Netherlands -situated on the border of Germany and Belgium. I couldn’t of made a better choice…

TRAVEL

I decided to fly out a couple weeks before semester started to do some exploring. First stop was Russia (St Petersburg, Novgorod and Moscow) which was full of interesting history and architecture, next was Turkey which was chaotic but so full of life (my favourite was Cappadocia) and lastly a quick visit to the peacefulness of Santorini in Greece (beach hopping and riding around in buggies). We have just had two weeks of uni and i have already done a day trip to Achen (Germany), a long weekend in Brussels and the next two weekends I’m off to Italy (Lake Como) and then Oktoberfest in Munich !! These are the experiences that i have been saving for…and living in the centre of Europe with carpooling, busses, trains and last minute plane deals leaves a lot of room for spontaneous trips!

MAASTRICHT STUDENT LIVING

I am loving it here. The first week or so i was quite lonely as i ended up arriving slightly early-so the dorms were quiet and it was hard to meet people. But now the dorms have filled and my corridor is already a little gang who looks out for each other. In my corridor i have students from Sydney, Spain, Chile, South Korea, Canada, Italy and America.. and we all chill together, share meals and pre together before going out. The diverse perspectives over the dinner table is fascinating.

Maastricht is so international!!! Everywhere i go..i can speak english. Even in my classroom most are international and the classes thrive on dialogue between students from diverse backgrounds. Classes are run by students..and teachers sit back and watch whilst assessing students on their contribution to class conversations based on readings.

Bike riding is insane here. There are apparently more bikes than people living here.. We bike ride everywhere-to uni, parties, grocery shopping. Its lots of fun but getting use to riding on the other side of the road and giving way and the various other road rules took quite a bit of time.

SCHEUDLE

I only have uni for 8 hours a week, 4 on Monday and 4 on Thursday which sounds like very little!! But i have so much preparation for the classes that you can’t get away not doing.

Monday nights-i have a social dinner group which is a group of ten of us from different countries that alternate cooking for each other. After dinner there are international social, chilled nights organised.

Tuesday-massive international party night

Thursday-another going out night

Wednesday& Friday-food markets in the city square

Friday night-there are Foodbank events where the Maastricht community gather fruit and veggies that supermarkets are about to throw out and make feasts in warehouses for everyone to share

Thursday night until Sunday-i try explore somewhere new in Europe with couchsurfing to save money..

I already see how hard it is going to leave this place. Hoping i can extend for another semester…

bike riding to a ‘Cantus’ party (where everyone sings on tables and gets punished with beer)

pres in the guesthouse

If your considering Maastricht University and have specific questions feel free to email me on allenelizabethjessica@gmail.com

Jessica Allen

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Amelia Sykes – Ryerson University Exchange – Starting out

September 11, 2015

One week in Canada and finally everything has just about fallen in to place.

I’m writing this post from my new (rather uncomfortable) bed in my share house apartment bedroom. Pretty exciting stuff.

The process has been a whole lot easier than anticipated – I’ve spent the last couple of days scouring Craigslist and Kijiji (Canadian version of Gumtree) for a room in a share house and within a couple of days have landed a spot that’s within walking distance of uni, located in a really cool suburb (Kensington Area) and living with a group of young students/travelers who are a similar age to myself. Super ideal. If student housing accommodation isn’t for you, then I would definitely recommend doing something similar, as the whole process was surprisingly cruisey.

Prior to my arrival in Canada, I traveled around the states for one month. New York, Seattle, LA, San Francisco, finishing up at Burning Man festival then off to Toronto – its been a blast. One month of travel is just enough time to spread your wings and explore a bit before getting back on track and into a routine again.

Right now my subjects are a bit all over the place. I have successfully enrolled in three courses, however I still have one direct equivalent to match. The course I had matched has unfortunately reached full capacity at this time. My subject coordinator at Ryerson has been fantastic, really organised and readily responding to messages, so this has definitely helped put my mind at ease. It’s really important that you get on top of your subjects straight away when you arrive – once that’s sorted you’ll have all the time in the world to relax and explore your new home!

A month of solo travel has really proven to me just how rewarding it is to put yourself out there sometimes. Sure it might be a little uncomfortable to chat to strangers, but what do you really have to lose? Most of my greatest memories so far have been created when I’ve put myself out there and engaged in conversation with complete randoms. Once you do it a couple of times, it just gets easier.

43.653226 -79.383184
Back in the Seoul city

September 9, 2015

안녕하세요!

Welcome to Seoul, the city that never sleeps, and if anything is more awake at 4am in the morning than 11am.

This is actually my second time in Korea, having checked it out in January with a korean friend of mine, but I must say, this new adventure here on exchange has so many sparks with me, I feel this is going to be the best adventure yet.

So Sogang University is one of the top universities here in Korea, everyone knows it, but also knows it as “Sogang Highschool”…. just as the name says, its true. So let me start with the university, then I’ll talk about party land.

In fact, I just arrived from another exchange in Japan, so I had a little culture shock coming back to Korea, and was slightly scared and anticipating less friendly people here, and perhaps less organised too. But as soon as I arrived, they had HUG members (a student club helping international students adjust to life in Korea, and organise events to go to together, going to a baseball game tomorrow in fact haha) waiting for me and others who’ve flown across the world to be there. They were super friendly and helpful, and speak perfect english, they do a really good job at HUG. There waiting for the airport limousine bus to take us to Sogang, I met one of my best friends now. It’s so wonderful, I’ve just jumped straight in, saying “hey nice to meet you, I’m Caitlin and Aussie!!”, and made so many friends that way. There are so many people from all parts of the world, and its been a pleasure being able to meet them and share this experience together, and get to see each other a lot. See the majority of the international students choose to live in the campus dormitory, which also has local Korean students. Whilst the location is perfect (yet imperfect at the same time, omg all those hills), they are quite strict, and you have to have a share room, but no matter, you never spend any time in your room anyway.

So onto school and classes:

I’m studying Business, and all my classes are in English and have mostly Korean students in them. You actually have to have assigned seating, so be sure to arrive early to class the first time!!! The rush for a good seat was like a stampede of animals, it was crazy. The classes themselves are not as hard as I thought they would be, actually so easy I could have done them in high school, but since I’m doing 5 subjects (and you can only have 3 absences in the semester or you get an automatic fail) I feel this helps lighten the load a bit.

What has made me fall in love with Korea is the university life. It’s a huge campus with students constantly milling around, with all the sports fields and coffee shops, and located in such a central neighbourhood, it has so many things going for it. I’ve spent so many times after class on my way home to get a quick power nap in, yet always end up playing a game of basketball or soccer with my friends, or go get coffee, all the time.

Maybe one thing that has bothered me a bit, is the lack of interaction with the Korean students. Now it varies from person to person, but I think Korean people are either the funniest, friendliest people, or they don’t give two hoots and will purposely ignore you if they don’t want to talk to you. Maybe it is confronting for some being surrounded by a completely foreign language, but don’t worry, you can get by with just English here. However, I’ve made it my mission to not be like other foreigners and really learn Korean because I feel it will complete my experience and help me to make great friendships here in Korea.

So that’s it for me for now! There is so much to talk about, so it’s hard to deliver it in one tangible stream, but overall, it’s only been one week and I feel like I’ve been here and known all my friends for months. You will make life long friends without even realising it, so don’t waste any opportunity you get to have fun!!

Caitlin Bickerton

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Amazing Norway

September 5, 2015

Where to start….

Trolltunga

Camping Ground

Norway is a breathtaking place. Scenery is beautiful, opportunities are endless, BI is an amazing university…. and Oslo is very expensive.

Since I’m only 3 weeks into my exchange I can only comment on what I have done so far.

Basically our orientation week was fantastic, we were paired with a group of Norwegian second years and shown around both Oslo and the night life together. This made for a great first impression and also provided an opportunity to get to know the Norwegians (since they’re notorious for being “unapproachable”… which btw is annoying, they are some of the most sociable people I have every come across).

As the 400 exchange students gradually got to know one another we started classes, at the moment I’m studying a handful of classes not offered at UTS and am finding all of them very interesting. I managed to get a job instantly which is good, so I am working at the local Coffee Bar as a barista approx 20 hours a week!

Im currently writing this blog at about 11pm, this morning at about 7am I was at the infamous “Trolltunga” packing up my camping equipment, this has to be one of the most memorable and unforgettable experiences iv undergone so far, we camped in conditions that test even Bear Grylls and barely survived, its the beginning of Autumn but still the temperature managed to drop below 0 leaving us in a serious predicament as ice formed in and around our tents and gale force winds and rain threatened to wipe us off the face of the cliff. Where our tent was pitched was arguably one of the most spectacular scenes iv ever come across and on that very same day I was standing at the MOST spectacular scene I had ever come across. All photo are attached.

That sums up my debut blog, depending on how things go I might end up contributing to this regularly, however in the meantime I just want to say that Norway is absolutely breathtaking and the combination of the people I’m surrounded by and the countries enormously high living standards is making this experience I’m currently undergoing completely unforgettable.

Ryan Faulkner-Hogg 12145710
Nursing in Thailand July 2015

July 22, 2015

A group of 20 nurses and one staff member from the Faculty of Health are currently in Thailand undertaking a program to learn all about the Thai health care system.

Over the two weeks the group will spend time in Bangkok and Chiang Mai visiting a number of hospitals, universities, nursing homes and NGO’s such as the Red Cross and the United Nations to gain an in depth understanding of the health services available and the issues affecting health care in Thailand.

We wish them a great time!
School of the Built Environment in Cambodia July 2015

July 20, 2015

The School of the Built Environment offers students numerous opportunities to travel overseas to learn about construction in other countries and to get their hands dirty! This July the school is engaged in two projects, led my lecturer Michael Er. From 5-11 July a group of 31 students worked with two local NGO’s to learn about the construction of local houses and then learn the skills themselves enabling them to assist in the construction of the homes. Below you can see the type of houses the students were building and the work they did on constructing the floor made from bamboo strips.

From 17-26 July, a group of 17 students will complete a project in the Maldives. This is the first time the School of the Built Environment has run a project here. The students arrived on Saturday and are so far enjoying their time. Its hard work in the heat but they are working hard as a team and getting the work done alongside the local community who are very excited and grateful for the teams presence.

The three projects the students are working on, mentioned in a previous post, have been financed by UTS BUiLD and we are thrilled to be able to support the work of these local NGO’s and communities, and have UTS students assist in the project completion.

Global Short Programs (Faculty-Led) Student
Patrick and Project Everest Cambodia

July 20, 2015

Eight students working with Anjali House in Cambodia as part of Project Everest are now at the half way mark of their project and are working hard. Below is an update from Patrick Boyle about the experience so far;

PROJECT EVEREST 15/07/15 – THE HALFWAY MARK

Fifteen days ago we arrived in Siem Reap. Ten travel-weary, sweat slicked and flushed faces. We arrived with one common, if somewhat vague, goal: To summit Project Everest. Now we have passed the halfway mark, that first day feels like a past life.

Week one was a scramble; some of us trying to find our feet in a foreign country, all of us trying to grapple with the actual problems facing the Anjali House. Anjali house is a non-profit organisation that works with 82 disadvantaged children in the Siem Reap area, providing free education, healthcare and food. At times I struggled to understand why we were here — how can we help, are we creating a positive impact, is this just an elaborate inflation of our higher education egos? And the most pressing question: is there a limit to how much sweat I can produce each day?

From the murky rubble of week one, several business ideas arose. We identified problems and gaps in the Anjali operations, and brainstormed the ways we could fill them. By way of collaborating with Anjali staff, we whittled those down to two main business proposals. Our group has become two streams (as was always intended), developing viable proposals for social businesses. My group is working on ‘The Humble Abode’, a volunteer-only accommodation house that falls under the Anjali umbrella. This venture could generate another form of funding to cover some operational costs at Anjali house. More importantly, the space provides hospitality training opportunities for the older Anjali students in the school’s Young Adult Program. Biggest objective for this week: the welcome mat design.

The second group (helmed by the hulking, Oakley-equipped Lucien) is laying down the groundwork for a sewing training school within Anjali house. This will be a small group of Anjali mothers, whose children attend the school, who have not had access to skills training. The idea is to connect these mothers in a program that can empower them to make an income from within the home.

Project Everest has helped me better understand ethical tourism and the potential harm that some voluntourism can afflict. Our program is thankfully aware of its potential and has a clear goal. No back-patting. No high fives. No delusion. We’re here to work, and thus far I’m enjoying every moment (dicey gastro-scares excluded).

Patrick Boyle

Global Short Programs Student

July 2015
Construction in the Maldives July 2015

July 17, 2015
Today 17 UTS Construction Management students are arriving in the Maldives to spend a week supporting a number of NGO’s on the island of Komandoo organised by Volunteer Maldives. The students will be working on three construction projects supported by UTS;
1. QUAY SHELTER – In this challenging environment of 99% sea and intensive heat where the most common mode of transport is by boat… the quay shelter is akin to the humble Bus Stop of other nations! Komandoo is quite a busy hub of people coming and going, and the boats.. a mixture of regular (twice weekly) overnight slow ferries, private speedboats, as well as commercial fishing vessels are all plying the ocean waves picking up and dropping off passengers. People will also come from nearby islands to pick up a boat stopping in Komandoo. With the incredibly laid back attitude in the Maldives, and somewhat unpredictable weather conditions, waiting for a boat can sometimes take a while! The Quay shelter will therefore be a cooling respite from the intense sun and heat. On the quayside of Komandoo the only other shelter is by small trees. which are very lovely but people can’t wait in comfort.
2. PRE-SCHOOL STAGE – The Maldives is very big on presentations and prize giving and the youngsters in pre-school take part just as much as the older kids and there are a lot of traditions involved with all parents and teachers fully participating in all school events. The schools are the main hub of all island life- its the main focus that brings the whole community together.
3. READING PARK WALKWAY PLAN – This is an initiative the school and community have wanted to implement for a while. This project is for the Shaviyani Atoll Education Centre which goes up to A Level education. As the Centre is for the whole Atoll, there are students who come to study and board on Komandoo and go to their home islands at weekends or during holidays. Its a very lively center with some talented kids! In the centre of the school is a grassed area where the community want to make some thatched shelters for reading and quiet study areas but what is required first is paving around the perimeter of the grassed area. At present, when it rains, it all gets very flooded and during Monsoon time’s its impossible to walk from one side of the compound to the other so its very tricky for the kids to get to class. The walkway will consist of laying 1x1ft paving slabs…total being 3655!
The locals have been preparing for the students arrival for some time and are so excited to meet them all and welcome them to the Maldives! Below are some photos showing the preparation of the slabs that will be used for constructing the much needed walkway at the Shaviyani Atoll Education Centre.

We cant wait to hear about the progress and will post some before and after shots after the week is completed!
Vanuatu Community Projects July 2015

July 9, 2015

Five UTS Students are currently in Vanuatu volunteering with VOICE Australia. The team will be spending four weeks living and working in a remote rural community to work on a community identified project. The UTS students will work alongside a group of Ni-Vanuatu youth who are on a leadership program which provides training, support and internship opportunities to young people. It is a unique program and a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich culture of Vanuatu and learn through cross cultural interaction and sharing.

Below is an excerpt from a newspaper article about one of the students, Keisha Picking, and her participation in the program;

Keisha Pickin is busy packing her bags and doing the last of her preparations before she’ll head off as a volunteer to the remote community of Banaviti, Vanuatu. She’ll be working alongside a team of Australian and Ni-Vanuatu volunteers supporting community development projects as part of the Future Leaders Program run by Youth Challenge Vanuatu and local NGO VOICE Australia.

Over 70% of the population in Vanuatu is under 25, with rates of youth unemployment remaining high. The recent devastation of Cyclone Pam is expected to increase unemployment rates for months, possibly years, into the future. Youth Challenge Vanuatu’s Future Leader Program provides training, support and internship opportunities to young people who might not otherwise get these options. The 6 – 12 month program includes a community development internship in a remote part of the country, encouraging young people to work in a community different to their own, see more of their country and develop valuable work skills. VOICE Australia partnered with YVC in 2001 and has been sending young Australian volunteers to join the Ni-Van volunteers in this final stage of the program. Working with a team of other Australia and Ni-Van volunteers was one of the reasons Keisha was drawn to join the program, ‘We’ll be able to support each other, learn from each other and hopefully, together, have a great impact on our community!’

While there have been increasing negative stories about youth volunteers in the media, Keisha said that this didn’t turn her off wanting to take part in the VOICE project.

“It’s really about doing your research. Don’t just jump at the first one you see. I was a volunteer previously and while it was a really great experience for me, I can see now it probably wasn’t the best for the community I was in.”

Keisha hopes that volunteering in Vanuatu will help her give back to the community, gain a new perspective and learn from a different culture. She is being supported on this project through the BUiLD Abroad program at the University of Technology Sydney. Keisha joined BUiLD to add more to her university experience, “Through BUiLD and the programs they support, like VOICE, we can learn more than just the things we’ll learn in a business degree. We can gain experience in working in partnership, ethical responsibility, being a global citizen and cross-cultural communication”.

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