UTS Think Global

Window into Mannheim University’s Unique Charm

January 18, 2024

I am currently completing my semester abroad in Mannheim, Germany in the last semester of my degree. I was able to choose Mannheim as part of my communications degree, to study my electives overseas. I had to choose from restricted electives, which meant that I could choose any subjects that were humanities-related. In Mannheim, I’m studying two literature subjects and a philosophy subject and they are called toxic masculinity, contemporary Irish fiction and current issues in bioethics.

My classes are tutorials however, I have friends taking lectures too. German students are very punctual to class and are often early, so class either begins just before the start time or on the dot. I find the teaching style to be less discussion based however, I believe this is just due to the subjects I am taking. I have never studied literature or philosophy before so it has been a big change for me! At Mannheim, they also do oral exams. For my subjects, I can choose to either write a long term-paper or complete a 20-minute oral exam where the tutor will ask me questions about what we’ve studied all semester.

Mannheim University is in a palace that’s only one window smaller than Versailles so it is definitely a very cool change from UTS! The university also offers free classes including yoga and pilates and there are a few libraries to study in. There is also a Mensa, which is basically a cafeteria where students can buy lunch for only 3 euros. Since Mannheim is a smaller city, it’s really easy to get to the uni by either tram or walking. There are lots of great food options nearby and the cost of living in Mannheim is quite reasonable. I’m in student accommodation and my rent is only 300 euros a month. I applied as soon as applications opened and still got my 5^th preference so it’s important to be timely with that, as finding a private flat is a little harder and more expensive. I’m a little further out of the city but it is only 20 minutes on the tram to get to uni or about a 45-minute walk so it really isn’t much of a hassle at all. Groceries tend to be a little bit cheaper than what they are in Australia and some takeaway like kebabs (which are so much tastier in Germany!!).

The most surprising thing in Germany is that you always have to pay for water. Even at uni, you can only fill up your bottle in the bathrooms. At a bar or club, they will never provide free water, which can be frustrating as often they sell water for more than some alcohol! Germany is also still very cash based. Be prepared to always have cash for use when buying food, coffee or going out to bars and clubs. I’m really enjoying the student life in Mannheim, as the uni does a really good job of organising events and catering for its exchange students.

There are also parties in the palace that are known as Schneckenhofs, which are a lot of fun! It’s not the most beautiful city and there isn’t as much happening in Mannheim compared to a larger city. However, I think it has a charm about it with its vibe and it is really student-friendly. It’s also easier to travel around Europe from Mannheim since it is quite central. Mannheim is also meant to have the best weather in Germany! We really do get sunshine here and not as much rain as other parts of Europe like northern Germany or the Netherlands.

I highly recommend Mannheim as a city for exchange for the experience you get here and its affordability compared to places like the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, France or the UK.

Beril Akbulut
Bachelor of Communication (Public Communication)/Bachelor of Laws
Autumn 2023 Session at Mannheim Universität, Germany
Experience a mini immersion into daily Berlin life at HTW

January 17, 2024

Over the winter break, I had the wonderful opportunity to complete a 3-week global short program in Berlin, Germany with Hochschule fur Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin (HTW). This trip served as the conclusion to the 6-month Global Women in Engineering and IT Program, which included three mixed teams of students from UTS, HTW and Swinburne completing projects provided by industry partners. Our project’s kicked oﬀ in February, when all the German students visited Sydney for a 3-week summer school. Between February and July, we completed all our project work remotely, before meeting up in Berlin to complete, present, and handover our projects. My team’s project focused on the application of an MES in the factory of a well-known German engineering company.

Global Women in Engineering and IT Program cohort after our ﬁnal presentation at the conclusion of the Berlin trip

It was amazing opportunity to collaborate with a German engineering giant for my capstone, with this industry-context of my project keeping me motivated over the shortened 6-month time frame we had to complete the capstone. However, this international collaboration was not without its challenges – teamwork, team communication, and client management proved rather diﬃcult when the team is split up across two diﬀerent continents. But ultimately, no mater how frustrating, these challenges helped me develop a new skill set that completing my capstone locally in Sydney would not have provided (plus, the trip to Berlin kept us motivated).
The program was a great opportunity to travel to new places and experience a mini immersion into daily Berlin life. The program content also included social and cultural activities, which was a great experience to participate in new activities that are not on the normal Berlin travel itinerary. As well, it was a huge advantage having new German friends who would take us around places, answer our questions, and give us strong recommendations.

Program-organised site visit to the BMW Motorcycle factory in Berlin

Another great aspect of the program was travelling with fellow Australian students. This provided a great support system as we all pushed through the group work together and travelled around together. As someone who lives rather far away from UTS, it was such a unique experience being able to travel to university classes everyday with a group of friends. Shout out to our group of “Berlin Explorers” (as our litle 5 person WhatsApp group chat was aptly named).

Visit to the Bode-Museum

Naturally, it was not just friendships with Sydneysiders and Melbournians that formed in this program. I also made many new German friends, who were all so amazing and generously shared with us their life, city, and university.
Of course, I cannot talk about the joys of this program without mentioning all the extra travelling opportunities it allowed. To maximise on the opportunity presented by having free weekends, I used these spare days to travel outside of Berlin to other nearby cities. These excursions included Hamburg, Munich, Poznan, Vienna, and Bratislava.

Attending the Filmfestival Rathausplatz in Vienna

Overall, I would highly recommend all UTS students go on a global short program. It added such great value and experiences to my UTS degree experience and was the perfect opportunity to travel internationally and make new friends across the world.

Nicole Sandow
Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
Global Women in Engineering and IT Summer School at Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin, Germany
DAAD Scholarship recipient
From Accents to UNO: How Nottingham Turned Me into a Brit

January 15, 2024

Hi friends!
I’m Roweena, and I am studying for a Bachelor of Nursing and a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation. I’m super excited to share my time at Nottingham Trent University in the UK for the Global Summer School Program.

Earlier this year, in July, I touched down in the land of tea and biscuits and was ecstatic to be in the prime location to test out my British accent (to which I can now gladly say my tutor officially verified my British accent).
Before the GSS began, I had a few days to travel around central London, catching the tube, cruising down the River Thames and visiting as many art galleries and local markets as possible.

Arriving in Nottingham, I was surprised by how easy it was to make new friends from around the world, with everyone being so open, exchanging stories about our lives back home, bonding over friendly banter and which set of rules we would agree to play UNO and of course mimicking each other’s accents. What made the NTU Global Summer School a truly unique experience was the diversity of students from different countries: Canada, Mexico, France, China and beyond. I was just one of 120 students from 16 countries, making it a truly global experience.

The NTU Global Summer School had so many social events packed in just two weeks: evenings out at the Piano and Pitcher Bar and local events where we could meet new friends! A highlight was the day trip to York, where we explored more incredible art galleries, weaving in and out through the lanes, which inspired J K Rowling for Diagon Alley!

The course I studied was Photography and Heritage and included students from Australia, India and Canada. My tutor joked the class could be easily mistaken as the finals of the Ashes test, which I thought was rather hilarious.

There would be day trips around Nottingham, where we’d wander around the Sherwood Forest to end with a sweet treat and a scoop of ice cream, or afternoons spent around Matlock Bath or a trip down history’s lane at Newstead Abbey. It was crazy how quickly our class bonded; by week one, it was a ball of energy that could not be contained even on bus trips and photo walks!

On other days, we would spend our time editing away on Lightroom in the Mac Suite or developing our B&W photographs in the darkroom (it truly felt like you had entered the Batcave). It was so easy to lose track of time once you went in; you’d be zoned into the rhythm of film development! Before entering, we had to switch off all our devices to make sure we didn’t expose our photographs to any light!

During the course, I was challenged by both tutors to see things in a new light to focus on the subject. The meticulous, patient process of developing negatives in the darkroom was such an enriching, fulfilling experience that I would not have gained if I had not applied for the Global Shorts Program. It has completely changed my perspective and appreciation for the art of seeing through careful consideration of composition, subject and collaboration with various students from around the globe and their worldviews and unique perspectives.

To end the two weeks, we finished printing and binding our photobooks with Japanese stitching, which was a beautiful way to weave together an incredible 2 weeks; after thanking our tutors, we wrote sweet goodbye messages on everyone’s cards where we said farewell to all the new friends we had made, exchanging contacts and small gifts we had brought!.

I am so glad I said YES to going on the Global Shorts Program; it has been such an enriching experience that I’ll look back on many years to come and reminisce on the life-changing experiences and life-long friendships I’ve made!

Cheerio, Roweena Ow
Faculty of Health and TD Innovation
Global Summer School Program at Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship Recipient
Harmonious Blend of Cultural Immersion and Sightseeing in Jakarta

January 12, 2024

I was one of the 13 fortunate health students who embarked on a remarkable two-week study tour in Indonesia, graciously hosted by the prestigious Universitas Indonesia, the highest-ranked university in the country.

The stunning Kenanga Lake at Universitas Indonesia

The core of our study tour was an immersive experience in Indonesian culture and their healthcare system. We set off our journey by taking a tour of the campus with the hospitable local students and staff. The university campus was huge with lots of green spaces and a picturesque lake. Beam bikes were also conveniently placed campus-wide, and we couldn’t help but enjoy a playful ride, making our campus exploration even more enjoyable.

Visiting the mosque located within the campus

During our trip, we attended lectures about the country’s healthcare system and visited various community clinics and hospitals, where we had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals and volunteers in providing services to their local communities. Moreover, we embraced the challenge of learning Bahasa Indonesia and even tried our hands (or rather, our feet) at a traditional Indonesian dance, which we later presented on our final day. The dance was not just an exciting performance but also a reflection of the vibrant culture we were immersed in.

Beyond the academic and cultural aspects, we explored the enchanting attractions in Jakarta and the surrounding areas. We visited the Old Town, which had beautiful old buildings and museums, which transported us back in time to the Dutch colonial era. Furthermore, we ventured to Taman Mini, a renowned attraction in East Jakarta, where we had the privilege of witnessing a collection of traditional houses representing every province of the country, each showcasing its unique and captivating features. Our exploration also included visits to botanical gardens, famous mosques and national monuments.

Traditional houses, Taman Mini

In essence, my time in Indonesia was nothing short or remarkable. It offered a harmonious blend of cultural immersion and sightseeing, leaving a lasting imprint in my heart. But what truly made this experience unforgettable were the connections we forged. We didn’t just explore Indonesia; we explored it in the company of Indonesian students who became our friends and companions in adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to those in pursuit of a memorable journey of exploration and learning.

Emmanuel Tapao
Faculty of Health
Faculty Led – Indonesia Study Tour at Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient
Exchange semester in Argentina: I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

January 11, 2024

Hi! My name’s Robert and I’m currently on exchange in Argentina for Autumn 2023!! Argentina was definitely a shock when I first arrived. Everything was very crazy and chaotic but now that I’ve been here a while, it’s definitely crazy and chaotic in a good way 😉

My university here in Argentina, UCA (Universidad Católica Argentina) is super nice and welcoming. When we first arrived, we had a week to settle in and get used to our new home Buenos Aires (I still can’t believe I get to say that!!). We started our first two days of university with an orientation where everything was explained to us including, a little bit about Argentinian Culture, Subjects, Requirements, Online Resources etc. They also gave a us complete tour of the campus. Luckily for us, UCA isn’t a huge university so it’s very easy to find your way around.

After having stayed in an Airbnb for the first few weeks, I managed to find a nice apartment with some Venezuelan students. They don’t speak English so that’s been a bit tough but great for my spanish skills. I live in Monserrat which is only about a 30 minute walk from UCA which is located in Puerto Madero.

I decided to do subjects that were a bit different to what I normally do at UTS. Normally I study Science, but I’ve been taking a communication subjects as not only am I trying improve my español but also my knowledge of local Argentinian culture which has been great! I was lucky enough to choose whatever subjects I wanted as I had free electives to choose from.

The teaching style is very different in Argentina. Classes are 2.5 hours long each and usually in lecture format. However, I can safely say that although the format doesn’t change that much, the conversations and content keep me engaged and wanting to stay longer! I love that every class is another opportunity to keep improving my Spanish and to get to know my new campañeros a little better.

Apart from university, what surprised me the most is that Argentina is so beautiful. The amount of diversity it has is incredible, from the jungle of the Iguazu to the glaciers of Ushuaia, Argentina has it all. I’ve already done a bit of travelling and I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

Adiós! Nos vemos en Argentina!

Robert Karp
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Autumn 2023 session in Pontificia Universidad Católica, Argentina
Learning about fight against doping in Zurich

January 10, 2024

Over the month of July, I participated in the Global Short Program of International Sports Law at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. This program introduced students to the legal challenges in the fight against doping.

During first week of International Sports Law introduced us to the course, the World Anti-Doping Code and the anti-doping rule violations that athletes can be sanctioned with. Many guest speakers from the World Anti-Doping Agency, FIFA and the sports law legal industry lead these lectures. We attended the FIFA Museum in Zurich where we could participate in various soccer or football games and learn about the importance of the investigation process in detecting anti-doping violations in professional sport.

Outside of class, on the first weekend, Zurich was hosting Züri Fäscht, a big city festival that is hosted once every three years in Zurich. This was such a fun experience to get to know the other students better and experience a bit of the festival culture of Switzerland. On the Sunday, we hiked Mount Uetliberg which was a great experience.

In the second week of International Sports Law, we looked into the Arbitration process and the applicable legal framework of the adjudication and enforcement process. We then attended an academic trip to Lausanne to go to the Court of Arbitration in Sport and the Olympic Museum.

Other experiences that I during this time was a traditional Swiss Dinner and hanging out and swimming in Lake Zurich almost every day. On the second weekend, I travelled over to London, United Kingdom to a bit of travel. Switzerland is in such a convenient spot for travelling around Europe if you have the chance to study there.

In the final week of International Sports Law, our shift focused to our assessment which was the Moot Court proceedings. We were provided with the case details and annexures to the case and were given one and half days to prepare to plead before a panel of lawyers and legal academics. Unfortunately, we were not given the side we were representing till the day of the proceedings. We pleaded the case of the athlete before the panel.

We then attended the FIFA Headquarters to watch the finals of the moot court while in the FIFA conference room. Following this we attended the graduation ceremony and celebrated all that we had learnt throughout the course and the people we had met over the summer.

Thomas Drake
Faculty of Law
International Sports Law at the University of Zurich, Switzerland
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship Recipient
A normal day during my unforgettable hot summer in Granada

January 8, 2024

Over the July Break, I escaped the cold to begin my 4-week Global Short Program in Granada, Spain in order to improve my (lack of) Spanish. Many friends had travelled to Granada, so I’d heard lots of wonderful things from the incredible Islamic influenced architecture to the late-night tapas adventures, I was more than excited.

The mornings from 9 am to 1 pm, were dedicated to intensive Spanish classes. It was a deep dive into the language, a gradual unravelling of complexities, and a journey of steady improvement that surpassed my expectations. I had a great time meeting students from all over the world after our morning Spanish classes concluded, our usual routine would often lead us to explore the culinary delights of Granada. With the sun blazing at 40 degrees, we sought solace in the refreshing combination of tapas and tinto de veranos, a beverage mix of Spanish red wine and lemonade that provided a welcome respite from the heat. One of the city’s charming traditions was the complimentary tapas that came with every drink order, one that never failed to surprise and delight us. The tapas ranged from Spanish tortillas to croquettes and dips with crackers, a different tapa each time with every drink!

Around 2:30- 3pm, I would retrace my steps back to my host family’s home. A hearty, sit-down lunch awaited me, which was an essential part of Spanish family life. Our lunch feast kicked off with a refreshing homemade gazpacho, a classic Andalusian chilled tomato soup which I was unsure of at first but now can’t get enough of. The main dish was often deep-fried or cooked Spanish meats along with a few slices of bread. A piece of fruit marked the end of the meal on a sweet note. After our lunch, the host parents would wave us goodbye as they went for their 2-hour long siesta.

After my own short siesta of 30 minutes, I would often go for a wander around the narrow European alleyways to find charming unique stores, cafes, and restaurants. I came across a small libreria (bookstore) while I had stopped for a quick coffee boost. The tiny bookstore was full of secondhand books both old and new with beautiful local made lino prints and other knick knacks hanging around the store. The store had so much character and I ended up coming back a few times. On the way back home, I would end my evening accompanied by a scoop of pistachio gelato!

Reflecting on this unforgettable Global short program, I realise just how much I’ve learned and grown. The experiences I’ve gathered, from engaging with locals and savouring new flavours to navigating daily life in Granada, have left an indelible mark on my journey. Ciao for now, Granada~

Matilda Park
Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building
Global Short Program at Universidad de Granada, Spain
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient
German language, culture, pork knuckle and apfelstrudel!

January 5, 2024

My Global Short Program experience was completed at LMU in Germany, where I was involved in the Munich University Summer Training in German and European Law. During the program, I had the opportunity to learn the basic tenets of the German legal system. Whilst I learnt a lot about German and European law as the course intended, I can confidently say that I returned home with a greater appreciation for the complexity of the German language and culture, and a deep affection for pork knuckle and apfelstrudel!

Upon arriving in Germany, I will admit that I didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous about not knowing anyone and not speaking the language, and definitely felt some imposter syndrome in preparing myself to study abroad for a month with some of the strongest law students and academics from around the world. I’m pleased to share that in the first week, all of my worries disappeared. I quickly connected with my cohort as we tried traditional local foods and spent time together at places including the German opera, the constitutional court and Neuschwanstein castle.

Some of my highlights of my trip include spending the afternoon exploring different towns, cities and even countries with my new friends. In Germany, the public transport system operates on a monthly ticket, meaning that you are able to travel throughout all of Germany (and even to some other countries) for 49 euros a month. Taking advantage of this, on most days, we would attend class until midday and then travel to a different city.

Some of my favourite places were Augsburg, Regensburg and Berlin. Some of us even travelled to Innsbruck, Austria for a day. On days that we wanted to relax, we would often sit in the Englischer Garten drinking bier, swimming in the river and playing volleyball with locals.

We also had the opportunity to take German language classes. As many of us were learning the language for the first time (and German is known for having VERY long words), it was amusing watching everyone trying to pronounce different phrases. We slowly became comfortable introducing ourselves, ordering food and having basic conversations in German, which led to some fantastic recommendations from locals (and even some discounts on cherries from street vendors who were pleased by our efforts to try and speak their native tongue).

Whilst I learnt a lot about German and European law as the course intended, I can honestly say that I have grown so much as a person outside of being a law student. My understanding of the world has grown so much by simply conversing with other students from different countries. In many ways, this has inspired me to adopt new ways of thinking and has truly opened my eyes to all of the places my degree can take me – especially beyond Australia. I highly encourage students, if they have the opportunity, to apply for a GSP. This has been such a life-changing experience that I will treasure forever.

Tiffany Zwanink
Faculty of Law
Summer Training in German and European Law at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship
Study Abroad Adventure in Finland and Witnessing the Ethereal Northern Lights

January 4, 2024

If someone had told me a year ago that I would find myself on a study abroad adventure in Finland, I would have thought they were joking! However, as I pen down these words in my final week of exchange, I can confidently say that this unexpected journey has been one of the best decisions of my life.

Independence Day in Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland – a city adorned with mesmerising northern lights, an abundance of saunas, blankets of snow, and a vibrant university culture – what more could one ask for? I find myself immersed in my studies at the University of Helsinki, delving into law through my elective subjects. The exchange program at the Faculty of Law is FLAWLESS. The orientation week provides endless support, strategically placing each student into a tutor group. This week is a blend of acquainting yourself with the university (and a lot of partying!) I made lots of friends during this period, a luxury not universally experienced in other universities, making me extremely grateful for how well-designed the exchange program is. The university’s affiliation with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) seamlessly integrates an array of events such as parties, weekend trips, and meet-ups. With just a touch of initiative, forging connections and making friends becomes effortlessly accessible, thanks to the diverse and enriching opportunities provided by ESN’s vibrant social calendar.

Weekly Dinners with my Friends in our Flat

Dissimilar to UTS, I am studying 6 subjects whilst in Helsinki. Do not let this fool you though, I have found the workload to be a LOT less than that of UTS (and my grades are a lot better too!) The tutors are all really lovely and happy to help exchange students out. I have really enjoyed studying at the University of Helsinki, it is so organised, structured and has amazing facilities. Lunch for students at the university is only 2 euros!!

Oh, and let me tell you about the University’s magic touch in sorting out accommodation – an absolute BLESSING (through HOAS or UniHome)! I must admit, I went into full stress mode pre-exchange, analysing every nook and cranny of potential accommodation at universities for exchange, especially with Europe’s notorious accommodation crunch. But behold, the accommodation application process for Helsinki is so well organised, and get this – a mere 300 euros a month! Living in a building of 400 other exchange students (HOAS) has been very cool. Corridor parties every weekend have been so fun– yes, a bit loud, but who cares when you’re having that much fun. And when security inevitably kicks us out, the city night life awaits!

Being the gateway to Europe, Finland has allowed me to spend numerous weekends exploring European countries (Spain, Italy, Greece, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, Netherlands, England, Poland, France….. You name it and you can get there easily!) I was also fortunate to spend 2 months before my exchange backpacking around Europe in Summer which was a great way to kick start my time abroad. However, equally enjoyable have been the weekends spent in Helsinki with my fun and fantastic international group of friends. I’ve found an amazing bunch of friends through this experience, and they’re definitely sticking around for the long haul. I am extremely grateful for this experience allowing me to build connections with people I otherwise would never have crossed paths with. Some of my best friends are now people I have met on exchange. Life has a way of introducing you to the most amazing people when you least expect it.

Halloween Party Organised by the ESN Network

Travelling within Finland too has proven to be as incredible as journeys to other European countries, if not surpassing them!! My trip to Lapland in Northern Finland emerged as the highlight of my seven months in Europe, surpassing even trips to Italy, Greece, and Spain!! The visit to Santa’s village, witnessing the ethereal Northern lights, engaging in skiing and husky riding, and simply immersing myself in the winter wonderland created memories that I couldn’t recommend enough. The trip was organised by the university (google timetravels if you want a look) which made it completely stress free. Bucket list trip for sure!

The Northern Lights in Lapland Finland!

Celebrations after the Helsinki Student Midnight Run

My exchange in Helsinki has still presented its challenges. The city, in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Sydney, exudes a quieter ambiance with less constant activity (and is very cold and dark). However, I’ve grown to appreciate this disparity, as I will never experience anything like it.

If you’re in the dilemma of picking a university and country for your exchange, I’m throwing in my vote for Finland. Sure, it’s not the typical choice, but trust me, you’re in for a ride of a lifetime, and zero regrets. I’ve got lifelong friends now, and looking back, I’m pretty proud of myself for taking the plunge and choosing a spot not many Aussies venture into. It’s the kind of challenge that’s worth every bit of the adventure.

As I prepare to bid farewell to this chapter, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the lessons learned, friendships forged, and the unparalleled experiences that have shaped this remarkable adventure.

Please reach out if you have any questions, I am always here to help!
Charlotte.C.Kearney@student.uts.edu.au

Charlotte Kearney
Bachelor of Law and Business
Spring 2023 session at University of Helsinki, Finland
Summer Break in Malaysia with Fresh Adventures

January 3, 2024

I was in Malaysia for over six weeks, interning at Glenreagh. Which is a public relations and crisis management firm, gave me insights into the world of media, particularly in the South Asian area. I was working on a media article about how Malaysia may increase its agriculture business through collaboration with the tourism industry. By evaluating actual data and reviewing relevant applications in other nations, I opened Malaysia to new solutions that it could apply in the future. One area that I found particularly challenging is working in a team with people from various backgrounds and levels of expertise, particularly in a foreign destination such as Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Aside from just getting to work in a real-life setting, the program included additional student interns from other Australian institutions throughout the country. It was a unique experience to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and institutions and eventually become friends with them.

One of the rare opportunities this internship offered me was interviewing a big Malaysian band, Hujan, and being a huge music connoisseur. This was a tremendous opportunity for me.

Aside from working, I got to explore various parts of Malaysia. My favourite was the Cameron Highlands, approximately three hours from Kuala Lumpur, which is a gorgeous hill station famed for its tea plantations, strawberry fields, and temperate environment. I got to walk around the tea plantations, had the opportunity to visit the BOH Tea Plantation, and got to relax with a cup of freshly brewed tea. I also got to choose their strawberries, savour our freshly plucked fruits, and eat various strawberry-based delicacies. We ended the day by visiting vivid floral gardens featuring vibrant blossoms such as roses, lavender, and other exotic species.

They also took us on a day trip to Malacca as part of our internship program. In Malacca, we got to experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, St. Paul’s Church, and Jonker Street, and savoured the famed local food. Malacca’s cuisine incorporates Portuguese influences owing to its colonial history. Meals like Devil’s Curry, which blends spices with local ingredients like vinegar and coconut milk, were some of the best curries I have ever had.

We also got to do a BBQ session as a part of the team-building exercise, which was fun, and I felt activities like that brought us together as a group and made us better friends.

My global internship in Malaysia provided me with an extensive opportunity that expanded my knowledge and abilities in several sectors and cultures. My experience with Malaysia will surely benefit my professional and personal future.

Anindya Arif
UTS Business School
The Global Student – KL Internships, Malaysia
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient

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