UTS Think Global

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Disclaimer: All blog posts are written by students and do not necessarily reflect the views of UTS staff.

  • Challenge myself and travel to Berlin!

    During July I was fortunate enough to get to travel to HTW in Berlin, Germany to finish off the last part of my capstone project. It had been a 6-month long journey which began in Sydney earlier this year when HTW students came to UTS for the program’s start. We worked collaboratively online over the course of a few months to work towards building a proof of concept for the EU’s proposed battery passport, an application intended to track and trace batteries throughout their life to promote circular economies.

    I found that the faculty-led program challenged me more than completing my capstone locally would have, and it’s through these challenges that I have learnt a lot and developed a lot as a professional. I really enjoyed being able to collaborate with students and academics from Berlin and have the opportunity to travel to Berlin to complete the final portion of my capstone project and immerse myself in a different environment and culture.

    Taken at the Bavaria Statue in Munich, Germany

    The program was also a great opportunity to challenge myself and travel to new places I hadn’t previously visited and do so with friends! Over the course of a few weeks, we travelled around Berlin as well as to some nearby places like Poznan, Prague, Hamburg, and Munich. I’ve made great friends and great memories through the program and thoroughly enjoyed the ability to incorporate a short exchange in my studies.

    Taken at the Croissant Museum in Poznan, Poland

    This opportunity has enriched my overall university experience and provided me with unique opportunities and experiences which I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. I think it has helped me develop and better prepare to enter an increasingly globalised workforce.

    The program presented a really cool capstone project that is quite different from the projects on offer locally and had a heavier focus on different aspects of industry which perhaps have not yet become as common in Australia. Something I found quite exciting and felt eager to learn more about.

    The program was a great chance to see how my learnings from the BUILD program could translate into the real world and across different cultures and contexts.

    Taken at a restaurant just outside of Berlin City Centre.

    Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the program and gained a lot from it, and I think my learnings from the program have helped me better understand where my degree can take me and what I might want to do post-university.

    Jennifer Luu
    Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
    Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin – Global Women in Engineering and IT Summer School
    DAAD Scholarship recipeint

  • Tourism development architecture in Indonesian land and sea

    During the July University winter break, 20 students, including myself, embarked on a two-week global studio to Likupang in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.  The focus of the studio was to learn about design strategies for sustainable resort tourism development in Indonesia, with the objective to map, monitor and evaluate the extent and impact of tourism development and infrastructure within environmentally sensitive locations. The group was a mix between undergrad Architecture, Interior Architecture and Landscape Architecture students, along with Masters Architecture and Landscape Architecture Students.

    Many of us organised to travel from Sydney to Manado together, so we didn’t feel so alone on arrival. By happy accident, we ended up bumping into fellow students at Changi airport. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the trip to be honest, even given the detailed itinerary from the studio coordinator. Considering this, as well as being on a trip with people I didn’t know, I decided to go for it and embrace as much and as many of the situations as possible. Our first stop was Manado City, where we spent a couple of days learning about the history and architecture of North Sulawesi. Driving through the mountains, we learnt about traditional Minahasa architecture, as well as the culture and religion on the area.

    We then travelled by boat to Bunaken Island and stayed in lovely and extremely accommodating local homestays, allowing us to support local craft and hospitality whilst still investigating resort architecture. It was on Bunaken Island that we undertook the research of our assignment, though we were lucky enough to break up the study with breaks to the beach and café for local specialty drinks.

    On one of the days, which happened to be my birthday, we went snorkeling and diving along the coral reef wall. We were extremely lucky enough to come across a 6m whale shark, which we were told hadn’t been seen in the area in at least 10 years. We also managed to see an abundance of other sea life and the most colourful coral. The evenings were filled with laughter and entertainment, from all of us recounting our day and the shenanigans that we had been up to, amongst amazing food lovingly prepared by the locals. We then took the boat the Bangka Island, where we stayed at a premium resort- for study purposes of course. Again, in between finishing up the drawings for the assignment, we took ample breaks for snorkeling and swimming in the crystal blue ocean. Our last stop was back in Likupang, where we finished up our research and presented our drawings to a cohort of students, academics, and professionals at Sam Ratulangi University.

    Yashina Vallabh
    Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building
    Interior Architecture Morotai, Moluku Islands, Indonesia
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient

  • An unthinkable start to global exchange at Oregon State University

    An unthinkable start to global exchange at Oregon State University

    My name is Asher and I’m currently in the first few weeks of my study abroad program in the city of Corvallis, a small college town in Oregon, on the west coast of America.

    I study Construction Project Management at UTS but am using my electives here and taking courses in business, management, and psychology. My first impression of the business and management classes is that there is a lot of group assignments, which I like because it’s a good opportunity to meet new people, network and make friends. I introduced myself to all my teachers, all of which have been extremely welcoming, friendly and are more than willing to make themselves available to chat, for help or for anything really.

    The campus here is how you would expect most American universities to be. Big, grand, and aesthetic. There are so many facilities that students can use such as the Dixon Recreation Centre which has a large sized gym, a pool, sauna, steam room, a climbing wall and adventure centre and more. There is of course also a library, a student experience centre and to top it off a bowling alley, pool tables and so much more. In terms of class, the teaching style is not too different to UTS but in saying that each teacher has a different style. All my classes involve a lot of group work, and some classes are more content heavy than others. I think I’m lucky that I find all my classes interesting considering that I am not studying any of these majors in Sydney.

    When I arrived in Oregon people would say how friendly everyone is, but I never really thought too much into that until I started living here. I can genuinely say that the people I have met and interacted with here are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. Small things like when riding my bike, cars give way to you even in places they aren’t meant to. Strangers at the grocery store will spare money for you if you don’t have enough to pay for something. And the list goes on.

    I found accommodation off the OSU Facebook housing group, and I couldn’t be happier. I live off campus in a house of 5 guys, who have shown me around, introduced me to all their friends and included me in their nights out. I would suggest living off campus if you are happy to cook your own meals and hang out with people over the age of 21.

    The night life here is also great. There’s a bunch of bars that we frequent with cheap drinks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. There is also so much to do in the immediate and surrounding areas such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, camping, climbing and really anything adventurous.

    The one thing that I have enjoyed the most however is meeting so many new people. I never thought it would be this easy to meet so many and such fun and likeminded people, and one thing to take from this is to throw yourself in the deep end, get out your comfort zone and live by the yes rule.

    Asher Zines

    Bachelor of Construction Project Management

    Global Exchange student at Oregon State University, US

    Global Exchange scholarship recipient

  • Exchange in San Diego

    Exchange in San Diego

    I have only 4 weeks left of my time abroad in San Diego and I can definitely say that I have had one of the most exciting and eye-opening experiences of my life. San Diego has so much to offer from the nightlife, to the beaches to the amazing landscapes and not to mention the beautiful university of San Diego State.

    As soon as I stepped foot on campus I was blown away by the beauty of this place. It is an enormous campus with beautiful gardens and Spanish style architecture buildings. The facilities are nothing shy of astonishing. They have a 2 level gym with a rock climbing wall, sprint track, courts, yoga studios and every piece of equipment that you could think of. There are multiple stadiums, in which I was lucky enough to watch our team play basketball in which we made it to the championships of the NCAA Division 1 for the first time in history where they had a watch party at the stadium filled with over 12,000 students. The best thing is, all the facilities on campus are free for students, including all SDSU sporting events. The classrooms as well are all state of the art, with observatories, labs and a 6 story library.

    In regards to studying, I chose to complete all my elective subjects for my degree abroad. These subjects included history, astronomy, Italian and weight lifting subject. They have different recreational subjects that are 1 unit such as surfing, salsa dancing, bowling etc. Definitely choose one of these subjects if you are looking to fill units and also meet new people. I highly recommend, if possible, to do subjects that UTS do not offer as it is a fun way to experience studying in a different country. Also keep in mind that the teaching style is very different. You will require to complete homework every week for every subject. It is generally small tasks like quizzes or summaries. Whereas back home I am used to two group assignments and an exam which all are due at the end of the semester. Good thing about the US style is that you can track your progress throughout the semester and not rely on high weighted assignments to determine whether you pass or fail.

    The college lifestyle is definitely how it is depicted in the movies. If you are interested in Greek life, SDSU is for you as it one of the biggest party campuses in the US. Although it is very exclusive, you can be lucky enough to join a fraternity or sorority. However, you can get into party’s if you know someone in these clubs, which in my opinion is definitely the better option.

    Now to San Diego itself. San Diego has a very similar feel to Sydney. The beach culture and lifestyle is very popular and it has a very good nightlife with multiple different areas to party on depending on the night. People in San Diego are generally very friendly, and what I have discovered from my travels everyone in the world is fascinated by Australians. Use this to your advantage! San Diego also has a very big food culture as well. Being so close to Mexico the influence is huge, so you can find so many good Mexican restaurants and shops. As there is not much Mexican food in Sydney, definitely do your best to eat as much as you can because it does not compare to back home.

    Another positive about San Diego, or California in general, is the opportunity it brings to travel to different destinations in short windows which makes in generally inexpensive. California is an amazing state as you can drive 2hrs from San Diego and be skiing in the mountains or camping in the desert. There are so many beautiful national parks, beaches and cities that you can visit and because everything is so close its convenient for weekend trips away. I have travelled to Santa Barbara, San Louis Obispo, San Jose, Las Vegas just to name a few. The good thing about San Diego is also how close it is to Mexico. I attended spring break in Cabo San Lucas, which was one of the best weeks ever. People from all over the United States travel to Mexico for spring break and it is a lot of fun meeting new people from different parts of the US.

    However, keep in mind if you want to travel you will definitely need a car! I hired a car with my roommate for 4 months and it is definitely a good investment because the public transport system is atrocious and scarce. Keep this in mind also when choosing accommodation as you do not want to choose housing too far from the university otherwise it will make it very difficult. I am living off-campus at an apartment complex called BLVD63 (highly recommend if you do not want to stay on campus), which provides shuttle services to the university every weekday.  

    If there is one more thing to leave you with it is talk to everyone and anyone, especially on campus! I have met people from all over the world who I can call good friends now and will stay in touch with these people for the rest of my life. A good way to meet new people is to join a sports club if you can. I joined the SDSU rugby team and it was the best thing I did. It opens up so many possibilities and networking for different friendships. I have friends now who are involved in different parts of university life from leaders of a frat to people who work in student services. Trust me this comes in handy if you want to attend parties or need help with anything student related. There is a fee to join the teams (varies on type of sport and which division the team is in) however, I got the opportunity to travel to different parts of California to play rugby and it was a lot of fun.

    If you are heading off to San Diego to study abroad, good luck you will have the time of your life!

    Zachary Ienco

    Bachelor of Construction Project Management

    Global Exchange student at San Diego State University, US

    Global Exchange scholarship recipient

  • Inspirational Trip to the United Nations Convention in Thailand

    Inspirational Trip to the United Nations Convention in Thailand

    What a week!🤩🇺🇳This past August I had the awesome opportunity to spend the week in Bangkok, Thailand, at the United Nations Convention Centre for the Humanitarian Affairs Asia 11th University Scholars Leadership Symposium for 2023 as 1 of 12 selected delegates representing University of Technology Sydney. I applied to this global short program a few months earlier, and was delighted to be accepted!

    The whole week was jam-packed with experiences from the incredible journeys of speakers like Ifrah Ahmed, an Irish-Somali social activist working to end female genital mutilation, Felipe Queipo Rego, Digital Communication Officer at United Nations in New York, and Jack Growden, Founder of Litehaus International. The range of keynote speakers, all recognised leaders in the field of humanitarian affairs was so impressive, and their insights and experiences provided inspiration and guidance to attendees.

    We also had the opportunity to attend some incredible workshops with the UN
    agencies such as UN Women and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and spend a day in the community painting educational murals at Suroutmaijaroen School outside Bangkok, which was definitely my favorite day. I left feeling inspired, energised, repurposed (and just a tiny bit tired!), with a wealth of new connections and friends.

    I spent 2 extra days in Bangkok in addition to the conference which ran from August 1 – August 4th with another UTS Delegate, Bethany Kelly. We loved exploring parts of the city with various USLS delegates and eating incredible street food. For lovers of second-hand fashion and markets, we both found great pieces at the Chatuchak Markets and Jodd Fairs.

    With so much dysfunction and disaster in world news, it is experiences like these, bringing together young people from all over the world, that I feel most excited about the future, most confident in the capable minds of emerging leaders and most grateful that I find myself with the opportunity to
    spend time in the room with them. A massive thank you to UTS BUILD for facilitating this opportunity, and to the entire HAA and United Nations teams who put this program together – it was definitely a week to remember!

    Eliza Lo Russo
    Faculty of Law
    University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Thailand
    BUILD Global Ambassador Grant recipient

  • Modern Cloud Project with Java at TU Berlin

    Modern Cloud Project with Java at TU Berlin

    Hi! My name is Erica and I’m in my final year of Electrical Engineering. In July 2023, I had the opportunity to travel to Berlin, Germany to attend a two-week program at Technische Universität Berlin.

    I touched down in the Netherlands two weeks before my program start date and took the long route to Berlin. Second time overseas in my life (if you count New Zealand) and I decided to do most of it solo! Armed with 6 months of Duolingo German knowledge, I found myself having to put my problem-solving skills to work ASAP, trying to figure out public transport, SIM cards, and how to say sorry in every language. It was an amazing experience and so much walking! I don’t think my feet have forgiven me yet.

    Clog making in Zaanse Schans (Netherlands), John Lennon Wall (Prague), Prague Castle

    Meandering my way on a train through Brussels (Belgium) to get to Reims (France) and then hopping over to Prague (Czech Republic), I finally find myself on a train to Berlin.

    Checking into my accommodation, organised by the university, I met my roommate – an astrophysics student at the University of California, Berkley who was such a pleasure to share a room with and get to know over the next two weeks.

    Orientation at TU Berlin was a short 10-minute walk from our accommodation and taking the campus tour, we found out that our classroom was even closer! Two buildings down from our front door – score!

    The university organised a cultural program for all students to enjoy. We got to visit the Humboldt Forum and its Berlin Global Exhibition, the Jewish Museum (so enlightening, unique, and massive!), a day trip to Potsdam and a tour of The Bundestag (German Federal Parliament).

    Our class was a small group of 12 students, and we became quick friends – going out for dinner, visiting the East Side Gallery at the Berlin Wall, eating heaps of yummy food at night markets, and drinking lots of coffee and bubble tea together.

    Empanadas at the Night Markets, Bundestag Tour, Jewish Museum Interactive Exhibit

    The class was challenging and I overestimated how much I knew about Java. Nevertheless, our teacher took us on a journey through user stories, front-end and back-end development, and deployment to the cloud, ending up with a working web application!

    I was teamed up with two ladies: a computer science student from Singapore and a Chinese teacher from Taiwan. Another two people it was an absolute pleasure to get to know over our time together. We created the Weather Calendar, a calendar that overlaid weather details on a calendar, so you can plan events with the weather in mind. Although it might sound simple, it stretched the limits of each of our knowledge.

    We all had a different amount of prerequisite knowledge, but we all walked away from the course with the sense that we’d gained so many insights and skills in software engineering. I was especially touched in our wrap-up session as we reflected on our experiences and our teacher urged us to keep in mind that cramming to produce good work is great but looking after our health and wellbeing is more important.

    We said our farewells and parted ways, but I don’t think it will be goodbye.

    Erica Howell
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice
    Modern Cloud-Project with Java Program at Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient

  • My Unforgettable Journey at the United Nations: Learning to Be the Change

    My Unforgettable Journey at the United Nations: Learning to Be the Change

    Earlier this month, I embarked on an adventure that forever changed the way I see the world and my role in it. Imagine being at the United Nations in Bangkok, representing your university among 450+ students from 46 different countries, all driven by the same goal: to make the world a better place. That’s exactly where I found myself, and let me tell you, it was an experience like no other.

    The 11th University Scholars Leadership Symposium was a whirlwind of inspiration, learning, and, above all, a profound call to action. We had the privilege of hearing from some remarkable speakers, like Sherina Shamdasani, Ifrah Ahmed, Sam Cawthorn, Lek Chailert, and Jack Growden. These individuals shared their stories, stories that revealed the dark underbelly of our world – illegal organ trade, human trafficking, the heartbreaking treatment of elephants in the logging and tourism industry, and many more. Their words left me stunned and moved by the harsh realities that often go unnoticed. But amidst the shock and despair, there was a powerful message that rang through every speech, every story: We have the power to make a difference.

    One day that truly stands out was Kindness Day. Alongside 90 other students, I had the chance to give back to the community by cleaning up the polluted rivers of Bangkok. As we worked together, we hauled out an unbelievable one tonne of trash from the rivers, alongside countless dead fish, their stomachs filled with plastic waste. It was a stark reminder of the urgent need for environmental stewardship and our collective responsibility to protect our planet. This hands-on experience made me realise that every action, no matter how small, contributes to a cleaner, better future.

    As I look back on this life-changing journey, I’m reminded of the symposium’s motto: “Be the Change”. It’s a powerful call to action that I’ve taken to heart. We don’t have to wait for someone else to change the world; we can start right now, right where we are. We, the youth, are the future leaders, and it’s our responsibility to build a world that’s brighter and kinder for the generations to come.

    If you’re having the slightest doubt and are hesitant about going for an exchange, don’t think about it. Just apply and let the journey begin. I promise you, it will be one the most joyful moments of your university life that will carry on with you throughout the years. The stories, the friends, the memories. It’s all part of the package. Wish you luck and an experience like no other.

    Vedant Patkar
    Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
    University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Thailand
    BUILD Global Ambassador Grant Recipient

  • Indigenous Study Tour at Chiang Mai University

    Indigenous Study Tour at Chiang Mai University

    Participating in the cultural Global Short Program at Chiang Mai University in Thailand was truly enriching and a life-changing experience. Here are some of the highlights and benefits of my experience!

    One of the most enjoyable parts of my cultural exchange in Chiang Mai was the opportunity to immerse myself in Thai culture. I had the chance to learn about Thai customs, traditions, and daily life by living among the locals. And with learning, came sharing. I was able to share my own Aboriginal customs of myself, my family and my community which was exciting for me. Watching them learn that Australia has Indigenous communities as well, was surprising but most of all rewarding.

    Being in a non-English-speaking environment was also an excellent way to improve our language skills. We practiced our Thai language skills with native speakers which greatly enhance our language proficiency when speaking with the locals.

    When studying at the Chiang Mai University, we had access to a different academic environment and a chance to learn from professors who have various perspectives and expertise. This has since broadened my academic horizons, especially one with a rich cultural heritage like Thailand. It made us become more adaptable, open-minded, and independent, as we navigated new situations and challenges. The opportunity to make friends with the local students will last a lifetime and has provided us all with a global network.

    Furthermore, Chiang Mai is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and waterfalls. Exploring this country and the experience of the beauty of northern Thailand was unforgettable. From riding elephants in the jungle to participating in local traditions such as planting crops in their paddocks, offered adventures that created long lasting memories.

    Ultimately, the best thing about doing a cultural exchange at Chiang Mai University is the opportunity for personal and cultural growth, as well as the chance to create unforgettable experiences and connections that has impacted my life positively.

    The best thing about doing a cultural exchange at Chiang Mai University is the opportunity for personal and cultural growth, as well as the chance to create unforgettable experiences and connections that has impacted my life positively.

    Renee Gilbert

    Bachelor of Business Administration (Indigenous)

    Faculty Led Business – Chiang Mai University Indigenous Study Tour, Thailand

    New Colombo Plan Grant Recipient

  • Captivating the Parisian landmarks through the electronic board game

    Captivating the Parisian landmarks through the electronic board game

    This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a journey of innovation and exploration through a captivating electronic board game project during my trip to Paris. The project, which combined intricate technology with the allure of Parisian landmarks, allowed us to create an interactive experience that seamlessly integrated a joystick, pressure sensors, magnetic modules, RFID cards, and an online quiz. In this blog post, I’m excited to share the thrilling process of developing this immersive game and how it brought the magic of Paris to life in an entirely new way.

    Crafting the Game Mechanics: The Joystick and Iron Ball:

    At the heart of our project was a cleverly designed joystick that controlled the movement of an iron ball on the game board. Players could navigate the virtual streets of Paris, guiding the ball toward the various landmarks we had strategically placed. This tactile interface added a physical dimension to the experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in the enchanting streets of the city.

    Pressure Sensors and Magnetic Modules: An Intricate Dance:

    As the iron ball skillfully found its way into designated holes aligned with different landmarks, a pressure sensor ingeniously detected the drop. The sensor’s data triggered the magnetic module corresponding to the specific landmark, allowing it to release an RFID card associated with that location. This process unfolded as an intricate dance of technology and mechanics, bringing each landmark to life in the palm of players’ hands.

    RFID Cards and Sequential Exploration:

    The RFID cards were the keys that unlocked the treasures of Paris. Each card was meticulously programmed to contain information about a specific landmark. These cards were read in a carefully selected sequence, representing the chronological order of when the landmarks were introduced. This sequential exploration ensured that players traversed the historical journey of Paris, step by step, as they engaged with the game.

    The Unveiling: A Digital Quest Through the City of Lights:

    Once all RFID cards had been read in their designated order, the game transitioned to an online quiz. This phase was the culmination of our project’s ingenious blend of entertainment and education. The questions in the quiz related to the landmarks players had encountered, inviting them to reflect on their journey while testing their knowledge of Paris’s cultural treasures.

    Enriching Knowledge and Creating Memories:

    Our journey through this electronic board game wasn’t just about technology; it was a multidimensional experience that intertwined the beauty of Paris with the world of electronics. The tactile feel of the joystick, the precision of the pressure sensors, and the magic of the RFID cards all came together to create a memorable adventure. As we answered quiz questions online, we not only tested our knowledge but also deepened our appreciation for the city’s rich history and culture.

    Conclusion: Where Innovation Meets Exploration:

    Creating this electronic board game project in the heart of Paris was an unforgettable experience that highlighted the incredible potential of merging technology and cultural exploration. Through the marriage of a joystick, pressure sensors, magnetic modules, RFID cards, and an online quiz, we crafted a journey that transcended the boundaries of traditional gaming. It allowed us to delve into the realms of both electronics and history, reinforcing the idea that innovation thrives when it’s paired with curiosity and creativity. Our journey was a testament to the magic of Paris and the boundless possibilities that emerge when we infuse technology with the essence of exploration.

    I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to both our dedicated professors and my incredible classmates for their unwavering support and collaboration throughout our Parisian electronic board game project. This journey of innovation and exploration wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and expertise of our professors, whose wisdom illuminated our path and fueled our enthusiasm for electronics and technology. To my classmates, you are the true stars of this endeavor – your creativity, dedication, and teamwork brought life to our project, turning it into an unforgettable experience. Together, we’ve proven that collaboration and shared passion can lead to remarkable achievements. Thank you for making this journey in Paris an extraordinary and enriching chapter of our academic and personal growth.

    Zhengxin Ma
    Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
    Summer School at Ecole Supérieure d’Ingénieurs Léonard de Vinci (ESILV) in Paris, France
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient

  • Cultivating Global Exposure and Skills in Denmark

    Cultivating Global Exposure and Skills in Denmark

    Embarking on a study abroad adventure at the University of Aarhus, Denmark, was an experience that broadened my horizons and enriched my life in many ways. Studying “Managing Language in International Organisations,” expanded my understanding of global communication dynamics, complementing my existing knowledge of internal communication. Collaborating with peers from around the world on assignments added depth to my learning journey, and provided me with valuable academic experiences, which will transfer into my professional life.
    With the aim of cultivating a career filled with international experiences, I embarked on this journey with the University of Aarhus to expand my knowledge of global communication dynamics. Denmark’s commitment to sustainability, along with its unique history, drew me in further, making it a perfect destination for my study abroad adventure.

    Aarhus: A Gem by the Sea
    Aarhus, a quaint coastal city, welcomed me with its cobblestone streets, picturesque parks, and historical architecture. Its gentle ambiance was reminiscent of Sydney, my hometown.
    The University of Aarhus campus, with its sprawling park and serene lake, was a perfect setting for learning and self-discovery. The fusion of modernity and history showcased Denmark’s evolving identity and architectural footprint, where I felt instantly at home.

    Cultural Adaptation
    Navigating the Danish way of communication was
    an insightful journey. Embracing directness and
    adjusting to the absence of small talk was an
    eye-opening experience. My Australian habits
    towards warm greetings, often met with
    puzzlement, were a reminder to constantly adapt to diverse social norms.

    In a city where Danish was predominant, language barriers were inevitable. While the Google Translate app ended up being my ‘best friend’, personal interactions proved invaluable. Conveniently for me, the phrase “Hej” translated to the English “Hi”, which allowed me to engage more authentically with locals and navigate daily life. Interacting with locals like Ceciele, a sales assistant I met, provided invaluable insights into Aarhus. Her recommendations for local gems, coupled with shared passions, bridged cultural divides, allowed me a more personalised experience, and was able to explore parts of the city I would genuinely enjoy.

    Denmark’s commitment to sustainability left a lasting impact. Witnessing eco-friendly practices firsthand inspired me to adopt similar measures in my daily life, contributing to a more sustainable future.

    Weekend Escapades
    Weekends provided opportunities for unforgettable escapades. Exploring nearby Copenhagen’s iconic landmarks, from the Little Mermaid statue to the historic Nyhavn Street via boat, were big ticks off my bucket list.

    Exploring museums and art galleries in Aarhus deepened my understanding of Danish culture. The Danish Viking Museum offered a glimpse into history, while Aros’ contemporary art exhibitions showcased modern perspectives, enriching my understanding of the country’s creative spirit.

    My exploration extended beyond the city landscapes, to the natural wonders of Denmark. Marselisborg Deer Park welcomed me to a pristine forest where I fed beautiful wild deer. This experience was particularly enriching, as deer are often considered pests back home. Nearby was the infinity bridge, extending over the ocean. This bridge was a testament to Denmark’s architectural marvels. Though capturing its aesthetic proved a challenge amidst rain, the breathtaking view made the effort worthwhile.

    Words of Wisdom
    For those embarking on similar journeys, a currency conversion app and research on local transport systems are invaluable tools.
    In conclusion, my international study journey in Aarhus, Denmark, was a chapter marked by growth, discovery, and cultural immersion. It broadened my horizons, deepened my understanding of global dynamics, and sparked a passion for more sustainable living. As I return home with an abundance of memories, I encourage fellow students to embrace study abroad experiences with an open mind, as they hold the potential to change perspectives, in ways beyond what you can imagine.

    Ireland McCarthy
    Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
    Managing Language in International Organisations Program at Aarhus University, Denmark
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient