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.

  • My exchange semester at Maastricht University

    My exchange semester at Maastricht University

    Hoi Hoi! My name is Hayley, and I have spent my exchange semester at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

    The city is a perfect size, with the charm of a small town but endless surprises, great restaurants and a vibrant student scene. The exchange program is well organised and living at the exchange dedicated accommodation, the UM guesthouse has been a great way to make lifelong friends from across the world. Maastricht has a great international student community, and the exchange orientation program had so many activities which made it so simple to find likeminded people.

    I have been studying at the School of Business and Economics at Maastricht University and through this journey I have been surprised by how much I have enjoyed learning whilst on exchange, as it is a great way to get insight into broader international contexts for topics and see how dedicated other students are across the world. Problem-based learning is a key focus at Maastricht University which involves small discussion based tutorial groups, with less lectures and more peer based facilitations which makes it a great environment to think deeper about subjects and challenge yourself.

    Daily life in Maastricht is something I have also really loved, this city has so many wonderful spots, and cycling has become my daily commute and the best way to travel around and explore new places. There are always people around to do things with, and I have found so much joy in the simple things like running with friends, studying at coffeeshops, picnics, and eating at restaurants.

    Located in the heart of Europe, Maastricht is an incredible place to travel from, with so many beautiful places to see and explore. So far, I have been all around the Netherlands, to France, Belgium, Copenhagen, Portugal and Germany and that is just the beginning of my travels around Europe.

    Everything about exchange from the normal everyday tasks like grocery shopping, studying and cooking to the exciting travel and new friends has been something to cherish and certainly something I would recommend to anyone.

    These have been the best months of my life in this beautiful and charming city! The people and experiences have truly enriched my stay, and I cannot recommend Maastricht highly enough as a perfect place for exchange.

    Hayley Yeomans
    Bachelor of Economics Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment
    Maastricht University , Netherlands
    Global Exchange Scholarship

    For more information about the UTS Global Exchange program please visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Universidad Pontificia Comillas

    Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Universidad Pontificia Comillas

    My 2-and-a-half week Global Short Course in Madrid was an incredibly fulfilling experience. I took part in the course in January 2025, from the 8th to the 24th. The course, at the Pontifical University of Comillas, was in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which has since helped me in my continuing BCII studies. I decided to do the course as I was already in Europe for my Exchange, which I completed in the UK, and I thought it would be a good way to extend my trip, while being able to knock off another subject. I chose Madrid specifically because it was the only free option for a Short Course in the Winter session, and I thought Spain would be an amazing place to spend 3 weeks.

    In the course, there were 13 students, with 3 (including myself) from Australia, 9 from South Korea and 1 from China. It was a very friendly cohort and we all got along well. The fraternising with this group was helped by the 1-hour, 3-course lunch we were provided every day in the University’s food court, which we were all very happy with. The course was centred around group work, and we spent most of the 2-and-a-half weeks with our groups. Our final assessment was a pitch for the product we had come up with throughout the course.

    While the University did not offer accommodation during the course, it was not hard for me to find accommodation. I ended up staying in a room in an AirBNB, which only cost me around $700 for 18 nights. The place I stayed was about 30 minutes away from the University by Metro, and the Metro was very cheap to use.

    During the course, I had plenty of free time to explore Madrid. It’s a really beautiful city, probably my favourite of all cities in Europe. It’s never too busy, and most of the real attractions are within walking distance of each other. I would often go to Retiro Park after class as well as walking to other sights. A couple friends and I also did a day trip to Toledo one day, which was also amazing. Many students within the course did weekend trips, some going as far as Barcelona, as nowhere in Spain is too hard to get to. It’s an amazing country and well worth going around to see places outside of Madrid.

    Overall, my time in Madrid was hugely successful and extremely fun, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I wish I could go back and do it again!

    Rory Kehoe
    Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation
    Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Madrid, Spain
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

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

  • My Global Short Program in Paris – A Journey to Remember

    My Global Short Program in Paris – A Journey to Remember

    Earlier this year, I spent two unforgettable weeks in Paris, studying at the Paris School of Business as part of the Global Short Program. I chose the course AI for Business, which is simple, but showed me a lot about the world of entrepreneurs. But honestly, the trip isn’t just about the classroom, it was a journey about everything around me.

    As an international Vietnamese student in Sydney, flying all the way to Paris, and honestly, I saved up for the whole year just for this trip. It was 100% worth it. Paris has always been one of my dream destinations, and when I arrived, it did not disappoint. Even though I have never been to Europe prior to this trip, there was a strange homely feeling about this place. Maybe it was the architecture that reminded me a bit of the French influence in the buildings back home.

    What I didn’t expect was how much I would love the city. Everyone told me the weather in Paris is terrible in winter, and how this city is crazily “overrated” but seems like that was an overstatement. It wasn’t bad at all. I got to walk around, enjoy the streets, and take so many photos. We visited the Eiffel Tower, of course, which felt unreal seeing up close (While I recommend seeing it from afar for the bling bling effect every hour). We also went to Montmartre, which had such a chill vibe with the artists and small cafes (I recommend trying the Turkish ice-cream there). One of my favorite experiences was the boat cruise on the Seine River at night. The view was beautiful, with all the lights reflecting on the water.

    During our free time, my friends and I (the new ones I made there) explored a lot. We ended up going to Chinatown multiple times—probably too many times—but it was comforting to eat food that reminded me of home (their durian is super good, big durian lover here). Versailles was another highlight. The palace was huge and so detailed, and I even learned more about the history that connects with my own country. It made me think a lot.

    What I really gained from this trip was not just knowledge from the class, but also life experiences. I became more confident, made international friends, and saw how people from different backgrounds think and work. I still keep in touch with some of them now.

    This program was short, but full of impact. I don’t know when I’ll return to Paris, but this experience will stay with me for a long time.

    Thanh Lam Phan
    Bachelor of Information Technology
    Paris School of Business, France
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

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

  • Global Short Program in the Amazon rainforest

    Global Short Program in the Amazon rainforest

    I spent the first month and a half of 2025 in Cusco, Peru and the Manu Learning Centre which is situated in a buffer zone of the Amazon rainforest, and I cannot stop talking about it. If you had told me 6 months ago that I would find myself swimming in rivers, holding wild snakes, and seeing monkeys every day I would not have believed you. When I decided to do a global short program I originally decided I would spend a month in Tokyo attending classes and doing classic tourist sightseeing, I am so glad I changed my mind because the experiences that I had in Peru were truly once in a lifetime.

    When I arrived to the rainforest with 25 other Australian students we got ourselves situated in our lodges and got ready to start our four weeks of conservation activities. We got to go on daily walks looking for monkeys, birds, snakes, butterflies, and so many other animals! We participated in activities such as butterfly traps, where we would identify what species of butterflies are present at certain heights of the forest, colpa which involved identifying bird species which arrive at the clay lick early in the morning, and various different types of visual encounter surveys where we listen and watch for mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and game birds.

    We crossed rivers, climbed over trees, went fishing and swimming (sometimes unintentional swimming) and got to go on excursions to nearby towns. Our first day trip was to Salvación where we met some locals and went on little wooden rafts to a lookout tower for some bird watching.

    Our second excursion to Shintuya included jumping off a waterfall and swimming all morning then moving to the natural hot springs for some relaxing clay face masks and floating in the warm water.

    The Manu Learning Centre is located in a secondary forest, however there was a chance to take a trip to a section of primary rainforest which was an incredible opportunity, and I am so glad I went along. We saw the difference between the size of the trees which are estimated to be 200-300 years old, different kinds of animals like giant river otters and red howler monkeys.

    Every week we had Saturday night fun and a dance party in the Amazon, I made some incredible friends and made so many amazing memories that will last me a lifetime. I couldn’t be more thankful that I got to switch off from the outside world, almost entirely off the grid for a month, and just be present with the people around me and get fully in tune with myself.

    Going on this program is the best thing I’ve ever done, and I feel like I am a new person upon returning home.

    Emma Campbell
    Bachelor of Forensic Science Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation
    CISAustralia – Peru
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

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

  • Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), Global Exchange

    Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), Global Exchange

    I am currently studying Chinese Languages at Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT). The coursework contains 20 hours of classes a week focusing on improving Mandarin proficiency in all areas including listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The coursework also includes regular homework assignments helping us reinforce our in-class learning. In addition to homework, midterms and final assessments are key components of the course, assessing us on our Mandarin proficiency for all subjects. Outside of academics, at BIT, there are various university events aimed to engage international students including but not limited to; the 2024 Cultural Festival, 2024 Sports Meet, and the 2024 Fall Concert.

    During my time at BIT, I have built connections within my Chinese language program. I have formed friendships in which we support each other in mastering Mandarin, often studying together outside of class. I have also attended various university events such as the 2024 Culture Festival and the 2024 Sports Meet where I have met both local students and international students from other countries. These experiences have enriched my cultural knowledge of both China and other countries and have also expanded my social network.

    My exchange experience so far in BIT has been transformative, academically and personally. Studying Chinese Languages has allowed me to develop a deeper
    understanding of Chinese history and culture as well as improve my Chinese linguistics skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Engaging in university events such as the 2024 Culture Festival, 2024 Sports Meet, and 2024 Fall Concert has given me an opportunity to appreciate the BIT community and observe the student life in China. By participating in Global Exchange, I have built meaningful friendships with students from across the world, enriching my cross-cultural understanding and diversifying my perspective. This exchange has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and has tested my resilience and independence, ultimately making it an invaluable part of my personal and professional journey.

    Annie Tang
    Bachelor of Nursing Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
    Beijing Institute of Technology, China
    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant Recipient

    For more information about the UTS Global Exchange program please visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • “Introduction to Digital Photography” (University of Leeds)

    “Introduction to Digital Photography” (University of Leeds)

    My two-week global short program at University of Leeds in partnership with UTS was such an amazing experience, full of learning, adventure, and forming friendships that I’ll never forget. From the moment I arrived, Leeds itself had this lively, welcoming atmosphere, and staying at Montague Burton residence on campus made it super easy to meet people and settle into student life.

    Social evening with friends

    The best part was how quickly everyone bonded after the first social events. Whether we were chatting in the common areas or grabbing a quick coffee, it wasn’t long before I found myself in a solid group of friends. We were all in the same boat being students from all over the world, eager to take in everything the program had to offer. Evenings at the University Old Bar became a regular thing. We’d spend hours laughing, sharing stories about our lives back home, and talking about what we were learnt in class. By the end of the two weeks, I knew I’d made friendships that would last long after the program ended, of which I still keep in contact with many today.

    In terms of academics, I took “Introduction to Digital Photography,” and it was such a great experience as I had not had any experience with photography before. We worked with DSLR cameras, learning how to control settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to create different effects in our photos. Our professor, Mike, was really encouraging and pushed us to experiment with lighting, depth of field, and composition. By the end, I felt so much more confident with a camera and excited to keep practicing.

    My photography class in studio
    A Student in My Class Captured as Part of a Photography Class on Campus

    The field trips were some of the highlights. Fountains Abbey was amazing, the ruins and the surrounding countryside gave us the perfect chance to work on our landscape photography. Our class spent hours trying to capture the calmness and beauty of the area. The history and beauty of the place made it one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. The other field trip I went on was to Harewood House, which was just as amazing. The grand architecture and beautiful gardens provided opportunities for experimenting with different photography techniques as taught in class, from architecture to nature.

    I feel incredibly lucky to have received funding from UTS to take part in this program. It didn’t just help me develop my photography skills, but it also allowed me to experience a new culture, build lasting friendships, and make memories I’ll always treasure. It was the perfect mix of learning, fun, and adventure, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.

    Henry Pidcock
    Bachelor of Construction Project Management
    University of Leeds, United Kingdom
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

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

  • Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

    Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

    Hey, I’m Orlando! I’m studying a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in Media Business & Strategic Communication. I’m currently on exchange in Toronto, Canada at TMU!

    I’m about halfway through the semester and am loving the broad range of opportunities I have here, in particular the ability to go travelling. I visited Whistler on the way here and Niagara Falls and Tobermory over the last few weeks.

    Next month I’ll be visiting Chicago for Thanksgiving with a friend from Boston, and then I’m super excited to go travelling for 6 weeks over Christmas and the New Year! I’ll be visiting Quebec City, Montreal, Boston, NYC, Nashville, New Orleans and then back to Whistler to go skiing before I head home. My experience so far in Toronto has been awesome. It’s very similar to Sydney in that it’s a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds. The food here is incredible and the people are super nice. I’m excited to explore other parts of (the very cold) Canada after the semester ends in December 😊✈️

    Orlando Read
    Bachelor of Communication (Strategic Communication)
    Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
    Global Exchange Scholarship

    For more information about the UTS Global Exchange program please visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • IT University of Copenhagen

    IT University of Copenhagen

    I recently completed a global short program at the IT University of Copenhagen – I had been looking into doing an exchange for a while but never went through with it because I was hesitant about being away from home for such a long period of time. I ended up discovering the short program option available in both the summer and winter holidays and decided it would be perfect for me. If you’re looking into doing an exchange program but worried about the commitment of a semester-long program, definitely look into some of the short exchange options UTS has to offer.

    Studying in a foreign country is such a unique experience that gives you the opportunity to see the world, learn about different cultures firsthand and connect with people from around the world while receiving credit for your degree.

    If you’re looking into going to Copenhagen on your exchange I’d recommend you try planning your stay for summer as it gets very cold and can be dark for most of the day in winter. I went in July/August (summer in Denmark) and still found it a little chilly compared to Sydney (around a max of 20 degrees most days and very rainy so definitely pack a raincoat!). I was also a fan of the long summer days, the sun would rise around 4:30 AM and sunset around 10:30 PM, because it meant I had more time to explore the city and see the beautiful, historic architecture. If you’re concerned about not speaking the language, most people in Copenhagen speak very good English so there’s no need to worry about language barriers.

    I stayed at Basecamp (Copenhagen City) and would highly recommend it to anyone coming to Copenhagen. The location is super central and within walking distance to most of the major hotspots. They host heaps of cool events throughout the year which is great for getting to meet people.

    Basecamp Copenhagen City
    Apotek 57
    Nyboder Houses

    It’s an expensive city so keep that in mind when budgeting because it can come as quite a shock. Something to keep in mind if you’re a big coffee drinker like me is that the average cup of coffee costs around $10! That didn’t stop me from partaking in regular ‘fika’ – the Scandinavian version of afternoon tea, often accompanied with some sort of sweet treat like a cardamom bun. I would highly recommend checking out the options at Apotek 57, a cafe near the city centre that does great coffee and pastries. It’s surrounded by stunning Nyboder houses (historic old yellow houses) so it’s a great place to go for a stroll to walk off all the delicious food Copenhagen has to offer!

    All in all, I had an amazing time on my exchange so if you’re considering going this is your sign to just do it! You will learn so much about yourself and the world. Truly, the only way to grow is to go outside your comfort zone and this is the perfect chance to do just that.

    Ella Brown
    Bachelor of Information Technology
    IT-Universitetet i København, Denmark
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

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

  • International Odyssey: London School of Economics

    International Odyssey: London School of Economics

    Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the London School of Economics (LSE) Summer School, studying a three week course on financial derivatives on a Global Short Program. In all honesty, I had made arrangements for this program well in advance and felt as if everything had happened quite suddenly by the time I was set to pack my bags.

    Arriving in London a couple days prior to the course commencement, I had no idea what to expect. I made the journey to the other side of the world alone, albeit in the presence of a few of my cousins after I had arrived. Although I was in a country with many cultural and institutional similarities to Australia, to me, it was still unfamiliar territory. Eventually, registration time came around and I was able to meet my new classmates. The backgrounds of the students within my course varied dramatically from person to person. Some were like myself, second year students trying to broaden their horizons. Others were graduates from esteemed institutions such as Oxford University, looking to obtain new skills that they can apply within their ongoing careers. Spending time with my new peers was a useful networking opportunity, with many of them already having considerable knowledge and experience with respect to financial markets. The knowledge and expertise of my professors and tutors also reminded me of the fact that I was studying at one of the most well-respected business schools in the world.

    Despite my course being quite difficult, maintaining a balance between study and leisure was quite achievable. The various social events held by LSE allowed me to connect with others from outside my course and meet even more new faces from around the world. For the duration of my stay overseas, I was able to form many new friendships which became the highlight of my trip. The social aspect of the course is one of the primary reasons I would recommend it to anyone else who is interested.

    I was also able to take advantage of additional travel opportunities during my course and also afterwards. Visiting Cambridge and its historical university grounds was an amazing and eye-opening experience whilst also being a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of London. Travelling to Amsterdam for a short vacation after my studies was also a good experience to relax and sightsee around the beautiful canal city. All in all, I believe that my travels equipped me with a new sense of direction that will help guide me in my future prospects, both personally and professionally.

    Suffice to say, my overall experience during my Global Short Program was one of amazement and accomplishment. It was definitely my most valuable overseas experience to date and shaped a new understanding I have of the world around me. I would most certainly recommend this Global Short Program to anyone who is even remotely interested.

    Rahul Ramrakha
    Bachelor of Business
    London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

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

  • Sports in the US!

    Sports in the US!

    Sport over here is MENTAL! Not only are there sporting matches for almost every sport you can think of, but they’re all free and there is a massive culture behind it. Every sport game I’ve gone to has the most thrilling atmosphere and it has for sure been one of the best parts of exchange.

    Wesley Henderson
    Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation
    Oregon State University, United States
    Global Exchange Scholarship

    For more information about the UTS Global Exchange program please visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal