UTS Think Global

Teaching kids in the Himalayas

September 10, 2018

Kuzuzangpola!

In August 2018, seven students from the UTS School of Education set off to teach in Paro, Bhutan. It was two weeks of non-stop adventure. We explored temples and climbed mountains in between the lesson planning and actual teaching.

A small country located in the eastern Himalayan region, Bhutan’s culture has been largely unaffected by bordering nations due to the high mountainous peaks that surround it.

We stayed in Paro, which is considered the third largest ‘city’ in Bhutan. It’s about the size of Newtown in Sydney, with only about 20,000 people living there. Bhutan’s streets are crawling with wild dogs and there is not a single traffic light in the whole country.

Bhutan’s crime rate is very low. Most of the local people practice Buddhism, and perhaps as a result, are extremely friendly and welcoming. Bhutanese people are known for being the happiest people on Earth, and this is definitely evident when meeting them.

English is one of the national languages of Bhutan and is widely spoken in urban areas, so you can easily get by without knowledge of the other 28 local languages.

Bhutan’s highest point is 7,570 metres above sea level (while Mount Everest is 8,848 metres). Fortunately for my poor legs, we only climbed a peak of 3,120 metres to Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Monastery, which is located on the edge of a mountain as shown in the picture below. There were a lot of steps and steep tracks. It took us half a day to climb up to the top but we managed to make it inside.

The sense of achievement that followed us around as we viewed each room in the temple was profound. Many spectacular large golden Buddha statues and other deities glittered at us from above, tapestries and murals lined the walls and a number of Buddhist monks were praying or walking around in their rich red and yellow robes. It was a once in a lifetime experience.

A rainbow shot over the sky as we looked out at the view from the fair side of monastery, but unfortunately we were not allowed phones or cameras whilst on the sacred grounds (so I didn’t manage to snap a picture of the pot of gold), but I don’t think a photo would have done it justice.

The harder part was walking back down the mountain, as it had rained and the track was quite slippery. It was slow going, but we managed to make it back down to the base camp. We finished the hike off with a delicious picnic provided by our hosts from the Paro College of Education and then went and soaked in some hot stone baths to relax our stiff muscles.

Teaching in Bhutan was insightful and a lot of fun. The students at Khangkhu Middle Secondary School were very respectful compared to some of the students you’d find in Australia. They addressed you as ‘Madam’, would stand up every time you entered a room and wouldn’t sit down again until you gave them permission to do so.

Since Bhutan is such a small nation, visitors from a place like Australia are practically unheard of. We were treated like celebrities by the students throughout the two weeks of teaching. Students actually asked each of us for autographs, holding out their hand or a piece of paper with a quick “May I have your signature, Madam?”. On the last day, the students showered us with small gifts and some of the younger kids were reduced to tears. It was hard saying goodbye.

The food in Bhutan was magnificent. It’s very easy to be vegetarian here, as many of the locals are for cultural reasons. We ate a lot of delicious dumpling-style food that the Bhutanese called Momos. Bhutanese people love their food to be spicy, and often serve chilli sauce with every thing, especially Momos.

I would highly recommend visiting if you ever have the chance. Bhutanese people are very proud of their country and they have every reason to be. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place with rich culture, great food and friendly people.

It’s clear to see why Bhutan uses a Gross National Happiness index to measure their population’s collective happiness and wellbeing. Their motto, ‘Happiness is a place’ is spot on.

Stefanie Carmody
Sustainable Development in Metropolitan Bordeaux

September 10, 2018

Bonjour Madame, Monsieur,

Hello, I’m Celina, back from a BUILD Abroad Trip in Bordeaux, France, a region very well known for its wine. During June-July 2018, I attended a Summer School run by the Bordeaux Institute of Technology where I studied ‘Sustainable Development in Metropolitan Bordeaux’. The main topic the subject revolved around, was sustainable development and the consequences of global warming and so we learnt and saw how Bordeaux Metropole tackled relating issues in the surrounding region. Its move towards sustainable development policies, education and research to implement initiatives that created a greener and better quality of life to its citizens.

Whilst this was outside my topic of study, they provided eye-opening information on how we can adapt and live a greener life. For example, in France, two years ago on the 1^st of July 2016 they banned plastic bag use in supermarkets whereas this has just been implemented in New South Wales. They have also implemented policies to reduce traffic entering the city and making it more accessible and inviting for pedestrians. In addition to sustainability subjects we were also given French lessons. Our daily French lessons also meant that we got settled in relatively quickly, picking up enough French to get around and order food, albeit a bit awkwardly at first. Learning a language in the country it is spoken in is an experience I’d recommend to anyone, it is a much faster paced learning experience, not in the meaning that you are rushed but because you need to use it all the time outside of class, we all picked up the language relatively quickly.

Outside of class, Bordeaux Institute of Technology had also organised cultural events, starting off with Wine and Cheese, there were also cooking lessons, a tour of the Museum of Wine and finally finishing off the Summer school with a farewell dinner. And these weren’t all, as a class we also organised outings into the city, a trip to a music festival, a ballet and a tour of the vineyards with some wine tasting at an estate in Saint Emilion, a region near Bordeaux also famous for its red wine.

Overall with daily sessions and dinner meetups it wasn’t hard before the group of us were fast friends even with our varying backgrounds in study and origin. I now have new friends from China, Korea, Morocco as well as students from RMIT in Melbourne. This trip is an unforgettable experience I’d recommend to anyone willing to give it a go.

Celina
Sophia University, Japan

September 10, 2018

Tokyo DisneySea

Many people have asked why, when they hear that I will be going to Sophia University Tokyo.

I started my exchange process by knowing that I wanted to go to Japan. After a short holiday, I fell in love with the country and knew that I wanted to go back. UTS has a large number of partners located all around Japan, but I wanted a university like UTS where it is centrally located and right in the hustle and bustle of things. This is where Sophia stood out, with its campus being located right in the heart of Tokyo. I am enrolled in the faculty of liberal arts where all the subjects offered are in English. I will be taking subjects that are completely different to my current course of accounting, such as Japanese pop culture, introduction to sociology and beginners Japanese. I am excited to do something other than accounting.

The process of applying to Sophia was loaded, where there was quite a bit involved. The application requires a health check up, including a chest x-ray. The university also requires letters of recommendation by two lecturers at UTS, which means the need to find lecturers who are willing to write the letter in a short amount of time. The housing application was quite simple and straightforward, where most exchange students are allocated housing. It was a simple ranking system of the places offered by the university. However, note that since the university is located in the heart of Tokyo, the housing provided by the university is off-campus, about one hour away from the city due to the ridiculous price of property in the city.

Trying okonomiyaki

The autumn semester at Sophia doesn’t start until the end of September, which is significantly later than UTS’ start of late July. Therefore I will be using this time to go to Japan earlier and do some travelling. I am feeling excited yet nervous at the same time. I think this feeling is unanimous amongst all exchange students. I am excited to be able to experience a new culture and way of living, yet nervous about living on my own for an extended period of time and knowing completely no one.

I am looking forward to the adventure ahead – attempting to navigate Japan with no Japanese, wish me luck!

Olivia Gunawan
12585675
Bachelor of Accounting
Sophia University
Japan

Australian Government New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient.
Ryerson University, Canada

September 5, 2018

Here is my reflection on my 2018 UTS global exchange experience at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. I left my hometown, Sydney beginning of January 2018 and I am now writing this blog just as I’m aboot to enter my flight back to Australia.

Its been quite the journey and without a doubt a once in a life time experience I am grateful, blessed and thankful I took. I still remember myself sitting in my room wanting a change, an escape, a “new discovery” of self. I was browsing my laptop and for some reason I came across UTS exchange and realised the deadline was very soon, so I applied.

And with no expectation I did my research and concluded with Ryerson University at Toronto Canada. I was very hesitant as I needed all direct equivalent subjects from my MAPS degree. But somehow some way managed due to the help of Raffaela a dedicated and persistent UTS exchange study abroad officer (she is great !!! definitely could not have done it without her).

And after being accepted and approved it was time to purchase my flight to study for the 2018 winter semester at Ryerson University. In regards to accommodation I made the mistake of waiting too late to apply for the recommended student housing “Neil Wycik”. So upon arrival I stayed at several Air BnB before moving into the student housing on February. But this also was benefiting as it forced me to see the city.

Upon arrival the cold was no joke. I think it was the coldest weather ever recorded in Toronto. It was brutal and all I had was a ski jacket which was definitely not enough. So I remember distinctly walking around the city after landing with my luggage trying to find my Air BnB. We are talking aboot -40degree (wind chills granted this is very rare and the most extreme it will most likely ever get) which is INSANE ! I remember my face was just frozen from 10 sec exposure. But its true you do adapt to the weather fairly quick and coming back to Australia I will most likely be wearing a t-shirt and shorts during the measly 14 degree winter period 🙂

Besides the weather in my opinion Toronto is very similar to Sydney in many ways. Sydney’s CBD and Toronto’s CBD are similar in the sense that its busy, has variety of shopping malls, restaurants, taxi’s, uber’s and transportation. It is also very ethnically diverse. Additionally Ryerson University is very similar to UTS in the sense that its in the heart of the city and is somewhat scattered across the CBD (although not as much as UTS).

Some difference I knew immediately was the fact that people walked in the opposite direction (the right side) in escalators, walk ways, cars etc. Taxation was quite annoying as it is not included in the final prices (so its just + 13% of the advertised price) and tipping was also quite confusing. However towards the end I was used to it and adapted. It is also important to note that the main language in Toronto is English not really French (although their is text and some people might speak French – regardless English is still the main language).

I would strongly recommend snow boots, as the snow and ice is quite slippery at times and there are many deceptive puddles throughout the city during the snowy periods. In regards to clothing, I think UTS suggestion was good in the sense you shouldn’t purchase any jackets as it will not be warm enough. Instead I would recommend layering A LOT of clothing e.g., thermal, long sleeve, jacket, then jumper, then another warm piece of coat. Then upon arrival purchase a warm coat either a high class Canadian goose (which I would not recommend due to the price unless you really like the design) otherwise purchase from Canadian Tire or in the Eaton centre or another retail store (for around $70-$200).

I purchased a TBGN jacket at the Eaton centre for $200 (you can definitely buy other jackets cheaper), and it was really warm all I wore was a t-shirt and the jacket and it was warm enough for most days. Unfortunately I lost the hoodie which was annoying and in the end I had to donate the jacket as it took too much luggage space :O I would also strongly recommend a scarf, beanie and gloves. I would also strongly recommend joining Citi Bank due to the non-existent transaction fees in Canada compare to other traditional banks such as Commonwealth (R.I.P my friend) and ANZ etc. The weather in Toronto does get better throughout and after the winter period, funnily enough when the weather settles down towards late April early May it is really nice and warm and you can essentially dress similar to Australia’s Summer/Spring.

In regards to food, you can purchase them from a grocery (duh) however in Canada and America there are no shopping centres instead it is just a mall (everything except a dedicated grocery store) so yeah interesting. Another thing I noticed was the sheer size and volume of food. e.g. grocery stores are significantly bigger than Australia providing the customer with more choices and a larger proportion/serving size of everything e.g. drinks, chips, milk etc.

In regards to accommodation, I believe Neil Wyick will be the best value for money in terms of location. The hostel is located seconds to the university and offers essentials like a cafeteria, private room (with shared bathroom), kitchen, gym, laundry and often hosts many events. The place is also relatively well maintained and clean however I was unfortunate to be matched with roommates who were of much older age (so we didn’t really see each other often).

But nevertheless I stuck through and learnt a lot through the extremely tough environment. So in conclusion I don’t think you will be matched with “bad” roommates as everyone is generally super friendly open minded and all have similar interest/ goals (on exchange).

I would definitely recommend Neil Wyick and without a doubt sign up early as rooms fill up quick. N.B The process is via mail only or in person. Other alternative could be student housing such as Tarutu college (near Uft, 15 min walk from campus) and Parkside (2min walk from campus)) both slightly more expensive but “nicer” in some ways.

Besides student housing an alternative option would also be Air Bnb which can be a hit or miss due to the high prices (although you can definitely find reasonable prices), location and vacancy. Lastly another option would be browsing online through third party website such as kijjiji (not spelt correctly :O).

Ryerson University, is located in the heart of downtown Toronto where there is easy access to restaurant, malls, groceries, pubs, restaurants, events, transportation and of course hot dog stands (the one on campus is the best I found). The university is fairly large and boast a free small ice skating rink, large student learning centre (essentially a large study space), library, two gyms and of course Tim Hortons. As for the University experience it was okay (for me personally but my friends also agreed to some extent).

I was studying Media Production at Ryerson University and was enrolled in two faculties (definitely possible just check with UTS and also talk to the faculty coordinator). So I was a part of both Image Arts (which is seen as more hipster, traditional as well as experimental film making) and RTA – Radio Television Arts (which is more of production and studio work). Ryerson is apparently top 10 film school in the World and I can see why (to some extent), the teachers are fabulous and knowledgeable, the students are passionate and the equipment is beyond fantastic we are talking aboot using industry camera’s like the Aries (valued over $100k) and the good old Sony FS7. The faculty also grants access to high grade lightning equipment, dollies, trollies, lenses, microphones, tripods etc.

The atmosphere in Ryerson is very similar to UTS, you mainly have local students who have a part-time job living in the suburban areas of Toronto meaning they commute a large distance to University for classes and attend some events but not really down to hangout due their time commitments and them already having a solid friend circle. But you also have a lot of friendly people who are open and have time to hang out, I guess its a hit and miss eh?

Toronto and Canada’s “nice” stereotypes are somewhat true, many people are very nice on the surface, there are also a lot of homeless people (perfectly safe) in the downtown area constantly asking for “change”. I would be careful walking the streets alone at night especially in the more shady locations.

At the start I tried really hard (although I of course could have pushed myself more) to put myself out there. I joined groups, attended events, parties etc however I was disappointed multiple times. Its not anyone’s fault its just I didn’t feel like I vibe with the people I met and I didn’t want to pretend. So I had very few friends throughout my trip but they were extremely high quality ones.

Initially there was an exchange group but again I didn’t feel like I vibed with them and I’m so glad I didn’t follow them and instead I stayed true to myself. So if you are heading towards exchange it is your opportunity to be alone and independent, and this is perhaps the most valuable thing I took from the whole experience. You aren’t tied down to anything, relationships, family, parents, friends no one is telling you what to do. You can eat ice cream for breakfast !

So essentially you learn how to become independent which is a beautiful thing. You just do you and you learn to express your true self which is a very hard and rare thing to do and witness in today’s day and age. We are so caught up looking at other people’s stories but we often forget we are our own selves. The times I spent alone I felt like I really discovered myself and learnt who I really was, I strongly encourage you to spend time alone and really listen to yourself to find “who you are” and who “you” want to become.

So in essence besides the first 3 weeks, I did not have much of a social life as I gave up on people (due to the not vibe-ness). That being said I did indeed have fun at times, with my few close friends! which I am beyond grateful for. So instead of spending time with other people and following them I focused on myself through learning new skills, self development and fitness and I am very glad I did.

And although I was doing 5 subjects which I don’t really recommend (again depends on your goals), I still had a lot of free time. I got a job at a local patties store and not only gained magic paper, I met new people, gained experience and learned new skills.

In regards to homesickness, I was definitely very homesick towards the beginning of April. I don’t think I would have missed home if it wasn’t due to my unfortunate circumstances (roommates) and many disappointment from people. However I stuck though it and used this as fuel to continue self improvement and I’m very glad I did. I also definitely would not have kept going without the support of my close friends who were empathetic (much love <3).

In regards to trying new things, I think this is a good time to do stuff, experimenting with who you are, trying new food, things, people, style, fashion etc. The city is also a lovely place to explore, some highlights of mine was Nathan Phillip Square, Eaton centre (shopping), Yorkdale (shopping), Toronto Islands, High park, Harbour front skating and much more !!! Toronto is also close to many interesting locations such as New York and Niagra Falls.

I think with Global Exchange, University is only 40% (max) of the experience the other is self discovery, new experience, learning to become independent, trying new things, failing, experimenting, love, friendship, relationships and learning to appreciate the gift of life. Personally without a doubt I can say I am definitely a changed person both physically and mentally (for the better) due to my exchange experience at Toronto Canada mostly due to the hard times I endured.

I have many more things to say but I’m not going to ’cause I would probably end up writing a novel (haha) So I leave you with a quote from Michelle Obama which I agree with:

“The benefits of studying abroad are almost endless”

And Global Exchange is quite a once in a life time experience that I think everyone (as long as you’re open to learning new things and generally have an open mind) should definitely try if given the opportunity.

But in the end it’s your life and your choice, I think the best advice I can give anyone is “to take every advice with a grain of salt” as ultimately again its your life and your choices. Just remember you can be anyone you want :), especially when you are abroad so make the most of it!

FIN.

P.s. Sorry (still practising Canadian etiquette eh) for spelling, grammar, punctuation and structure of this blog. This was a long blog so if you read this all many thanks! and best of luck on your travels 🙂

Derek Siu
12934156
Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Media Arts and Production)
Ryerson University
Canada
Rural India and I

September 4, 2018

I was recently fortunate enough to be selected to join a group of university students across Australia, in an invaluable and unforgettable experience. Working in rural India with a social enterprise.

The social enterprise I was working with is known as 40K Plus. I was a part of the Media/Marketing project, this meant in a team of four we would be creating and collecting content, to form the three microdocumentary’s which would make up the marketing materials that 40K can use for audiences such as future investors/partners, university students and much more.

The whole experience was amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone who is up for a rewarding challenge. Not only did I learn about business structures, cinematography, photography, using programs such as Adobe Premier Pro to edit footage, but I also learnt how to be dependent, financial stable, how to work in a team and how to be a leader. From being in rural village to and pitching one on one pitch to the Indian CEO of 40K, I have learnt so much about India, social enterprises and myself.

The marketing material made for 40K is now the first piece of content I can put in my portfolio, which I will be able to show for future job interviews or even other programs/internships that I apply for.

During the program we had a couple days each week to do our own travel, in this time I was able to complete the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra & Jaipur) as well as explore some of the most beautiful places, I had never heard of, these include, Mysore and Hampi.

One of the best parts is, all these skills I have learnt while on the program are transferable for all my future studies, career prospects and life experiences, this trip is definitely an experience I will never forget.

Sofia Warwar

Global Short Programs Student
Bordeaux Institute of Technology Sustainable Development Summer School

September 3, 2018

Travelling to Bordeaux for two weeks over the mid-semester break was truly one of the best experiences I’ve had. Combining learning more about my passion for sustainable development, studying and completing an elective, travelling abroad to France and making tons of friends – I loved every minute of it. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from it because I didn’t know anyone from UTS who was also doing the program and because it was my first time travelling completely by myself. However, it exceeded all of my expectations.

The overall program was planned and organised really well with lectures covering a different aspect of sustainability, daily intensive French language classes, amazing field trips around the city and buckets of wine and cheese. Amazing industry professionals covered a difference topic in each lecture – giving a general overview of the topic and then diving into their own personal research. I loved that most of the lectures covered topics that directly related to my studies as a civil and environmental engineer and what I am passionate about, such as groundwater management, growing urbanism, sustainable wood development and food and waste production. It also touched on topics that I had never even though about but really sparked my interest, such as photovoltaic cells, electric consumption and telecommunications from a sustainable development perspective.

The field trips around the city were my favourite parts because we visited places including La Cite du Vin (The wine museum), Bordeaux City Metropole, Veolia Lapouyade as well as attended culinary workshops and visited Chateau Beychevelle which truly made the experience worthwhile by breaking up what we were shown in lectures and immersing ourselves in French culture.

The people I met while on the trip was the icing on the cake. I met 4 other students from UTS as well as other students from RMIT Melbourne, China, Morocco and South Korea. It felt so good to get out of my comfort zone and experience “the classroom” in another country and culture with people that share the same interests and passions. We all got along straight away and it made everything 10 times better. It was truly an amazing experience and I am so happy to have undertaken this amazing opportunity with UTS BUiLD.

Reina
Seydisfjordur: harbour for lost souls

August 31, 2018

In September 2017, BUILD supported my journey to the LungA School in Seydisfjordur Iceland. LungA takes place in a tiny fishing village cut off from the rest of the world. Nestled in a deep valley, to enter Seydisfjordur you must first journey up through cloud cover before coming back down to the shore. It feels very much like you’ve ventured into another land.

Home to one shop and three art residencies the town is very much taken over with artists. The LungA School is more of a work of art itself than a school. Run by two artists and philosophers, it creates space for anarchy and confusion to dwell. It’s bizarre manifesto draws unique individuals from all over the globe to teach, practice and think art.

I spent three months there watching auroras, yodelling in silos, hiking past frozen waterfalls and making art. It is a very special place that our world offers. So special that often people find it hard to leave the tiny village; feelings of it being an artistic utopia. After this immersive experience, coming back to Sydney feels harsh and fast paced. I still cling onto the lessons and insight it taught me, the space for confusion and questioning it gave me.

If you’re looking for a place to get lost in, Seydisfjordur is the place for you.

Instagram @joannajoyprojects

Global Short Programs Student
Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain

August 22, 2018

-How’s life in your host city?

Life in Barcelona has been great. The city offers such a diverse group of suburbs – from bars and restaurants in Gothic/Born, the small galleries in Raval and the parks and beaches in Ciutadella and Barceloneta. Each day you are likely to stumble across a new part of the city that you had not known existed. The city is constantly full of life, which makes it a very exciting place to live.

– What have you found most surprising about your new country/culture?

Although it wasn’t surprising due to the media coverage in Australia, I have found it very interesting to follow the debate that continues to surround Catalan independence. Every week there seems to be a new protest taking place in one of the city’s parks or plazas. It has also been great to chat with my Catalan classmates about their opinions on independence. The political climate has also made me more aware of Catalan culture and encouraged me to try and learn more than I otherwise might have done.

– Are you studying something really interesting or different to what you’ve done before?

In my first trimester, I studied a subject Contemporary Law, Dictatorships and Transitional Justice. The subject included a lot of content regarding Spanish history (i.e. Franco’s dictatorship) as well as some components of European colonial history and its implications. Learning about the Spanish dictatorship was particularly interesting, as I learnt that many of the laws created under the dictatorship continue to operate in Spain (i.e. during WW2 Franco changed Spanish time to align with their German allies – after the dictatorship the clocks were never changed back and this contributes to the ‘late-night’ culture in Spain). All-in-all, my university studies have given me a greater understanding of the Spanish/Catalan culture which has been great.

Charlie Oldham
98137490
Bachelor of Business/Law
Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Barcelona, Spain

Autumn 2018 Global Exchange
Hej from Aarhus

August 19, 2018

I’ve been in this very chilly and extremely charming Danish city since January studying the Erasmus Mundus Journalism. The course is an international masters program set out between Aarhus University and the Danish School of Media and Journalism.

Before arriving in Denmark I had a vague idea of what it meant to be Danish. Having never travelled in Scandinavia before, my understanding of Danish culture tended to revolve around hygge, Scandi style and getting paid to go to uni (seriously the dream). I was also aware it was going to cost me a small fortune to live and study anywhere in Scandinavia for 6 months.

One month in to my Erasmus Mundus Program and I am happy to say Denmark truly lives up to the hype. I cycle to uni, light candles constantly and rug up everywhere I go. As I write this there is a thick covering of snow all through the town so the rugging up part is a serious necessity. Even so, Aarhus is a great University for anyone wanting a real Danish experience in a lovely and lively uni town. It has all the charm of Copenhagen in a more compact and easy to navigate package.

Surprisingly, I haven’t found Aarhus as expensive as I thought I would. Groceries are similar to Sydney prices and there are lots of student bars for cheap drinks. The only thing I had to adjust to was kicking my Sydney takeaway coffee habit as it costs about $7 for a coffee in a cafe. I bought a little plunger from ikea and I make do with home made.

The course itself is quite demanding and extremely theoretical. Do not expect the hands on nature in classes at UTS, of researching stories or packaging radio shows. The classes here are really interesting but the work you will submit is entirely academic essays. We are also expected to complete many assignments which are not counted toward your final grade and a lot of group work. This means if you have plans to travel around Europe while you’re here you really need to plan ahead of time. All the classes have just one 100% exam which is apparently normal in Denmark but feels very weird for us who are used to many assessments.

As it is an Erasmus Mundus program the course is very international. I think there are only about 5 Danes in the program. It makes for a fantastic learning experience with so many international and diverse perspectives on global issue. There is always space for some healthy debate in and outside of class. My classmates also made a huge effort to host parties for Chinese New Year and El Hafla which were extremely inclusive a great celebration of the diversity within the program.

Before I arrived in Denmark I read a lot of blogs about how Danes weren’t very friendly. This hasn’t been my experience at all. I have found everyone so welcoming and inclusive. Danes also get very excited about meeting people from Australia, you will find so many who have just come back from an exchange or a long holiday. If you want to meet (and party with) the Danes a good place to start are the Friday bars. Every Friday after Uni, all the faculties put on their own parties with cheap drinks and they can get pretty rowdy.

I chose to find housing through AU housing which I would seriously recommend. I was assigned a lovely two bedroom flat by the water and it costs me about $650 a month. There are lower cost options also to suit different budgets.

Caitlin Donaldson
12675827
Master of Arts in Journalism
Erasmus Mundus Consortium – Journalism
Aarhus, Denmark
Stockholm University, Sweden

August 18, 2018

Taken at Stockholm University on our first day of seeing snow

The first day of Spring and there is still a blanket of snow covering the ground. Coming from Australia, where the temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees, this has been a completely new and sublime experience. I have been skiing overlooking the city at Hammarby Backen, ice skated in Kungsträdgården, seen an ice hockey match, walked across frozen lakes and engaged in snow ball warfare.

I recently went on a trip to Swedish Lapland organised by the Stockholm University Student Union which was even more incredible. There the temperatures dropped to below minus 20 degrees. We went husky dog sledding, drove a snow mobile, visited Fjords in Norway, climbed an ice waterfall, witnessed the Aurora Borealis, visited a hotel made completely of Ice and drank Glögg (mulled wine) in a tepee with a fire burning.

Dog sledding in Kiruna, Lapland

I am living in student accommodation called Lappis which is located about a 10 minute walk from Stockholm University. Lappis is surrounded by a beautiful national park where deers freely roam. There are many lakes in the surrounding areas which have been frozen over (enough to walk on) for the duration of my stay here. There is also a neighbouring hobby farm which has horses, goats, giant bunnies, cows and mini pigs. Yet, the train into the city takes approximately 10 minutes. The close proximity of nature and cityscape is characteristic of Stockholm and makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Ice climbing in Abisko, Lapland

The university system is slightly difficult to navigate here as the system is much less centralised than UTS. I am only studying one subject at a time as their credit loads are much higher and their semesters have an A and B period. Only one subject is studied in each period. This allows for more focus on a particular topic… also leaves a lot of time for activities and travel! Stockholm is a really easy city to travel to many other cities in Europe. I have already been to Estonia and Norway and plan to go to Russia, Spain, Italy, France and Eastern Europe later in the semester.

Every day so far has been an adventure and I am so excited for the adventures to come. We are constantly being told how lively the spring and summer are here, so have everything to look forward to. I would highly recommend exchange at Stockholm University to anyone considering it.

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Erica Timmins
99126361
Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Arts (Public Communication)
Stockholm University
Sweden

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