See what UNSW students say about their Learning Abroad experience
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In-Person Exchange
In-Person Exchange
Americas
Americas
Cornell University - School of
Industrial & Labour Relations
Industrial & Labour Relations
Since I was young, I had the dream studying in the United States and pursuing my “American Dream”! I could not believe this had come true and I even got to study at an Ivy League School for a full year during my degree. Cornell University has definitely allowed me to be exposed to a wide range of possibilities. I was able to engage in diverse coursework and extracurricular activities that significantly contributed to my personal and professional development. This experience was invaluable in broadening my global awareness and leadership skills in the dynamic financial industry.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that my experience at Cornell brought about a significant change in my mindset and personal growth. The positive and supportive culture in the US inspired me to venture beyond my comfort zone and embrace novel challenges with confidence. The encouraging conversations with my peers, professors, and professionals have impressed upon me the paramountcy of self-determination. By fostering a sense of self-efficacy, I have been able to elevate my proficiency in navigating complex scenarios characterized by ambiguity. Lately, I have been deliberately asking myself, "What have I got to lose? Why not?" when confronted with decisions, with the hope of internalizing this mentality in the future.
All in all, this one-year exchange at Cornell has been a transformative experience that has broadened my knowledge and catalysed a positive change in my mindset. It has molded and transformed my perspective toward life and future goals.
What are you waiting for? Go on an exchange and explore your potential!
I was pleasantly surprised to find that my experience at Cornell brought about a significant change in my mindset and personal growth. The positive and supportive culture in the US inspired me to venture beyond my comfort zone and embrace novel challenges with confidence. The encouraging conversations with my peers, professors, and professionals have impressed upon me the paramountcy of self-determination. By fostering a sense of self-efficacy, I have been able to elevate my proficiency in navigating complex scenarios characterized by ambiguity. Lately, I have been deliberately asking myself, "What have I got to lose? Why not?" when confronted with decisions, with the hope of internalizing this mentality in the future.
All in all, this one-year exchange at Cornell has been a transformative experience that has broadened my knowledge and catalysed a positive change in my mindset. It has molded and transformed my perspective toward life and future goals.
What are you waiting for? Go on an exchange and explore your potential!
Trevor - Commerce (International)
New York University - Stern School of Business
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to go to New York because of movies such as Spider-man and Ghostbusters and so finally living in the city during my exchange was a dream come true. I had so much fun living the “American college experience” where presumably students get to live inside dormitories and enjoy late nights out in the city; where it’s amazingly bright and quite literally comes alive.
However, not only was exchange a fun experience; it was also a great learning experience. The opportunity to live by yourself was something I had not experienced before, and exchange invited me to do something out of the ordinary. Managing daily expenses, food, travelling and chores such as laundry, cooking and cleaning might seem annoying if you have never lived by yourself, but it reminded me that I was responsible for my own actions; it gave me more freedom than I had ever felt before and it gave me a preview of what it would be like living solo.
Signing up for exchange, I was worried about flying to an unknown place without any familiar friends or family to fall back upon, but I definitely don’t regret it. In fact, travelling by yourself is the most rewarding and in my opinion, is how you can get the most out of your exchange experience, as you are more inclined to meet new people and build connections. The connections I formed with my residence hall friends were so close (as we saw each other basically everyday), they even invited me to visit them in their home country! The ease with which you form friendships and connections with new, international people is one that is unique to the exchange experience and is something I would recommend to anyone.
Coming back from exchange, I feel reshaped into a better and more independent person and is an experience that I recommend to anyone willing to try something new and fun.
However, not only was exchange a fun experience; it was also a great learning experience. The opportunity to live by yourself was something I had not experienced before, and exchange invited me to do something out of the ordinary. Managing daily expenses, food, travelling and chores such as laundry, cooking and cleaning might seem annoying if you have never lived by yourself, but it reminded me that I was responsible for my own actions; it gave me more freedom than I had ever felt before and it gave me a preview of what it would be like living solo.
Signing up for exchange, I was worried about flying to an unknown place without any familiar friends or family to fall back upon, but I definitely don’t regret it. In fact, travelling by yourself is the most rewarding and in my opinion, is how you can get the most out of your exchange experience, as you are more inclined to meet new people and build connections. The connections I formed with my residence hall friends were so close (as we saw each other basically everyday), they even invited me to visit them in their home country! The ease with which you form friendships and connections with new, international people is one that is unique to the exchange experience and is something I would recommend to anyone.
Coming back from exchange, I feel reshaped into a better and more independent person and is an experience that I recommend to anyone willing to try something new and fun.
Peter - Actuarial Studies/Commerce
McGill University
My exchange experience at McGill University began in the French dominant city of Montreal in the heart of winter. As McGill welcomes the most international students at all Canadian universities, with over 30% of students from international countries, I was easily able to meet and make friends with students from all over the world in my lectures and classes. This was also my first time experiencing a Canadian winter. I was so excited during snow days, ice-skating in outdoor rinks and walking through the park as it snowed.
At McGill, I was able to participate in classes that were one-of-a-kind to McGill in the geography department. I was able to learn from leading professors and researchers in Canadian planning to learn about Montreal’s urban planning and history. I felt supported by my professors, teaching assistants and classmates as I tried to adapt to the workload and academic system.
Living on campus was an amazing experience where I was able to meet and live with other exchange students from all over the world, and we organised trips together, had game nights and studied for finals together. The student life at McGill is incomparable, there were always multiple events happening every day, organised by university societies at SSMU. My favourite activities were skiing and snowboarding trips organised by the ski society, where we went on trips every weekend to Montreal’s ski resorts and night-skied on Thursday nights.
The highlight of my exchange was travelling across Canada and the U.S with my exchange friends, some organised by McGill’s Mustbus Society, with trips to Ottawa, Boston, New York City, Toronto and elsewhere during reading break and after the term. During my exchange journey I learned a lot about living independently and being resilient in the face of challenges which included adapting to Montreal’s French-dominant city. Overall, my exchange was an unforgettable experience which enriched both my academic and personal growth.
At McGill, I was able to participate in classes that were one-of-a-kind to McGill in the geography department. I was able to learn from leading professors and researchers in Canadian planning to learn about Montreal’s urban planning and history. I felt supported by my professors, teaching assistants and classmates as I tried to adapt to the workload and academic system.
Living on campus was an amazing experience where I was able to meet and live with other exchange students from all over the world, and we organised trips together, had game nights and studied for finals together. The student life at McGill is incomparable, there were always multiple events happening every day, organised by university societies at SSMU. My favourite activities were skiing and snowboarding trips organised by the ski society, where we went on trips every weekend to Montreal’s ski resorts and night-skied on Thursday nights.
The highlight of my exchange was travelling across Canada and the U.S with my exchange friends, some organised by McGill’s Mustbus Society, with trips to Ottawa, Boston, New York City, Toronto and elsewhere during reading break and after the term. During my exchange journey I learned a lot about living independently and being resilient in the face of challenges which included adapting to Montreal’s French-dominant city. Overall, my exchange was an unforgettable experience which enriched both my academic and personal growth.
Serena - City Planning
UK & Ireland
UK & Ireland
University of Edinburgh
Since I began my degree, it was always my dream to attend the University of Edinburgh for my year abroad. Not only is the university a prestigious, world-renowned institution, the city itself is like no other. Given my love for history, I was so excited to explore iconic sites like the Royal Mile and Carlton Hill and have the chance to live in the Old Town. I also had the opportunity to study Scottish history subjects which made the experience all the more enjoyable.
The friends I made throughout this experience was one of the greatest aspects of my time abroad. I lived in a flat with four other girls, three of which were from America and the other, a good friend I arrived with. We had the most fun in our flat as we explored the new city together and became closer as a group. I also met people in my classes and in the university basketball team I joined, all of whom I still keep in contact with. These friendships made along the way only enriched my time abroad and meant I was quick to build a “home away from home”.
I learnt so much about myself over my exchange as I gained independence and confidence facing the world in a new country. I am so proud of everything I learnt over my time abroad and I continue to use these skills upon my return home. Edinburgh is a city like no other. I felt immediately at home when I arrived with its friendly people and cosy ambiance. This is not to say my time abroad did not have its challenges, but these are all part of the experience. You can rely on the support offered at the University, the friends you make and the support systems at home to get you through any problems that may arise. Exchange was truly the best experience of my life. I could not recommend Edinburgh enough for a host university. Go on exchange, you won’t regret it!
The friends I made throughout this experience was one of the greatest aspects of my time abroad. I lived in a flat with four other girls, three of which were from America and the other, a good friend I arrived with. We had the most fun in our flat as we explored the new city together and became closer as a group. I also met people in my classes and in the university basketball team I joined, all of whom I still keep in contact with. These friendships made along the way only enriched my time abroad and meant I was quick to build a “home away from home”.
I learnt so much about myself over my exchange as I gained independence and confidence facing the world in a new country. I am so proud of everything I learnt over my time abroad and I continue to use these skills upon my return home. Edinburgh is a city like no other. I felt immediately at home when I arrived with its friendly people and cosy ambiance. This is not to say my time abroad did not have its challenges, but these are all part of the experience. You can rely on the support offered at the University, the friends you make and the support systems at home to get you through any problems that may arise. Exchange was truly the best experience of my life. I could not recommend Edinburgh enough for a host university. Go on exchange, you won’t regret it!
Ellen - International Studies/Law
Asia
Asia
Doshisha University
My exchange experience at Doshisha Univerisity is one that I will remember and look back on fondly forever. I had first decided on the location due to my love for Japanese traditional culture, and Kyoto was the perfect place to go. Some of the highlights of my year included participating in traditions such as Hatsumoude with my friends, and visiting various shrines and temples (both famous and lesser known ones).
The thing that drew me most to studying at Doshisha University was their incredible Japanese language program. Language classes provided great immersion, and the diverse mix of students from all over the world, with Japanese as the only common language, really pushed us all to practice Japanese. Although I had studied Japanese for a few years prior to my exchange, overcoming the language barrier was one of the biggest challenges I faced. However, through daily language immersion through language classes and interacting with Japanese students and society I was able to quickly become comfortable and confident in using the language.
Transportation in Japan was also extremely convenient, which made travelling to various other areas in Japan another one of my favourite parts of exchange. Some of my highlights included Okinawa, Hokkaido and a multi prefecture road trip spanning from Tottori to Wakayama.
Overall, my time at Doshisha University was incredibly fulfilling, and allowed me to develop both academically and personally. I met and befriended amazing people from all over the world, whom I still talk to daily and I was able to gain confidence and fluency in Japanese, a skill that I hope to continue to cultivate. For anyone considering exchange, I can’t recommend it enough - it was truly an amazing and life-changing experience that created countless incredible memories.
The thing that drew me most to studying at Doshisha University was their incredible Japanese language program. Language classes provided great immersion, and the diverse mix of students from all over the world, with Japanese as the only common language, really pushed us all to practice Japanese. Although I had studied Japanese for a few years prior to my exchange, overcoming the language barrier was one of the biggest challenges I faced. However, through daily language immersion through language classes and interacting with Japanese students and society I was able to quickly become comfortable and confident in using the language.
Transportation in Japan was also extremely convenient, which made travelling to various other areas in Japan another one of my favourite parts of exchange. Some of my highlights included Okinawa, Hokkaido and a multi prefecture road trip spanning from Tottori to Wakayama.
Overall, my time at Doshisha University was incredibly fulfilling, and allowed me to develop both academically and personally. I met and befriended amazing people from all over the world, whom I still talk to daily and I was able to gain confidence and fluency in Japanese, a skill that I hope to continue to cultivate. For anyone considering exchange, I can’t recommend it enough - it was truly an amazing and life-changing experience that created countless incredible memories.
Alice - International Studies/Law
Singapore Management University
My exchange experience at Singapore Management University (SMU) was an unforgettable journey that offered me incredible opportunities for academic growth, cultural immersion, and personal development.
SMU’s interactive teaching style was one of the key highlights of my time there. The small group discussions, case studies, and guest lecturers’ presentations were a refreshing change from the traditional lecture-style teaching at UNSW, and it made the learning experience more dynamic. Being in Singapore, a global financial hub, also exposed me to unique industry insights, making it an ideal place to gain international business knowledge.
One of the things I loved most about SMU was its central location in the middle of the city, which made it easy to explore the country’s cultural hubs from trying local dishes at hawker centers to visiting areas like Chinatown and Little India. Singapore’s proximity to Southeast Asia made travelling with my new friends was a highlight of the exchange experience. From weekend getaways to Bali and Koh Samui to exploring the rich history and culture of Singapore itself, the travel opportunities were endless.
I was also impressed by the diverse and welcoming student community at SMU. With exchange students from all over the world, I had the chance to connect with people from various backgrounds, forming friendships that transcended borders. The university provided numerous exchange student events that encouraged exchange students to get involved.
Overall, my exchange at Singapore Management University was an unforgettable and enriching experience that helped me grow both academically and personally. I developed valuable skills, made lifelong friends, and gained a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. The engaging academic environment and vibrant cultural setting, along with the challenges I faced, only made the experience more rewarding. SMU offered a platform to challenge myself academically, explore new perspectives, and embrace an exciting, fast-paced city life. For anyone considering an exchange, I wholeheartedly recommend SMU and Singapore—it’s an experience that will challenge, enrich, and stay with you forever.
SMU’s interactive teaching style was one of the key highlights of my time there. The small group discussions, case studies, and guest lecturers’ presentations were a refreshing change from the traditional lecture-style teaching at UNSW, and it made the learning experience more dynamic. Being in Singapore, a global financial hub, also exposed me to unique industry insights, making it an ideal place to gain international business knowledge.
One of the things I loved most about SMU was its central location in the middle of the city, which made it easy to explore the country’s cultural hubs from trying local dishes at hawker centers to visiting areas like Chinatown and Little India. Singapore’s proximity to Southeast Asia made travelling with my new friends was a highlight of the exchange experience. From weekend getaways to Bali and Koh Samui to exploring the rich history and culture of Singapore itself, the travel opportunities were endless.
I was also impressed by the diverse and welcoming student community at SMU. With exchange students from all over the world, I had the chance to connect with people from various backgrounds, forming friendships that transcended borders. The university provided numerous exchange student events that encouraged exchange students to get involved.
Overall, my exchange at Singapore Management University was an unforgettable and enriching experience that helped me grow both academically and personally. I developed valuable skills, made lifelong friends, and gained a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. The engaging academic environment and vibrant cultural setting, along with the challenges I faced, only made the experience more rewarding. SMU offered a platform to challenge myself academically, explore new perspectives, and embrace an exciting, fast-paced city life. For anyone considering an exchange, I wholeheartedly recommend SMU and Singapore—it’s an experience that will challenge, enrich, and stay with you forever.
Jusleen - Commerce (International)
Europe
Europe
Sciences Po Aix - Aix-en-Provence
My exchange experience has been the highlight of my time as a student at UNSW. I went to a small town in the south of France, called Aix-en-Provence. I was nervous to go to a country where I didn’t speak the language fluently, but that ended up being one of the most rewarding things about my exchange program! Initially, navigating daily life was a challenge. I spent a lot of time with very little idea what was going on. However, it really is remarkable how quickly you learn in those situations. After a few months I found myself far more at ease with the French language and lifestyle. Feeling myself become more confident and comfortable as the exchange progressed was such an exciting feeling.
I was able to become more comfortable, not really through my own efforts, but through the incredible network of friends that I developed while I was over there. There were French students who tried tirelessly to make sure we were included and felt part of the community. There was also a really strong network of international students, and many of us became inseparably close after just a week of the ‘immersion program’ that a few of us did at the beginning of the semester. We became so close, in fact, that 13 of us booked a trip to Morocco and Spain together just a few weeks after term started. The joy of experiencing this country with this new, diverse group of international students was something I will never forget.
My year on exchange taught me so much, and is a big part of who I am now. I’m still connected to many of my friends overseas, and really feel that I have a ‘second-home’ in the south of France. It has been such a privilege to experience another way of living and learning - I would recommend it to anyone!
I was able to become more comfortable, not really through my own efforts, but through the incredible network of friends that I developed while I was over there. There were French students who tried tirelessly to make sure we were included and felt part of the community. There was also a really strong network of international students, and many of us became inseparably close after just a week of the ‘immersion program’ that a few of us did at the beginning of the semester. We became so close, in fact, that 13 of us booked a trip to Morocco and Spain together just a few weeks after term started. The joy of experiencing this country with this new, diverse group of international students was something I will never forget.
My year on exchange taught me so much, and is a big part of who I am now. I’m still connected to many of my friends overseas, and really feel that I have a ‘second-home’ in the south of France. It has been such a privilege to experience another way of living and learning - I would recommend it to anyone!
Ruth - Arts/Law
ESADE Ramon Llull University
Embarking on an exchange program in Barcelona has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I can confidently say it exceeded all expectations. It provided an opportunity for growth in every aspect of my life.
Academically and professionally, I was fortunate enough to work with two different companies as part of the subjects available in ESADE Ramon Llull university. One of these companies was a popular Spanish clothing brand that was founded in Barcelona. Working with a group of fellow exchange students, we brainstormed different sustainable initiatives that the company could put in place in the future.
Another valuable benefit is self-growth and independence. I have become a lot more confident within myself and my abilities following my exchange; learning that nothing is impossible. For one, I built up skills on how to live by myself and complete activities that I would usually do with someone at home to do with myself and in a different language.
Regarding friendships, I am so beyond grateful for this experience. I have made some of the most amazing friendships that I would even consider some of these people my family. During the exchange process I definitely learnt the importance of putting yourself out there, even just one hello can really open up the gates to meeting people and making some of the most amazing friendships you will ever make in your life. I have been able to create lifelong friendships through this experience, and for that alone the exchange was completely worth it.
I was also very lucky to travel quite a bit within Europe, Spain, the Catalunya area (the area in which Barcelona is in) and Barcelona with the amazing friends I made through ESADE. During these experiences I was able to surround myself in a different culture, learn from different people, their way of life and language. These valuable skills are so vital in our globalised world teaching you the importance of becoming flexible, adaptable and embracing these differences to truly learn and reach your full potential while also unveiling the true potential of other people. The experience was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences I have ever gone through. I could not recommend it more highly to anyone!
Academically and professionally, I was fortunate enough to work with two different companies as part of the subjects available in ESADE Ramon Llull university. One of these companies was a popular Spanish clothing brand that was founded in Barcelona. Working with a group of fellow exchange students, we brainstormed different sustainable initiatives that the company could put in place in the future.
Another valuable benefit is self-growth and independence. I have become a lot more confident within myself and my abilities following my exchange; learning that nothing is impossible. For one, I built up skills on how to live by myself and complete activities that I would usually do with someone at home to do with myself and in a different language.
Regarding friendships, I am so beyond grateful for this experience. I have made some of the most amazing friendships that I would even consider some of these people my family. During the exchange process I definitely learnt the importance of putting yourself out there, even just one hello can really open up the gates to meeting people and making some of the most amazing friendships you will ever make in your life. I have been able to create lifelong friendships through this experience, and for that alone the exchange was completely worth it.
I was also very lucky to travel quite a bit within Europe, Spain, the Catalunya area (the area in which Barcelona is in) and Barcelona with the amazing friends I made through ESADE. During these experiences I was able to surround myself in a different culture, learn from different people, their way of life and language. These valuable skills are so vital in our globalised world teaching you the importance of becoming flexible, adaptable and embracing these differences to truly learn and reach your full potential while also unveiling the true potential of other people. The experience was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences I have ever gone through. I could not recommend it more highly to anyone!
Sofia - Commerce/Arts
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Virtual Learning Abroad
Virtual Learning Abroad
Americas
Americas
APRU - UC Santa Cruz
I recommend students have a look at APRU's list of universities and see if there is a subject that interests you. If you can use it as an elective, then I would really give it a go. I have not done history since high school, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the content and the fast paced environment that introduces you to new ideas
Emma
North Arizona University
The highlights included being able to meet students globally and understand financial markets from an American perspective.
Eric
York University
I got to connect with Indigenous students from other countries and learn about other cultures. Make sure you connect with your classmates. I found group work really helped.
Taine
University of Ottawa
Being able to take courses not available at UNSW and gain different perspectives on course content from students and teachers from different cultural backgrounds was a definite highlight.
Cynthia
UK & Ireland
UK & Ireland
Manchester Business School
It gave me an opportunity to expand my study experience and to be able to network online with many friends from other side of the world. I strongly recommend you take advantage of this opportunity - the courses are fantastic and the experiences are interesting and meaningful.
Kerry
University of Birmingham
Getting to make friends with people from the other side of the world was a highlight.
Jonathan
Asia
Asia
APRU - Korea University
A highlight was meeting and interacting virtually with new people from around the world. Make sure you talk to as many new people as possible!
Amanda
APRU - Korea University
I think the highlights included having the opportunity to take a course from another university and experience their way of teaching; meeting different people from different backgrounds and universities; and also being able to take a general education course that I am genuinely interested in.
Cindy
Beijing Normal University
I loved being able to access the experience from the comforts of my home.
Angel
APRU - Tsinghua University
The highlights of my virtual exchange were the unique opportunity to study at top institutions, the engaging and effective teaching by the professors, the support and guidance provided by the teaching assistants, the chance to collaborate with exceptional classmates, and the overall enriching learning experience in the Global Hybrid Classroom.
Qing
Europe
Europe
Science Po
The courses were fantastic. Lecturers were experts in the field, and subject matter was much broader than that offered at UNSW.
I also really enjoyed the high level of class participation at Sciences Po.
I also really enjoyed the high level of class participation at Sciences Po.
Karie
Science Po
The teaching staff at Sciences Po were one of the highlights. Try to adopt a consistent sleep schedule if you have overnight classes.
Dylan
UNSW Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
UNSW CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 ABN: 57 195 873 179
UNSW CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 ABN: 57 195 873 179