Matilda (Sem 2, 2022)

My Exchange at The University of Arizona

I found out about the 360 International Exchange through my degree of Global Studies where it is highly encouraged to study abroad. I was actually advised to go to a Spanish speaking country but my advisors accepted my request to go to the US.

My first impression of my host university was that it was gorgeous and so American! I absolutely loved it. My first impression of Tucson was that it was a very flat city with one main university street with everything you may need. One main bar and shopping street also.

My accommodation was really nice and modern. I paid $1075/monthly, I lived a 2 min walk from campus and I got my own room and bathroom In a three-bedroom apartment. I had views of the mountains which was gorg. There was lots of parties and noise during the semester and the accommodation team were not very helpful and hard to get hold of. Sorting accommodation was hard as well.

I did not receive an orientation vea cause I arrived a few days before classes began so I would rec arriving on move-in day so you can be familiar with campus and get a tour.

I loved my classes! They were so so easy. Like year 10 level of highschool. They were super interesting also.

Cost of living was higher than Auckland for sure. Everything in America felt super expensive when you first arrived.

Life in campus was like the MOST FUN. There was stuff to do every single day, night and weekend on and around campus. You will not be bored! I also signed up for a sports league which was chill and fun!

Q&A

What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?

The highlights was learning in about racism in an American environment. The library and learning services were really good. Another highlight was the campus itself, it was gorgeous and had so many services!

Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?

I would recommend visiting the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe bend, LA, San Diego, Mexico. all these are super close you just have to rent a car with friends you will make!

What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?

Tip 1: Make friends with other exchange students more than local students but also some locals.

Tip 2: Say yes to everything! And don’t close your self off at the start to new experience.

Tip 3: Get a wise card to make payments in USD.

How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?

At my university there was a campus pantry where you could get free pantry staples. I would recommend going there as often as you can.

What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?

Changed my life!! I learnt so much about myself!

Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?

To a road trip to LA, and another to the Grand Canyon. I also went to Chicago and New Orleans and Utah and Wisconsin, all great and super different. It was expensive to travel with flights compared to hiring a car.