My Exchange at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
I came across the 360 International exchange programme through my own search on the school’s official website. This discovery opened up a world of new possibilities and excitement.
Upon arriving at my host university, city, and country, UNC-Chapel Hill in the US. A whirlwind of emotions swept over me. There was a sense of wonder and curiosity as I took in the unfamiliar surroundings. The initial impressions were a blend of anticipation and a touch of nervousness.
In terms of accommodation, I shared a room and bathroom with a local student. While this setup offered less privacy compared to having a single room at the University of Auckland, it brought an unexpected gift – a wonderful friendship. Living with my roommate became a gateway to a deeper understanding of the local culture. We shared stories, traditions, and daily experiences, which enriched my exchange journey.
The orientation at the host university was a gathering of exchange students from around the globe. It was an amazing opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. You can make friends with exchange students from all over the world and explore the campus and the city together.
The courses and teaching at the host university were truly remarkable. The curriculum was more diverse, presenting a plethora of learning opportunities. Although the academic pressure was a bit higher than what I was used to, it was undoubtedly worth it. I had the chance to engage in practical shooting and editing, and the quality of teaching resources and faculty was outstanding.
Chapel Hill had a unique charm of its own. It was more like a university town, with fewer options for shopping and going out compared to Auckland. However, this allowed me to immerse myself deeply in the local culture and get a true taste of the local way of life.
Regarding the cost of living, it was higher than in Auckland. This was something to be mindful of, but it didn’t dampen my experience.
On campus, life was bustling. The campus was expansive, and the course schedule was tight. With only 15 minutes between consecutive classes, there were times when it felt a bit rushed. Nevertheless, the school’s dining hall was a great convenience. It offered a variety of food, including an international section. The balanced and delicious meals were a welcome respite, especially during exam periods. Although there was a shared kitchen in the dormitory, the dining hall’s convenience was hard to beat.
In terms of extracurricular activities, I indulged in some traveling. During the semester break or spring/fall break, exploring different parts of the country allowed me to soak in the local culture and gain a broader perspective. The famous tourist attractions such as Niagara Falls and Times Square are highly recommended by me. If you are on an exchange program in the United States, these places are definitely worth visiting.
The highlights of my exchange were numerous. Academically, I learned a great deal and had ample opportunities for hands-on learning. Personally, I developed a profound understanding of multicultural exchanges, Indigenous people, gender diversity, etc. Additionally, I became more independent in my personal life, learning to navigate new challenges and situations.
One of the challenges I faced was the cultural differences. However, these differences also became learning opportunities. They forced me to step out of my comfort zone and adapt to new ways of thinking and doing things.
For students considering the exchange programme, I wholeheartedly recommend it to second-year students. Going in the second year means less worry about graduation, and there are more diverse course options available. You can also more deeply experience the differences between the exchange region/school and Auckland. Having spent the first year at the University of Auckland, you’ll be better prepared and more adapted to university life. Moreover, it’s an excellent chance to improve your English language skills and enrich your language proficiency.
In conclusion, my exchange experience was a life-changing journey filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. It’s an opportunity that I would encourage every student to consider.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
My major is Media & Comms. During the exchange period, the comms courses were extremely unforgettable. We had small-sized classes, with only about ten people in each class. Everyone had the opportunity to learn how to use Canon 4K cameras. Our assignments were to shoot short films using these cameras. At the same time, we also learned professional theoretical knowledge and practical experience in aspects such as lighting and sound effects. The professor would comment on each person’s shooting assignment one by one and give very valuable suggestions. Usually, the professor would also teach us interview and editing skills outside of the classroom, from which we benefited a great deal.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
UNC Chapel Hill is a school that’s super famous for its sports. The sports atmosphere on this campus is just amazing! There are different sports games every week, like gymnastics, baseball, volleyball, and so on.
In the spring (from January to May), it’s basketball season. You’ll get to see the final game between UNC and Duke University. Everywhere everyone is wearing Carolina Blue. In the fall (from August to December), it’s football season. The school has a really awesome stadium. The opening ceremony of the games is extremely exciting, and the atmosphere during the whole game is just so intense. And the best part? These games are all free for students!
UNC Chapel Hill has a long history of being passionate about sports. It’s a place where students and fans come together to cheer for their teams. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just looking for some fun, these games are definitely something you don’t want to miss. So if you’re ever at UNC Chapel Hill, make sure to check out the sports events and experience the amazing atmosphere for yourself!
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
Take part in lots of campus activities
• Travel on holidays.
• Choose fun courses.
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?
I’ve set a budget of around 30,000 New Zealand dollars for my exchange. It’s quite sufficient. This amount includes the cost of insurance, meal plan, accommodation, and also the money for my trips during the holidays.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
During my exchange experience, I’ve become significantly more independent in my life and more mature in my personality. Being far away from home, there’s a big time difference when contacting my parents. So many things need to be shouldered and solved by myself. I’ve had to make decisions on my own, handle various challenges, and take care of my daily life without the immediate support of my family. This has truly made me grow and become much more independent. I’ve learned to rely on myself and face difficulties head-on, emerging stronger and more confident in the process.
Is there any advice you could share about accommodation options at your host university and/or in the local area?
I live on campus. Here’s my advice: be sure to apply for dormitory accommodation early so that you can choose the building you like. First, I learned about the distribution of various dormitory buildings on campus through the school website. Then, I looked at the floor plans to understand different types of accommodation buildings. After that, I checked out the recommendations of local UNC students on Reddit. Finally, based on my budget, I determined several dormitories that I like and registered and got in line early. As an exchange student, it’s relatively easy to apply for a dormitory, but applying as early as possible will increase your chances of getting your preferred one.