My Exchange at The University of Washington
My name is Daeun(Dana) Lee. My three months at the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle as part of the 360 International exchange programme was an experience I’ll treasure forever. As a music major from the University of Auckland, I jumped at the chance to explore a new city, meet new people, and study what I love in a fresh environment. Here’s a bit about my journey. I hope it inspires and helps future exchange students.
How I Discovered the Programme
I had always been interested in studying abroad outside of New Zealand, so I started researching exchange programmes and found out about 360 International. After attending an info session, I immediately saw the potential for both academic and personal growth. Learning about UW, a world-class institution in a city known for its music and culture, sealed the deal for me. I couldn’t wait to dive in.
First Impressions of Seattle
Seattle greeted me with a mix of excitement and nerves. The city is a beautiful blend of towering evergreens, lively streets, and an unmistakable buzz of creativity. Walking around UW’s campus for the first time, with its stunning architecture and well-organised, beautiful layout, felt surreal. The autumn chill was a bit of a shock, but I quickly grew to love layering up and sipping hot coffee—a Seattle must!
Accommodation
I stayed in a two-bedroom dorm on campus. It was cozy, well-located, and even had music practice rooms on the ground floor—a huge bonus for a music student like me. Sharing a room with another student from a completely different cultural background was such a rewarding experience. Some of our late-night chats about the cultural differences between New Zealand and the U.S., and our experiences as university students, created a bond that made my time there even more special.
Orientation
UW’s orientation was very helpful. They introduced us to academic resources and ran events to help us settle in. Social mixers were a great way to meet other exchange students, and I quickly started feeling at home. By the end of the first week, I had a small but solid group of friends to navigate this new adventure with.
Courses and Teaching
I took Piano Collaborative with Singers, Organ Studies, and a Jazz in Film Music course. Working with singers in the collaborative course sharpened my skills and pushed me creatively. Learning the organ for the first time was unforgettable; it’s not every day you get to play such unique instruments. The Jazz in Film Music class opened my eyes to how deeply music shapes storytelling in movies. The professors were passionate and approachable, always encouraging us to think outside the box.
Living Costs and the City
Seattle is vibrant but pricey. The cost of living was slightly higher than in Auckland, but it was still manageable. The free public transport for university students and having a Trader Joe’s nearby helped me stick to a budget. The city itself is amazing—I loved exploring Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and even visiting the first Starbucks. Seattle’s mix of urban life and natural beauty is perfect for students.
Life on Campus and Food
Campus life was vibrant, with plenty of clubs, cultural events, and things to do. Unfortunately, the food in the dining halls wasn’t great. I ended up using my dining plan mostly at the campus grocery store, where I could grab fresh ingredients or ready-to-eat meals. Cooking for myself became a fun part of my routine, and I loved experimenting with new recipes.
Highlights
The highlight of my exchange was performing in a recital alongside singers. It was the culmination of weeks of practice and a truly exhilarating experience. I also cherished the friendships I formed and the incredible faculty who inspired me to grow both as a musician and as a person.
Challenges
Adapting to a different academic system wasn’t too challenging since it shared some similarities with New Zealand’s system. Staying organised and asking professors for help made a huge difference. Homesickness hit occasionally, but staying connected with friends and family back home helped, as did leaning on my new support network at UW.
Advice for Future Students
- Plan Ahead: Research everything—courses, accommodation, and even cultural quirks.
- Budget Wisely: Be mindful of extra expenses like travel and dining out.
- Get Involved: Join clubs, attend events, and make the most of what’s on offer.
- Stay Open-Minded: Embrace the differences and step out of your comfort zone.
My exchange at UW was life-changing. It challenged me, inspired me, and gave me memories I’ll carry forever. I do think I could have experienced even more if I had been a little more open-minded, but every moment was worth it. If you’re considering an exchange, go for it—it’s an adventure you won’t regret.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
The moment I accompanied a soprano soloist in a technically demanding and emotionally rich piece. The weeks of rehearsals leading up to the performance taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of collaboration. When the final note rang out and the audience applauded, I felt a profound sense of achievement and connection.
I also cherished the friendships I formed, whether it was late-night conversations with my roommate or conversations with classmates after class The incredible faculty inspired me to grow both as a musician and as a person.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
If you’re looking to make the most of your exchange program, I’d recommend joining some cultural or hobby clubs that interest you. It’s a great way to meet people, experience something new, and dive deeper into both the local culture and the international community on campus. Whether it’s learning about different cultures or picking up a new hobby, getting involved in clubs is a fun way to make the most of your time abroad. Also, don’t miss out on attending a Huskies sports game, like football—it’s a fun way to experience the school spirit and local culture!
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
Get Involved: Join clubs, attend events, and connect with the campus community to enrich your experience.
Explore Seattle: Take time to discover the city and nearby nature, from Pike Place Market to hiking spots.
Embrace Huskies Spirit: Attend sports games to experience the excitement and school pride at UW.
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 spent around 700 USD outside of my housing and dining plan for living expenses. Overall, that was enough for the basics, but I did learn a few things that could help future students budget better. It’s a good idea to set aside extra for unexpected expenses, like activities or outings with friends. Being mindful of how much you’re spending on entertainment and food can really help stretch your budget while still having a great time.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
My most significant takeaways from my experience abroad are the personal growth and broader perspective I gained. I learned how adaptable I can be in unfamiliar environments, which boosted my confidence in handling new challenges. I also developed a deeper appreciation for different cultures, seeing firsthand how people’s backgrounds shape their views and values. Studying abroad also taught me the importance of building connections and making the most of every opportunity, whether it’s in the classroom or through exploring the local culture. Ultimately, it’s a reminder of how much there is to learn when we step outside our comfort zones.
Is there any advice you could share about accommodation options at your host university and/or in the local area?
It’s important to keep in mind that your first choice for housing might not always be available if you choose on-campus option, so it’s a good idea to remain flexible and open to other options. For example, even though I applied for Stevens Court, Terry Hall still turned out to be a great choice, offering a different but still positive experience. Being adaptable with housing can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
Do you have any advice on what mobile phone apps and/or phone plans that were useful in your host country?
For Phone plan I used T-Mobile
Final Comments
Go for it!