My Exchange at The University of Edinburgh
I found out about the 360 International exchange programme from my friend. She told me about her exchange experience in Japan. After that, I yearned for the exchange life.
In fact, the process of applying for an exchange is a hassle. I needed to look at each school’s requirements and think about whether they were the right fit for me. But it was absolutely worth it.
Eventually, I was offered an exchange at the University of Edinburgh. It was my first trip to the UK, and I first arrived in London, a bustling city. During my few days in London, I visited Oxford and other neighbouring cities.
The UK and New Zealand are very different. Many people say it rains a lot, and the skies are always overcast in the UK. Luckily, during my exchange, there would always be blue skies and very little rain. However, sunny days in the UK are not warm, and there is usually no sunshine, which is one of the differences between the UK and NZ.
After that, I arrived in Edinburgh, which was different from London. Edinburgh has a lot of old buildings with cultural heritage and is more relaxed than London. The University of Edinburgh’s campuses are large, and the buildings are brand new and designer.
I lived in one of the university dormitories. I lived in a studio for four months. That is a bit expensive; a week costs about NZ $600 per week. But the good thing is that the price includes the cost of the canteen (breakfast and dinner). Breakfast is a regular English breakfast, but dinner is always different. Breakfast is a regular English breakfast, but dinner is always different. As a buffet, students have a lot of choices.
The curriculum for UoE and UoA are somewhat different. For example, most courses at UoA are one two-hour lecture a week. However, courses at UoE include two one-hour lectures a week. UoE is a larger school than UoA, so students have more opportunities to practice there.
The cost of living in Edinburgh is almost higher than in Auckland, but some vegetables and fruits are less expensive than in Auckland.
I love the ease of travelling in the UK. On weekends, I often take the train to other cities with my friends. During holidays, my friends and I travelled to other countries; they were all good memories.
The challenge that students must face during an exchange is familiarise themselves with a new environment quickly, whether in a new city or a new school. Overcoming negative emotions in different environments, such as academic stress and loneliness, is also part of the challenge.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
At UoE, I learnt about a media field I had never studied before – anime. In this topic, I examined the relationship between Disney characters, represented by Donald Duck, and World War II. It was fun, and I enjoyed it.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
You can hike in the Scottish Highlands or take a tour of any of the cities; that’s really fun!
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
1. The winds are more significant in the UK than in NZ, especially in Scotland. So umbrellas are usually useless, so please put some windproof clothes in your suitcase.
2. Remember to buy a socket converter; the UK sockets are completely different from those in New Zealand.
3. UK border controls are more relaxed than in New Zealand and Australia, and you can bring more of what you need, such as outdoor shoes, without fear.
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?
My budget is about NZ$20,000 in the UK, which includes the cost of living and travelling. This is perfectly adequate in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough in London.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
I think the most important thing I gained was meeting new people and travelling with them. I mean, serious study is necessary, but life after school is also essential. Those are very unforgettable memories for me.
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
Yes! I highly recommend Belfast (in Northern Ireland). It’s unlike any city I’ve ever been to before, and don’t miss the St George’s Market at the weekend!
Tags: 2023, Arts/Humanities, Report