Zoe (Sem 2, 2022)

My Exchange at The University of Leeds

I found out about the 360 International exchange program through the student service center at my university while searching for overseas opportunities. When I landed in the UK, I felt very overwhelmed and lonely, missing my parents like crazy. But thankfully, I quickly made friends with my neighbors and joined the tramping and canoeing club, which helped me settle in.

My accommodation was in Devonshire hall, which was amazing because it was just a short walk to the university, and the neighborhood had tons of supermarkets and restaurants.

The host university had a great international week before the main orientation, which was the perfect chance to meet other international students and explore the campus. The orientation events were also super fun and gave me the chance to make some great new friends.

As for the courses and teaching, I found the engineering classes to be similar to the ones I took back home in Auckland, but the math course was very complicated . However, I took a course on natural disasters for fun, and it was really interesting.

The Leed’s was pretty good, with great public transportation (when it wasn’t on strike). There were also heaps of airports with super cheap flights, which made it easy to travel all over Europe on the weekends.

Living costs in the UK were pretty similar to what I was used to in Auckland, but I found that going out to the pub was way cheaper. I join extracurricular activities like the canoeing and hiking club, which organized heaps of trips and helped me meet loads of new people.

The highlights of my exchange program were making friends for life and going on epic weekend breaks all over Europe, including Malta and Majorca. But there were definitely some challenges, like being away from my family and dealing with the terrible weather in the UK. However, I highly recommend future exchange students put themselves out there and go on a solo weekend trip. It’s an amazing experience and can really help build confidence and independence.

All in all, the 360 International exchange program was one of the best experiences of my life. It’s a wicked opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and explore new cultures. So, if you’re thinking about doing it, I say go for it! Sure, there might be some tough moments, but the rewards are well worth it.

Q&A

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

Studying at Leeds University was an unforgettable experience, and I had some amazing highlights in terms of academics. The course selection was fantastic, and two of my favourites were the courses in natural disasters and engineering in developing countries.

The natural disaster course was terrific. The lecturer was great, and the content was exciting. I learned about all kinds of disasters, from earthquakes to tsunamis to hurricanes, and how to manage them, which was fascinating.

But the engineering in developing countries course was also excellent. We got to work on a project to develop a new village in Haiti after a hurricane and cyclone. The project taught me invaluable knowledge about sustainable engineering and gave me a more global perspective on engineering. It was a highlight of my academic experience.

Studying abroad allowed me to explore new academic fields and learn from some excellent professors. I feel like I gained a deeper understanding of the world and myself thanks to my fantastic experiences at Leeds.

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

I highly recommend joining the canoeing and hiking clubs at Leeds, which offer unique and exciting ways to explore the English countryside. Leeds is surrounded by stunning national parks, and the trips organized by these clubs were a highlight of my study abroad experience. The English countryside is very pretty and the old buildings are amazing and very different from NZ.

The canoeing and hiking clubs are a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends while having fun and experiencing something new.

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

Here are my top three tips for future students:

Get involved in clubs and organizations! Joining a club is an excellent way to meet new people, make friends, and have fun while experiencing something new. In particular, I recommend joining outdoors clubs because they allow you to explore your host country and all its natural beauty. Plus, you might discover a new hobby or passion!

Go on a solo weekend trip. It may seem daunting at first, but trust me, it’s an amazing experience. Travelling alone can help you build confidence and independence, and you’ll get to explore a new place on your terms. Just make sure to plan ahead, stay safe, and have fun!

Talk to lots of people and be proactive about making friends. Everyone is in the same boat and wants to find friends to do stuff with. Strike up a conversation with someone in your class or at a club meeting, and see if they’re interested in going out to dinner or on a trip. You never know who you might meet and what experiences you’ll have together!

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?

It’s great that I had a budget before going on exchange. I estimated my expenses and allocated around $5,000 for my spending money. Looking back, I think this was a good amount as it allowed me to enjoy my time abroad without worrying too much about my finances. However, it’s important to note that everyone’s budget may vary depending on their lifestyle and priorities.

One lesson I learned that may be helpful for future exchange students is to research the cost of living in the host country before finalizing the budget. This way, you can have a more accurate estimate of your expenses and adjust your budget accordingly. It’s also important to keep track of your expenses to ensure you don’t overspend.

Another tip is to look for ways to save money, such as cooking your meals instead of eating out all the time or taking advantage of student discounts.

Overall, I would recommend future exchange students to plan their budget early on, do their research, and be mindful of their expenses. By doing so, they can have a more enjoyable and financially stress-free experience abroad.

What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?

During my exchange, I discovered a lot about myself and my capabilities. Being away from my family and friends back home initially made me feel lonely and overwhelmed, but I quickly learned to make the most of my situation. Joining clubs, particularly outdoor clubs, was one of the best decisions I made, as it allowed me to explore my host country and make new friends.

Additionally, taking a course on natural disasters for fun taught me about the global impact of climate change and the importance of engineering in disaster response. It was a valuable experience that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Going on solo weekend trips also helped me build my confidence and independence, which I think will be valuable skills for me in the future.

Lastly, my exchange taught me to be adaptable and open-minded, which I think are important traits to have in an increasingly globalized world. All in all, my experience abroad was a transformative one, and I’m grateful for all the lessons I learned along the way.