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International Exchange

Amanda Coleman: University of California, Riverside

Name: Amanda Coleman
UOW Degree: Bachelor of Commerce
Host University: University of California, Riverside (USA)
Period of Exchange: Autumn Session 2005

Amanda is applying to the International Student Exchange Program for a second exchange in 2006 (this time to Sweden)…

Why are you applying to the exchange program a second time? My first exchange experience was, without a doubt, the greatest experience of my life so far. It really opened my eyes to the amazing world in which we live and the diverse range of people and cultures that exist. The Exchange Program is an incredible concept. It allows you to travel and meet people from all over the world while still studying and completing your degree. The experience of actually living in a country opposed to being a tourist is somewhat different and enables you have a greater appreciation for the people and the surrounding cultures. You also get to see amazing places that are otherwise unheard of to tourists.

What made you apply to go on exchange to Sweden this time around? Having already completed exchange in the USA I was looking for another English speaking country situated somewhere in Europe. Originally I was looking at somewhere in the UK but then heard of Sweden, where although English is not the spoken language, it is compulsory for everyone to learn to speak English in 6th grade (apparently). This would not only allow me to study my classes in English but I would hopefully learn the basics of the Swedish language. Also, the advisors at the Study Abroad Office highly recommended the business school at the Umea University (Sweden) and said that past exchanges have been extremely successful. With this knowledge, I was convinced.

What advice would you give to other students about applying for exchange for one semester vs a year? Ultimately the decision comes down to the individual. If you are like me and are extremely close to your family and have not lived away from them before, I would suggest a one semester program. This way you can experience the independent life and then just when you have had enough you can come home and see all your family and friends. In many circumstances it is possible to extend your study if, once you have completed the first session, you wish to stay on. It also depends on how much money you have and if you can afford the full year, in my case I needed to come home and earn some more money. I went in with the idea that if I liked the exchange experience enough, that I would be able to, hopefully, do another 6 month exchange to another country….and that is what I am doing!

- Amanda Coleman

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