• Site Map
• Campus Map
• A-Z Index
• Staff Intranet
• Contacts

International Exchange

View of the Eiffel Tower

View of the Pyrenees from Pau

Chateau in Pau

Charmaine on the Basilica, Vatican City

Charmaine Jennings: Université de Pau

Name: Charmaine Jennings
UOW Degree: Bachelor of Commerce – Bachelor of Laws
Host University: Université de Pau (France)
Period of Exchange: Spring Session 2004

Why did you apply to the exchange program? I was close to completing my French major, and I decided that doing an exchange would help me to consolidate my language skills while simultaneously fulfilling the lifelong dream of traveling.

Reason you chose your exchange destination? The University of Pau had accepted a lot of UOW students prior to me, and I felt a certain sense of comfort knowing that they were accustomed to receiving Aussies struggling to speak French – I thought that there would be a support network. I was also attracted by the location. Having never been up in very high mountains, I was keen to explore the nearby Pyrenees. The proximity to Spain was also an enormous draw-card.

Tell me something about your host country that you didn’t know before you arrived… The first thing that comes to mind is the surprise I experienced during my first day in Paris, when I went for an early morning walk and saw gallons and gallons of water being pumped into the gutters. As it turns out, this is a means of cleaning the streets and Parisians are encouraged to throw their litter in the gutter if there are no bins in the vicinity, as it will all be washed away the following morning. Coming from drought-stricken Australia, I must admit to feeling distinctly shocked at seeing all the water gushing away.

When I went on exchange, I never imagined that I...

...would be sitting in the backseat of a car being driven through the Basque Country on the way to San Sebastian, while my fellow travelers and I communicated with each other in a combination of French, English, German and Spanish.

...would develop friendships within six months, the depth of which matches or exceeds that of many of the friendships I've had for years.

What were your favourite subjects overseas? French Literature and French History. I enjoyed developing a sense of how the French think by looking at their writing and exploring their history.

How has studying overseas benefited your UOW degree? Without it, my French major would be well on its way to disappearing right now. Speaking the language outside of the classroom has enabled me to consolidate it in a way that would have been otherwise impossible – even with many more years of classes.

Studying International Business, I now also have practical experience in the international spectrum, which assists me in understanding the theoretical aspects.

Finally, I have a deeper level of confidence about myself and my abilities, and this naturally diffuses itself into my approach to my studies.

What was the best thing about the exchange experience? The fact that it is impossible to answer this question, because so many of my experiences were so fantastic. If I really had to choose one, though, I would have to say that the people that I met over there made my exchange experience what it was; from the deep friendships that I formed, to the brief exchanges with people on the train or in the store – almost every single person I met added to my experience in some interesting or meaningful way.

Greatest challenge? The greatest challenge probably arose when I first arrived at my host university, and had to navigate the enrollment bureaucracy with my limited language skills. Filling out the forms, applying for social security, trying to understand the fast-talking residence director – these all proved to be quite challenging for my first few weeks in the country! Having said that, it was also quite exciting, and when the process was completed successfully, it was very empowering.

Has the experience changed your approach to life back in Australia? I tend to live a lot more in the present now. Before my trip I focused a lot on the future – what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go, and how I wanted to get there. Living overseas made me realize how significant every moment of my life can be, how important it is to constantly seek out new experiences, and to try to focus my attention on the things that I find most interesting and fulfilling.

Advice to future exchange students? Approach everything with an open mind, and leave your expectations behind in Australia. Be ready to try new things and to be flexible in how you view your experiences. Remember that the way in which you process information and perceive your environment is strongly driven by your cultural up-bringing in Australia. Don’t assume that you are going to be on the same page as the people you encounter in your host country. Most of all - relax and have fun!

- Charmaine Jennings

Read more exchange student stories