Post on 12-Jan-2017
2014-2015 Student Exchange Experiences
International Exchange Programme
Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
CONTENTS
Student Experiences from:
Asia
City University Hong Kong 1
Hong Kong Polytechnic University 3
Nanyang Technological University 5
Singapore Management University 10
Australia and New Zealand
La Trobe University 11
University of Queensland 15
University of Swinburne 18
University of Sydney 19
Victoria University of Wellington 21
Europe
La Rochelle Business School 23
Modul University 25
Stockholm University 29
University of Mannheim 31
North America and Canada
Brock University 33
North Carolina State University 34
Ryerson University 35
University of Central Florida 43
University of Cincinnati 47
City University Hong Kong
When I arrived in Hong Kong everything was so different from
Europe – the time zone, the weather, the food, the language,
the architecture and most importantly – the culture.
At first, I personally did experience a culture shock but later I
met so many people from all around the world – just like me
and we together started to explore this amazing new world as
well as getting to know each other.
I was in City University Of Hong Kong – the campus is a
mixture of modern architecture and nature, which I found
really nice. I lived with a girl, who was from Shanghai, China
and she was very clever although she was quite shy. Most of
the locals there are very nice and kind but it is quite hard to
socialize with them sometimes because they find it hard to
speak English. However, once they start to know you they
invite you to all of their social events and are very keen to
help you or answer all of your questions.
Furthermore, Hong Kong is an amazing place! It is a great
mixture of modern architecture as well as old Chinese temples
and spectacular nature at the same time. The best thing about
Hong Kong in my view is that you can always go and get away
from the busy city life and get fresh air with a breath-taking
view by going on a beautiful hike.
Lilyana Georgieva
BSc Business Management
Taking part in an exchange semester in
Hong Kong was a once in a lifetime
opportunity and an experience I am
incredibly glad to have been a part of.
Everything was very well organised and
whenever I faced any challenges there
was always someone available to
contact. I made many new friends from
all over the world that made it easy to
adjust to life in Asia by exploring Hong
Kong and travelling throughout Asia
too. The academic side of my studies
was very similar to that in Surrey and
involved a lot of group projects. It was
incredible to be able to experience
many new cultures and make
memories that will last forever.
Sophia Devries
BSc International Business
Management
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Hong Kong Polytechnic University
When I first landed in Hong Kong I was submerged by
the humidity and hotness, however after a few weeks I
got used to it and finally really started to enjoy the city,
the only noticeable drawback of this exchange were
the humidity and pollution however they were
overpowered by the excitement of being in a different
culture and the fact that discovering the city and its
surrounding was amazing.
My favourite part of the exchange wasn’t the classes
but the numerous trips I made to local islands and
beaches to discover the local culture and scenery. I
would recommend this exchange because I feel it gave
me a lot in the sense that it allowed me to see
something that I never saw before and experience
something unique.
Cyprien Bernet
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management
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From September 2014 to December 2014 I had the opportunity to live and study in
Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Starting from the city, Hong
Kong is a concentrate of modernity and luxury. You can reach any place in the city
within 30 minutes. Even if the city seems smaller in size than London, there is a lot to
discover and to do. You can relax by the seaside until mid-November, go hiking in the
countryside or just go for a walk inside luxurious shopping malls or traditional
markets.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is located in a strategic position, Hung Hom
(Kowloon). The accommodation, a 20-floors skyscraper is located just 10 minutes’
walk from the main campus. All rooms are twin rooms and you share the bathroom
with other two suitemates. The SHTM School is ranked second best in the world for
its researches studies. All students speaks very good English and are very friendly
even though they may seem shy at a first view. From Hong Kong I had the
opportunity to meet a lot of other exchange students and visit other Asian countries
during the weekends. Overall, it was a great experience!!!
Alessandro Conte
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management
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Nanyang Technological University
Four months of being an exchange student in Singapore was indescribable.
Studying abroad was nerve wrecking but it gave me different opportunities
to learn, experience and develop myself as a person to become more
independent, make decisions that will help me in the future. In addition, I
had the chance to meet new people from different countries across the
world and make connections within the hospitality industry particularly in
the events sector where I had the chance to help an events company by
organizing and promoting different parties and social for students like
myself.
As an exchange student it help me widen my knowledge about the industry
by learning from professors with expertise. Studying abroad is not just about
studying but it will also give you the chance to travel different places where
I had the chance to visit Malaysia and Philippines even though my timetable
was full. In terms of academic, I learned to study in advance and never do a
last minute revision as education system in Singapore are very different
here in the UK, everyone are competitive.
Going on exchange gave me the opportunity to do a two months intern in
Fairmont Hotel Philippines, which I learned a lot about the business and
how operations works.
Raphael Bustos
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management
5 6
I spent the first semester of my second year in Singapore for an exchange
program, and it was one of the most valuable experiences I have had to date. I
was continuing my studies in International Hospitality Management at Nanyang
Technological University. My academics comprised of 4 modules, Business
Finance, Accounting, CSR in Tourism and Hospitality and Tourism and
Technology. Although the work was challenging; the classes were engaging and
informative. I found that the university's methods of assessment were useful for
developing skills for the future, for example it's excessive use of group and
individual presentations.
Aside from my studies I also had the opportunity to travel. I went to Hong Kong,
Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. I feel that travelling around Asia
independently allowed me to mature and gain more confidence. Furthermore as
a hospitality student, the experience of staying in different types of
accommodation and observing different cultures was highly relevant to my
studies.
Alongside the travelling my favourite part of exchange was making friends from
all around the world. It was interesting to compare the differences in lifestyles
across the globe.
To conclude, for me exchange was a rare opportunity to make international
relationships, experience wonderful new cultures and develop as a person.
Dede Olatunji
BSc International Hospitality Management
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Campus life: ž Leaving all my friends and family behind, getting on my first international
flight, arriving in an unknown country and moving in a new (shared) accommodation were
unbearable facts for me 6 months ago.. Living on campus while on exchange was the best
experience one can ever get. It helped me establish new friendships, indulge in the
Singaporean cuisine (served at every canteen), step out of my comfort zone while getting
accustomed to new habits and surroundings. You have everything you need starting from
facilities (computer rooms, library, study rooms), canteens, sports and gym areas as well
as entertainment.
Entertainment: ž As an exchanger, finding a good place to enjoy yourself and meet new
people is not hard at all. There are plenty of pubs, clubs, shopping malls, indoor or
outdoor activities suitable for anyone. I took every opportunity of enjoying my time in
Singapore and I do not regret a thing! It is amazing how people from all sorts of countries
and backgrounds can form groups, interact and bond with each other in no time when the
chance arises for them to live it up and be real. As no one knows you beforehand, all you
have to do is be open-minded and create networks.
Food: ž Worth mentioning is my Asian cuisine experience which I found unusually
delicious. I have tried a variety of dishes which are peculiar to some countries or regions
in specific countries and unfortunately the taste of them can hardly be reproduced abroad
as the flavours and recipes are family-based or cultural “secrets”.
Travelling: My exchange semester could not be complete without the travels and the
people that I have met during my time in Asia. I have visited Malaysia (Negeri Sembilan,
Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi), Indonesia (Bali), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City), Hong Kong and
Macau and I had an amazing time discovering the traditions and customs that are hidden
in the Asian historical sites and surroundings.
To sum up, the experience exceeded all my expectations and it made me realise how
independent and mature I became over time. Having celebrated my 20th birthday in
Singapore with old and new friends alike and spending an entire weekend at the Marina
Bay Sands were unforgettable bonuses added to a unique adventure.
Delia-Alexandra Bute
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management
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Singapore Management University
Studying in Singapore was an amazing experience and I would definitely
recommend it to anybody! I made friends from all over the world and
learned about many different cultures and how to adapt to a totally new
environment. Most lectures were in a classroom setting and included
group work and activities which was enjoyable. There were many halls
of residence on campus and all rooms are shared, but it was a great
chance to socialise. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in
clubs and societies too!
Singapore is a small island with a lively atmosphere. NTU is a bit further
from the city centre, but transport is cheap. However there is plenty to
do on Campus and the facilities are fantastic such as the outdoor pool
and multiple canteens serving a diverse range of food. There are many
things to do in the city such as visiting Chinatown, Little India or simply
admiring the skyscrapers. There is also Sentosa Island which has a lovely
beach. In terms of nightlife, Singapore has plenty of bars and clubs and
there are many events happening. Singapore is also a great hub for
travelling, but obviously studying should come first!
Charlotte Cheesman
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management
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Adeniran Akindele and Bilal Hussain | BSc Economics and Finance
Pascal Phillips | BSc International Business Management
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Accommodation: During my exchange I lived
at Chisholm College, one of the three
colleges located on campus. While the
college could be quiet at times, I made some
great friends and was involved in social
events throughout the semester.
Academics: I undertook four modules while
at La Trobe, which matched the ones I would
have taken at Surrey. While I found it
difficult initially to adjust to a new way of
approaching academic work, for the most
part my lecturers were helpful in
accommodating these adjustments.
Social: Melbourne provides an excellent
backdrop for social events. While the
university is located 45 minutes from the
city, local bars and restaurants facilitate
most of the social scene. I joined two of the
surfing trips which were great fun and
allowed for me to make new friends.
Laura Anthony
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism
Management
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La Trobe University
When deciding whether to complete an International
Exchange, it seemed very daunting and terrifying to move to
a new country with new cultures. However, now that I have
completed my exchange, I can wholeheartedly say it was the
best experience of my life and the best decision I ever made.
Melbourne was a vibrant city with unique qualities but the
accommodation given to us was around 40 minutes tram
journey from the city centre which wasn’t as accessible as I’d
have hoped. Although the accommodation was comfortable
and right in the campus of the University, it was too far from
the centre which wasn’t ideal. However, campus life was fun
and easy to get to lectures/tutorials, while a night out
consisted of going to small University nights at local pubs and
bars.
I had 2 part-time jobs while studying at University, at a juice
bar on campus and as a waitress in a local restaurant, which
was good for earning money to go travelling at weekends
and term holidays.
The travelling was definitely my favourite part of my
exchange. From making friends from America, Australia, Asia
and Europe, we got groups of us to visit different places. I got
to complete activities I’d never even dreamt of, such as Sky-
diving, Bungy Jumping,Scuba-diving in the Great Barrier Reef
etc.
All of these experiences and the new international friends I
made has really shaped the person I am today. Studying
abroad on exchange is definitely a life-changing opportunity!
Karysca Gill
BSc International Business Management
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I can say that doing an exchange semester at LaTrobe
University in Melbourne, Australia was the best thing I ever
did.
Melbourne was a beautiful city with probably the friendliest
people I have ever met, great nightlife and always something
going on with so many things to see and do. An organised trip
for the exchange students to the Great Ocean Road in the first
week was where I met people from all over the world and
made lifelong friends.
The university itself was very organised and staying on campus
accommodation was really convenient. Being there for 6
months meant that any time we had free from studying and
assignments we made the most of it by going into the city,
going on weekend trips or travelling around Australia.
My favourite aspect of my exchange was the opportunity to
travel to the most incredible destinations, seeing things I
never thought I would see and meeting so many different
people.
All in all, I can’t recommend the exchange programme
enough. It was without a doubt scary and hard at times, but it
in the end all the memories made it worth it.
Lydia Ganotaki
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management
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University of Queensland
Studying in a foreign country and living on the other side of
the world teaches you a lot about yourself and your future
aspirations. Becoming a student at the University of
Queensland in Brisbane, Australia was an exciting challenge
and an experience that I will never forget. Studying abroad
gives you the opportunity to choose modules that are
unavailable anywhere in the UK. During my time at UQ I
studied Maritime and Mining and Petroleum Law, two
extremely topical modules in Queensland. In addition to
this I studied Corporations Law and Private International
Law. These tour modules have lead to me achieving a
placement in a corporate law department and applying for
training contracts in Shipping Law.
Away from the study and the library I was fortunate
enough to see what Australia has to offer as a country.
From Sydney to schooners the country is a travellers
playground and I saw some unbelievable sights. Studying
abroad is certainly an opportunity I would recommend. I
have friends in all corners of the world from Chile to
Chester and have experienced some unforgettable trips.
Kieran Mitchell
LLB Law
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I had an amazing time on exchange at UQ, I was so glad that I had
the opportunity to see apart of the world I had never been to
before. The best part of my exchange was being able to travel a lot
during my time in Australia. I traveled a long the east coast of
Queensland where I camped on Fraser island, slept a night outside
in the outback, sailed the Whitsunday islands and snorkeled in the
great barrier reef . I also got to visit Sydney, Melbourne and New
Zealand. The top things I would recommend doing in Brisbane and
the surrounding area is going to lone pine koala sanctuary, day trip
to Morton island where you can feed wild dolphins, going to the
Gold Coast to surfer paradise beach and visiting the theme parks,
day trip to north stradbroke island and going to the top of mount
Coo-tha for great views of the city.
I was also lucky with where I lived as it was in a central location and
had very good transport connections to both the city centre and
uni. Urbanest is a privately run halls in south bank where he rooms
were very nice, modern and were all ensuite. However it was
expensive at $225 a week and this was a discounted price I
managed to get. For a cheaper option you would probably have to
find a house off campus as on campus accommodation is even more
expensive and had very limited availability.
Sarah Boon
BSc Tourism Management
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University of Swinburne
Having never travelled to Australia, nor to any part of the
Northern Hemisphere, embarking on Surrey’s student exchange
programme to Melbourne was a dramatic learning curve that
without doubt, broadened my horizons in many different ways.
On reflection, I can say that with absolutely no doubt, studying in
Melbourne was one of the best experiences I’ve had; not only on
an academic level but also on a personal level. I believe that the
memories made over in Australia will be ones that will resonate
with me for a lifetime. Whilst away, I met best friends from across
the globe; friends that I would never have met if I without visiting
Melbourne. We studied, travelled the entire East Coast and
created memories that will always be true to my heart. I went to
Australia with the intent to immerse myself in a new culture, not
realising that some of the the friends I made would be friends for
life.
Although studying the same course, attending university in
Australia was much different from studying at Surrey. Earlier starts
and later finishes to the teaching timetable was one aspect that
didn't go down as well. However, the laid-back style of teaching
combined with the great social side of the university were factors
that totally overruled the few flaws studying abroad had to offer.
In conclusion, my time spent studying abroad has had a major
impact me, all of which is positive. Instead of being confined to
one culture in one university, I have now had the experience of
viewing other cultures and university life. My semester exchange
was certainly a big highlight of my university life and has ignited
memories that will never be forgotten.
Katie Gillon
BSc Business Management
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University of Sydney
In January 2014 I found out that I received the only available place for my
course to do an exchange semester at the University of Sydney, which was my
first choice out of all possible host universities.
In July I was finally on the plane, together with my best friend from Surrey who
also got into Sydney, which made my experience even more special as this
time we spent together so far from home will always be special to our
friendship.
The first month in Sydney was very stressful, not knowing many people, not
knowing the local area very well and being confronted with a big city of 4.5
million people. However, we soon found many friends from all over the world,
whether from Norway, Ireland, Scotland, the U.S. or Canada - and of course
loads of Aussies, who are friendly and open minded people.
In our leisure time we would go to the beach, do some excursions, e.g. we
went to Melbourne over the Melbourne Cup, which was amazing, and would
just chill with our friends, getting to know them and their cultures.
The way the University of Sydney works is quite different to Surrey. Instead of
having one big exam period at the end of the semester, there were many mini
assessment during the semester, which was very time consuming and which
showed that the University of Sydney is one of the top universities in the
world, and that you actually have to work hard to get good grades.
I truly had the time of my life during my semester in Sydney, where I could not
only develop professionally, but especially personally as it opened my eyes to
the world and made me more open minded and self-confident.
Jill Juergensen
BSc International Business Management
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I can easily say that my exchange at The University of Sydney,
Australia was one of the best experiences of my life so far! Having the
opportunity to study and live in a country on the other side of the
world is something that I will never take for granted.
During my time in Australia I was fortunate enough to socialize and
make friends with people from all over the world as my
accommodation primarily included exchange students. The University
campus itself was so grand, beautiful and had impressive views of
Sydney skyline. The University had so much to offer and as a result I
joined the dance and sailing societies. I was very fortunate enough to
be able to do the exchange program with my best friend from
university, which was very beneficial as we helped each other with our
academic studies and travel.
Jill and myself had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand in our mid
semester break which was incredible! We went on a tour where we
had the chance to have our first surfing lessons, go caving and embark
on a 19km hike. At the end of our semester Jill and myself arranged
another tour to travel up the East Coast of Australia. This experience is
one that I will always treasure as we saw so many amazing things that
Australia has to offer.
We travelled to Byron Bay, sailed around the Whitsundays; I skydived
on the beach at Surfers Paradise and went swimming round the Great
Barrier Reef! After two weeks of traveling up the coast we reached
Cain’s where we caught a flight to the outback! This was a completely
different experience where we went on long walks at 4am, slept in
swags and camped under the stars. The exchange was an experience of
a lifetime and I wish I could do it all over again!
Molly Dye
BSc Business Management
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The City Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, situated to the South of the North Island. The city is fairly compact which makes it easy to travel round. There is always something to get up to Wellington! Have an insight into New Zealand’s cultural history at the Te Papa museum, sample some of the cuisine at the night markets and enjoy a night out in town. Victoria University The University has various campuses throughout the city offering a range of subject options. I studied at the Law school, which is next to the famous Beehive Parliament. Victoria Offers some brilliant facilities, including many libraries and gym facilities on its main campuses. Accommodation The University offers a range of accommodation options to choose from. I stayed at the Stafford House Hall, situated in the centre of town, within a few minutes’ walk from the Law campus. International and exchange students are given priority when it comes to getting accommodation in University halls, so that is one less thing to worry about! Travel! New Zealand is famous for its picturesque landscape so make sure you get a chance to see it!
Melody Wilson
LLB Law
Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
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La Rochelle Business School
Academic studies
Studied 7 modules (group work/assignments and exams)
Choice of English or French track
Integration week for international students: intensive French classes and team
building activities (First week of September)
A business school therefore the institution’s smaller in comparison to Surrey
Strict monitoring of attendance (need to badge ID card for every class)
Accommodation
School offers assistance in finding accommodation
Types of accommodation: host family stay (€350-€570 per month), apartments or
studios/residence (€300-€600 per month)
Stayed in a residence, an 18m² studio with a fully equipped kitchen (€579 a month)
Local area
Varieties of restaurants, shops, nightclubs and bars
Beaches, Mediatheque, Université de La Rochelle, EIGSI
Excursions—Places I visited whilst in France included:
Ile de Re
Rochefort
Paris
Lourdes
Jarnac-Champagne
Jonzac
Cognac
Nicolai Marasigan
BSc Tourism Management
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Modul University
Time spent on my exchange semester
in Vienna was one the best times in
my life. It is not only about new
country, university or even new
friends. It is an opportunity to take
risk and follow your wish to explore
new piece of world. You never know
what to expect but it is about how to
adjust and find yourself in the new
environment, how to deal with issues
and how to be responsible. New life
in Vienna broadened my knowledge
and gave me many answers. I have
presented a little part of my
experience, however I wish everyone
would use this opportunity to
discover a new country and gain their
own experience.
Alesia Martsishonak
BSc International Hospitality and
Tourism Management
Academic studies: Due to the small student population,
we students could express ourselves freely regarding
the subject in class. More attention from the lecturers
could be dedicated to each student. Not only do the
lecturers know the names of almost all the students in
their classes, they are also aware of the individual
academic performances.
Accommodation: The block I lived in WIHAST was clean
and peaceful. The room and shared kitchen were
spacious. The toilet and mini kitchenette are shared
between two adjacent rooms. Managing cleanliness
and functionality of the shared space with my
roommate felt like a “preparation” for my future home
planning.
New Friends: I made friends with some of my
neighbours and hung out with them in several
occasions. Sometimes we would bring our friends along
to the gatherings. Meeting people of different cultural
backgrounds was enriching as we shared about our
own country, customs and traditions.
Sheila Koo
BSc International Hospitality Management
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Summary: Erasmus exchange was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience for me; I
met so many new friends from all over the world (not just Austrians) as well as
getting the opportunity to experience a different culture that is unlike my own.
Of course, things were not smooth sailing in the beginning (as I had to familiarise
myself with the environment, people, language and food). However, I’m happy
to say after 5 months, I did not regret choosing Modul University Vienna as my
student exchange choice. It was truly memorable!
Viennese café culture: Viennese cafés have an extremely long and distinguished
history that dates back centuries, and as such it was a must for us to visit the
coffeehouses there. There are many coffeehouses all over Vienna (and we went
to quite a few in our short 5 months stint there), and some research online
helped us in picking which places to go to. The more popular drinks are the
Wiener Melange (similar to a cappucino) and the more popular desserts include
the Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel) and Sacher Torte (Chocolate cake with apricot
jam)
Food: The food in Vienna was truly amazing! The must-trys are definitely the
soups, Schnitzel and Ribs (most Viennese restaurants sell them). It is also
common to find sausage stands and noodle stands almost everywhere you go.
When it comes to grocery shopping in Vienna, it is advisable to bring your own
bags (as they would charge for plastic bags used). Stores that are more popular
with student include: Hofer (there is one near the student dorms-Wihast),
Merkur, Billa and Spar.
Christmas Markets: As my exchange was in the fall semester, we got a chance to
visit the beautiful Christmas markets in Vienna which are held from mid-
November to Christmas. We also had the chance to try out local Christmas
delicacies such as the punsch (a Christmas drink with rum and brandy in it),
glühwein (mulled wine), different types of sausages, german dumplings, cheeses
and many more.
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Campus on Kahlenberg: Modul University is located on a located on
Kahlenberg, a scenic hill with a spectacular view of Vienna. Compared to
Surrey, it is a much smaller university with a smaller intake which is why I feel
that we get to know each other really well over time (which was great).
Seminars and lectures were also much smaller as compared to Surrey, which is
different but interesting in a way as we got to interact more with the lecturers
and professors.As I got the chance to speak up more, voice my opinions and ask
questions, I feel that I am a more confident person now as compared to before.
Friends: I have met so many friends throughout the course of my exchange. We
met everyone during Orientation Week at first—when everyone was all
tentative and awkward in the beginning, but after time meeting the same
people in lectures and tutorials frequently brought everyone closer together.
Also, we do have dinner and go out together outside of class time. I really think
I’ve made friends for a lifetime and would definitely recommend you to go for
exchange!
Advice: Keep an open mind! Request for a buddy with the Student Services
Centre (SSC), my buddy really helped me when it came to getting my Austrian
phonecard, my transport cards and all the other necessities (such as bank
accounts etc). Be adventurous and travel around Austria! (as well as within
Austria).
Jolene Neo
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management
Stockholm University
I can definitely say that the semester I spent in Sweden was the highlight of my student
life. I had the most amazing time and got the chance to live in a country such as Sweden,
with an interesting culture and a really high standard of living. I was initially really hesitant
and I was not sure about my decision. But within a week of being there, meeting new
people and exploring a new city, those doubts had disappeared. Stockholm is undoubtedly
one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe, and home to a Top 100 European university.
I really enjoyed my modules, and my professors and the exchange team at Stockholm
University had a relaxed attitude while at the same time succeeding in keeping high
academic standards, thus making the transition a lot easier and the exchange experience a
lot more enjoyable.
I was lucky to get student accommodation in Lappkärrsberget, situated 10 minutes from
campus. I had a spacious ensuite room with a view to the adjacent national forest. The
most important part of this experience was the people. I think the friendships I made
during this semester are going to last a lifetime. I will never forget our parties, our songs
around the fire at the beach, our barbeques, our trips to the Swedish countryside and
Stockholm archipelago and our party cruise to Riga. This experience taught me a lot about
myself, and gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures and way of life; I
would therefore recommend it to anybody.
Ioannis Benetatos
LLB Law
Studying in Stockholm has been an unforgettable experience!
I enjoyed studying Human Rights in a Global Perspective and Comparative Law. The
classes were taught in small groups (which I preferred) and found engaging. I have
learnt transferable skills, through the practical staggered assessments and believe
these skills will contribute to studies in my final year at Surrey.
My accommodation was on a student campus which was predominantly for
international students. It was the perfect place to meet and live with other students
also on exchange. This not only gave me an insight into Swedish culture, but also many
others that I never expected to encounter. I even found myself integrating into
Swedish culture by having the traditional Fika (Coffee break) every day!
Experiencing university life in one of Europe’s most cultured cities has allowed me to
expand my horizons, giving me the opportunity to embrace new traditions and make
friends for life. I explored a completely different lifestyle and contributed to things I
perhaps would not have had the opportunity to do in the UK. I plan to return to
Stockholm in April to visit and definitely see myself working/living in Stockholm or a
nearby city in the future!
Masuma Shamsi
LLB Law with Criminology
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University of Mannheim
I took part in a semester exchange at the
University of Mannheim in Germany. Firstly
Mannheim has lots of interesting attractions,
including the university itself as well as the Rhein
River. It is close to other major cities and towns
such as Stuttgart, Heidelberg, Frankfurt and a few
hours from Munich by train. Unfortunately
university owed accommodation was fully booked
almost as soon as the reservation portal opened,
but the university had a private accommodation
service exclusively for students so I ended up
renting in an apartment, with two German
students. When it came to academic studies, half
of my classes started in mid- October/November
which meant I had a lot of free time and could
concentrate on doing well in the language classes
available. Be prepared however, as learning styles
are extremely different. Lots of memorizing was
required which came as a bit of a shock and was
not necessarily easier than how we study at home.
I made lots of friends from around the world and
that was the biggest highlight of my experience, I
was not disappointed!
Kyria Mputu-Mombo
LLB Law
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Brock University
I was lucky enough to study at Brock University
in the Niagara region, Canada. I lived in halls on
campus, sharing a hallway with 55 Canadian
first year students. This was a lot of fun that
came with countless opportunities to socialise
and enjoy myself. Classes were a bit easier than
those taught at Surrey which was great,
although the work load was a fair bit higher.
However, it was very manageable and I still
found I had time to go travelling somewhere
every other weekend. In terms of travel, I
visited a number of Canadian and American
places such as Montreal, Toronto and New York
to name a few. Going on exchange gave me the
chance to learn about and appreciate new
sports like Ice Hockey and American Football,
which was a new insight for me. Furthermore, I
got to try plenty of new food dishes, my
favourite being poutine (chips, covered in
cheese and gravy). I would certainly
recommend doing exchange to anyone and
have no regrets about doing it.
Harry Brickwood
BSc International Business Management
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North Carolina State University
I studied at North Carolina State University for the first semester of my second
year. I was there from beginning of August till the end of December.
Accommodation: During my semester at NCSU I stayed in an apartment on campus.
I shared the apartment with 3 other students, two Americans and one international
student. I had my own room but shared bathrooms and kitchen with the other
student. The room was medium size with double bed and all the basic furniture.
Academic studies: I was enrolled onto four classes for that semester. What I found
different from Surrey was that they had a wide range of different classes to pick
from and the lectures were much shorter. The course load was much more than at
Surrey but if you stay on top of things you should be fine.
Social life: University life at NCSU was incredible. To start with there were 30,000
students, which is half of what we have in Surrey. There are hundreds of student
clubs and organizations at the university which offers different activities and some
are academically focused and others purely social. I attended events such as live
music, football games, basketball games, and Greek initiation ceremonies. I met
amazing people I will never forget and made life long friends.
Traveling: Travelling around the USA has also been once in a lifetime experience.
Not many people can say they have visited 12 states in less than 6 month. USA is a
vast country with lots to explore and doing so has been fascinating and rewarding.
Tsion Gebru
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management
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Ryerson University
Things to know before you go:
No VISA necessary for 1 semester
Flights are quite expensive! Know the best time to buy for best deals
Choosing modules (Ryerson are very flexible and helpful with this)
No need to know French, practically no one speaks it in Toronto
Money – have some cash for initial expenses. I personally took out a credit card
with no overseas fees for easy payments on most things but friends made do
with just taking out large sums of cash every now and then on their regular
debit card (but you need to inform your bank you’ll be away or they will block
it and you’ll be in trouble!)
Would advise a Cab from airport – expensive but you wont get lost/have to lug
your suitcase(s) around the public transport system
Everyone knows Canada to be COLD, but August/Sept is HOT and it is still mild until
around November where it suddenly changes, so be prepared for this!
People are friendly, but you are in a city, so most people have places to be -
imagine a friendlier London
Learning how to get around without a car – mostly public transport, you can get
practically anywhere in the city for $3 using TTC (Subway, Buses and Trams)
Academic studies:
3 hour lectures are the norm – but they are not as bad as they seem!
Fantastic buildings and facilities - Ted Rodgers School of Management. Facilities
similar to SurreyLearn for lecture slides and information etc.
Brilliant Lecturers – engaging and interesting
More work for less– I would do an essay that, here, might be 40% but there is only
10%! They break up the grade more, but it is actually a blessing! Mix of
Homework, Coursework, Group work, Midterms and Finals (not all of them for
each module, obviously!) Lots of multiple choice exams. Exams before
Christmas!
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Accommodation:
On Campus accommodation unavailable for 1 semester, only for a full
year. Early deadlines to apply!
100% advise Neill Wycik (where I stayed) - Cheap, everyone lives there!
lots of events always on. Centre of the city, across the road from
Campus (1 minute walk!), great Facilities – Gym, BBQs on Roof Decks,
Games room, TV Room, Computer Lab, Laundry Rooms, Café, 24/7
Security, own room, shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities.
Top Tips:
Plan and organise before you go! Take every opportunity that arises or
you will regret it!
Take it upon yourself you explore, don’t rely on University trips!
Be a part of Ryerson – go to sports matches and the SU! (Free Hockey
matches to watch Ryerson Rams!)
Explore Toronto but also explore further! (I visited New York, twice! Barrie
and the Lakes – Skydiving! Niagara Falls, twice, once in a helicopter!)
Document your memories!
Briony Clarke
BSc Business and Retail Management
For my semester abroad I studied at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. The 4
months I was there was probably one of the best experiences I have ever had I
would hugely recommend it to anyone thinking about studying abroad. Not only
did studying abroad allow me to learn in a different culture, but it allowed me to
find out so much about myself and overall I believed I have developed so much.
My time in Toronto was amazing, from meeting new people at university or in my
hotel, to partying every week, to going travelling around Canada and USA. There
was so much to do and explore. Also my friend from Surrey University came and
visited me.
My trip was fulfilled with adventures, flying out in first class to staying in a hotel
for 4 months. I went and watched a baseball game, basketball game, ice hockey
game, and had a tour round the stadium and met all the players and a soccer
match and when I flew out to America I watched American football and went to a
boxing match to see my idol Floyd Mayweather.
There was so many things I did in Canada such as go up the CN Tower, NIagra
falls, Go shopping, Go to a fashion show, party in the best clubs, went to concerts,
themeparks, historical places and many more.
This experience was a once in a lifetime and I have made so many new friends
from all over the world and memories that will last a life time.
Adam See
BSc Business Management
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Preparation
Finances: Student Finance (£300 for the first cost, the rest covered.) Only cover
flights, not accommodation. Robert Earl Scholarship
Flights: Shop around for flights! I found Air Transat the cheapest, if you have a
return date it is even cheaper!
Immigration: Currently, if you're a student for less than 4 months you don't need
a study permit! You need to be able to prove that you can support yourself
financially, and that you are enrolled to your chosen university. (I was
directed to talk to immigration and asked to prove all of the above, however
others were not. Be prepared!)
Transport: TTC! To and from the airport there is a bus and subway route, not
straight forward but a lot cheaper. From the airport by taxi $50, to the
airport by TTC $3 - although TTC is more hassle, its worth it for the price.
Ryerson University
Modules: Equivalents! You have to make sure you choose an equivalent modules
to align with Surrey - be prepared for the modules not to run! Sometimes
they are listed but do not get enough students on the course and cancel it!
Pre Requisites - Check whether their are any! I was caught out on this, I
entered a module that the students all had previous knowledge for - I ended
up changing.
UHIP - University Health Insurance Plan: This is compulsory! Costs approximately
$200.
Lectures: Much more interaction, powerpoints are more of a guide rather than
the teaching material. Be prepared for everyone to turn around when they
hear your accent though!
RISExC: Exchange student group, run by students for students. They organise
trips although not 100% reliable, less than half the planned events went
ahead. Although the events that did run were very good.
Location: Several buildings around downtown Toronto. Ted Rogers
Management School is located next to the Eaton Centre in Dundas Square.
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Hospitality and Tourism: Aspects of Food & Issues and Policies. Incredible
professors! Food = several guest speakers, prepared food in front of
you, tried the food etc. Issues and Policies = British lecturer,
approachable, supportive, has a lot of time for his students,
interactive.
Books: A lot of lecturers refer back to them, but expensive! I paid $400+
for mine. At the end you can resell them in Ryerson Bookstore.
Canada, Toronto
Temperature: When I arrived in Toronto I was prepared for chilly
weather, when I stepped off the plane I walked into 30 degrees. Be
prepared for all weather! Within 3-4 weeks, you couldn't leave
without a coat!
Shopping: Dundas square - huge shopping centre, mostly underground
Fall: Take a walk to see the changing of the leaves. I drove through
Niagara on the Lake in November, although the end of the season,
the colours were amazing!
Baseball: Cheap tickets, slightly boring sport but I personally enjoyed it!
Ice Hockey: The Maple Leaves are Toronto’s hockey team however
tickets are expensive! The Ryerson Rams (Or your university team)
are just as entertaining.
TTC: Subway & Trams..$3 token will take you as far as you need to go!
Passes can be bought, cheap, simple & easy way to travel!
Time difference: +5 hours from London!
Eating Out: Subways are everywhere, you're never more than 10 blocks
from one! Tim Hortons, great coffee. Eaton Eatery = an entire floor
of food; Indian, subway, KFC, McDonalds, Thai, Greek,
Mediterranean, Vegan, New York Fries for Poutine!
Accommodation
Neill Wycik: Exchange students are generally housed together, met lots of students
from around the world. Not luxury, but is very good value for location. As the
building is a co-op, hours! Do not leave them for last minute, get them over
and done with ASAP! ($1900 for September -December)
Primrose Hotel: More expensive, although I didn't visit - better living conditions.
On campus: Not available for semester 1 students!
Excursions
CN Tower: Glass floor on observation deck
Hockey Hall of Fame: Interesting for hardcore hockey fans, interesting but slightly
boring if you do not know the ins and outs of Hockey like myself.
Toronto Island: Everything closes at the end of the summer but the boat offers
some amazing photo opportunities.
Niagara Falls: Wrap up warm! It is freezing but an amazing place. Explore! The
local town has a few shops including a fudge shop, bowling alley and a small
amusement park.
Niagara on the Lake: Visited with my mother, small shops, beautiful scenery
Reptile Centre: If you like reptiles, 100% would recommend. Lots of venomous
animals that cant be found in several UK places.
Toronto Zoo: Incredible place, easy to get to. 100% would recommend, give
yourself plenty of time to walk around, it is huge!
Sky Diving: Incredible experience, cheaper than UK approx 2 hours to destination
Barrie: Not a lot happening but nice to walk around the lake
International Womens Show: Pretty self explanatory, lots of freebies and saw
Patrick Adams from suits.
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New York: Driving 12 hours, not far and you get to tick off one of the best
cities in the world!
Sanata Claus Parade: Every year a huge parade travels through Toronto
with floats from local companies such as Tim Hortons, Toronto
Raptors, Toronto Maple Leaves etc.
Future Students
Call Student Finance: See what they can do for you! Anything they can
offer you is a bonus!
Modules: Check, check and check again. Do not be afraid to change if it is
not right for you.
Accommodation: What I saved on housing I spent on travelling
Transport: TTC is worth it! Bit of a hassle but the saving is well worth it
Temperature: Go prepared for ALL weather!
Explore: Study first, then explore! I did things I never thought I would,
some incredible things. Exploring was the highlight of my time in
Toronto. I had the most incredible time in Toronto, be prepared to be
mature, independent, miss your loved ones, but have the most
amazing time!
Jamie Woodhams
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management
University of Central Florida
Academic Studies: Overall, we were supposed to choose 4 modules, including 3 compulsory
modules, and I had class for only 3 days. I chose Beer class for optional module and it was
amazing experience; students in that class tasted a range of beer from various countries. For
Ethics module which is compulsory to take, we had to take shuttle to the main campus.
Marketing class involved a lot of effort; students in the class have to take pre-quiz before
every class and take another quiz instead of checking attendance. Still, designing a marketing
plan and interviewing concierge was a good practice.
Accommodation/ Local Area: Accommodation in Rosen campus has 4 bed rooms, a living
room and nice kitchen. However, there is only one temperature control in the flat and Florida
students prefer to turn air conditioner down so low even during winter and this was the most
suffering. I wish we could choose accommodation in the main campus, because I had classes
for only two days a week on Rosen and there’s not many things we could do around Rosen
without car. The shuttles to the main campus operate only during weekdays, and public buses
come once in a while.
Travelling/ Excursion: Travelling around the USA was the biggest purpose of going to the
exchange. Before semester starts, I went to Miami and Key West and they were very beautiful
places. During semester I went to Discovery Cove, Sea World, and Universal Studios in
Orlando, and travelled Chicago and Michigan. After semester finished some exchange
students went to trip in California and Las Vegas. We visited national parks including Grand
Canyon and Death Valley and they showed us incredible views. Also, in Las Vegas the hotels
were very creative and diverse. This trip was the most amazing memory in the whole
semester.
Friends: I had great chance to meet other exchange students from different countries, and we
usually hanged out together and went to trip during and after semester. There’s international
buddies to each exchange students, and I and my buddy tried to meet each other but we
could never see each other.
Jinwoo Kang
BSc International Hospitality Management
I went on an exchange for a semester at University of
Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
My entire experience has been absolutely incredible!
10 out of 10. The students at UCF were really helpful,
co-operative and friendly. In my starting days I was a
bit scared but the students and teachers around
made me feel comfortable and gave me an idea about
the school and the locality, which really helped me
throughout the entire semester. I could not have
been more fortunate.
Accomplishing this exchange programme has
impacted on my future in following ways:
Deciding my career goals
New lifelong friendships
Personal growth
The only negative thing I can talk about is the public
transport, it is bad, you have to have a car in Florida.
But, other than that it is a life defining experience.
Anybody who does not do an exchange is so definitely
missing out.
Vishal Yadav
BSc International Hospitality Management
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Accommodation: Rosen College resembles a resort. On the small hospitality campus there is
a swimming pool, a gated community with security, library and a small gym. I share an
apartment with 3 other female students, sharing a kitchen and living room and shared
bathroom facilities with 1 other flat mate.
Local Area: Living in Orlando, you are given the opportunity to visit all the famous local theme
parks at a discounted rate being a UCF student. There are also a range of bars and clubs
around town (If you’re 21+). You can find beaches all around Florida that are short drives
away. There are 2 premium outlets with very cheap designer clothes.
Transport: There is a university shuttle bus that takes you to and from the main campus
Monday to Friday from around 6am-9am. If you have a driving license and you have the funds
to do so, I would highly recommend that you rent a car time to time or buy one for your stay
because getting around can be very hard without one. There are local buses that can take you
to the mall, airport and other places but do not run as regularly as they do in Guildford. Taxis
can be slightly expense if traveling alone as most places are somewhat spread out and not
walkable.
American football: American students are really into football and there are regular games
throughout the semester. Whist being at the games, it was natural for me to get into the UCF
football spirit.
Traveling between studies: During my time in the USA, I was able to Travel to; the Bahamas,
New Orleans, St Augustine, Miami, Key West and Clearwater.
Friends: I met meet many new people whist being at the University of Central Florida. I met
some friends that I will keep in contact with for life. I also got to know many new cultures and
pick up a little Spanish and Chinese from fellow exchange students.
Shakiya Yemoh-Parkes
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management
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University of Cincinnati
Overall the experience exceeded all expectations. It was truly an experience of a
lifetime and I would have stayed there haven’t been given the opportunity. At first like
anything I was hesitant and questioning going, for the simple reason that I feared the
unknown. However after the first day I knew it would be a great trip as I was welcomed
with open arms and strangely my surroundings felt quite familiar.
Academic Studies: In America I studied 4 courses, all worth 3 credits each and all of
which were based around a degree in Business Management. Most of the courses were
examined either by presentation and or a multiple-choice exam both of which were a
lot easier than what I would expect at the University of Surrey. The biggest surprise for
me was how easy and laid back the education was, which enabled me to walk away
with a 90% average.
Accommodation: My assigned accommodation was called ‘Stratford Heights’ which
was mainly home to the international students. it was located across the road from
campus and within walking distance from the bars, restaurants, parties ect. The rooms
were dorm like and very modern and spacious. Overall I feel it was a great place to live.
Relationships: American people are very welcoming therefore it made it easy to build
relationships. Professors at the University of Cincinnati are also very outgoing and
helpful, making education, communication and relationships easy to establish and
maintain. Like me, all other international students were on an adventure, and it takes a
certain personality to leave home alone and travel to another country, which again
made it easy to relate and connect to each other.
Travel: During my time in the states, I travelled to over 20 states, including crossing the
boarder to Canada. The affordable prices and access to travel options made it easy to
get around.
Taylor Inkersole
BSc Business Management
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FBEL International Exchange facebook.com/surreyexchange
University of Surrey twitter: @uniofsurrey
Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK youtube.com/universityofsurrey
E: fbelexchange@surrey.ac.uk surrey.ac.uk/fbelexchange