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Student Exchange Case Study
The Best time Down Under
Exchange student Stuart Pannel in Sydney
When Stuart Pannell had the opportunity of studying for a semester in Melbourne Australia, he jumped at the chance. Just one year into his 4-year BSc (Hons) in Management and Tourism (now called Tourism Management) at the School of Management, University of Surrey, Stuart was packing his bags and heading ‘down under’.
“It was the best six months of my life” said Stuart, who had originally had his mind set on going to Singapore’s Nanyang University for an exchange semester. “When I was interviewed by the University International Office, it became clear that the modules offered at Melbourne were much more appropriate for my degree, so I then had to convince the interview panel that I was a good candidate for Australia, as the competition was fierce!”
Fortunately for Stuart, he was one of six Surrey students selected to attend La Trobe University in Melbourne where his typical day as a student was very different to the UK.
“On average I had two hours of lectures and tutorials a day. I never expected to be studying amongst kangaroos and cockatoos, the university campus was a wildlife sanctuary in itself! Lectures were very different to back in the UK - it was very interesting to be taught in a different way. We usually ventured into the nearby towns after lectures and the lovely city of Melbourne was only 45 minutes by tram so we often spent afternoons and evenings there.”
“My experience in Australia completely opened my eyes to another way
of life. The people, the culture, definitely the weather - all contributed to
a fantastic time. Studying was challenging and fun. I achieved good grades and
as a bonus - I visited places I never thought I’d visit such as Sydney,
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. A proud moment for me was being awarded the
Best International Student Award just before leaving, but the real high point
was simply being immersed in another culture for six months. I learned much
more than I ever expected.”
“Living on another continent has given me so much confidence and I arrived
back in the UK a changed student! International travel puts another perspective
on life, and I’ve become more aware of the importance of a balance between
my studies and social life.”
“One aspect of the experience I particularly value is the number of friends and contacts I now have around the world. I regularly receive mail from Australia and USA, and enjoy new friendships with the other students from Surrey who went to Australia and I didn’t know previously. There are already a number of international holiday trips on the horizon too!”
“The exchange semester is a major attraction available to School of Management and University of Surrey students. It’s a once in a life-time learning experience and I would definitely recommend it – particularly if you have an interest in other cultures and lifestyles. I’ve now caught the travel bug, so my tourism degree is definitely going to be put to work!”