WeAreWestminster » A Semester Down Under: My Exchange at the University of Technology Sydney

A Semester Down Under: My Exchange at the University of Technology Sydney

May 9, 2024
Student experience Undergraduate
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At Westminster Business School, the option to study abroad for either a full year or semester is embedded into all of our courses. This gives students the unique opportunity to experience other cultures from across the globe first-hand and provides a change of scenery from our London campus’.

One student who embarked on a semester studying abroad is Olivia Bjorn, a 2nd year Marketing Communications BA student. Olivia decided to study in Australia, at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) for her 2nd term and has recently arrived back. Since returning, Olivia has written an inspiring blog about her time down under:

Studying abroad in Australia had been the best decision I’ve ever made.

Living in Bondi Beach during my exchange semester was a dream come true. Waking up to the sound of waves, with blue skies overhead, and being surrounded by people jogging along the shore and surfing the waves – it was truly living the coastal life.

Experiencing the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) was equally exciting. The big new campus, lovely classmates, and engaging professors added a layer to my academic journey. Beyond the classroom, my semester at UTS was filled with unforgettable experiences.

Travelling the East Coast of Australia was a highlight, with each destination offering its unique charm. Our journey began in the relaxed and laid-back surf town of Byron Bay, where we took a surf lesson and enjoyed kayaking alongside dolphins. Moving on to the Gold Coast, we visited both Burleigh Heads and Surfers Paradise, exploring the Royal National Park and discovering hidden waterfalls where we took refreshing dips. We ended the trip in the adorable villages of Noosa – where we strolled along the coastal walk, enjoying a dip in the famous ocean pools, before ending the day renting a BBQ boat and cruising along in the sunset. It was a trip I will remember forever.

But perhaps the most memorable aspect of my semester abroad was the friendships I made along the way. Making friends with students from around the world brought unforgettable adventures and a sense of community.

As I reflect on my semester at UTS, I am filled with happiness from all the experiences and incredibly grateful to the University of Westminster for making this opportunity possible. My time at UTS may have come to an end, but the memories and friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime.

If, like Olivia, studying or working abroad is something you’d like to do then you can find out more about the opportunities available at the University of Westminster here.

About Westminster

As one of the most diverse universities in the UK, we are a global university with London energy, with more than 19,000 students from 169 countries. To find out more about our courses, visit the University of Westminster website.