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In this post you'll find out what other students have to say about their Study Abroad and Exchange experience at UTS!

Katherin Miller

Bachelor of Science

Home country: Canada

University: University of Regina

"I felt this university was very focused on making students job-ready, which is very important to me."

What type of student are you and how long are you here for? I was an exchange student for one academic year.

Where are you studying at UTS? I studied mainly at the UTS Broadway campus, but I also had some lectures at the Blackfriars and Haymarket campuses.

What do you enjoy most about your studies at UTS, and why? I enjoyed how practical the courses were, and loved all the hands-on experience I gained through the field excursions. I felt this university was very focused on making students job-ready, which is very important to me.

What methods of teaching in your course do you think works well, and why? I appreciated the hands-on experience from field excursions the most, as it prepares me for the workplace once I finish my degree. I also enjoyed a particular assignment for Fisheries Resources where students had to apply for a mock job posing as a Fisheries Technician, provide an acceptable and helpful CV for the employer, and go through the process of a job interview for the position. This really helped with job-readiness.

What skills do you think you’re developing that will help you find a job after you graduate? I developed skills in applying for a job as well as going through the interview process. I found it really valuable to learn how to sell yourself as a candidate for a job.

Have you met or worked with anyone at UTS that you think has improved your experience here? The faculty and students in the Biology program were all really helpful and genuinely interested in what they were doing. I found the classes interesting, entertaining and applicable to the workplace. In particular, David Booth (lecturer for Fisheries Resources) was a delight to learn from.

What support services have helped you to make the most of your time at UTS? I didn’t really use the support services at the University, and found it was more helpful to ask students if I had questions about anything. Since I speak English already, it was easy to navigate the school and accomplish tasks.

Overall, how would you describe your experiences at UTS? I very much enjoyed the different teaching style at UTS, but found the level of difficulty across the classes varied substantially. I ended up having one semester full of incredibly easy classes, and one semester of incredibly difficult classes.

The people at UTS were very friendly and helpful when I needed assistance, and the facilities within the university were adequate. Overall, I enjoyed my experience at UTS and would have liked to stay longer now that I am more learned in the ways of the university and its subjects.

Bram Antoon Gottgens

Bachelor of Engineering

Home country: Netherlands

University: Technische Univeristeit Eindhoven

"I was a Visiting Research student for 2 months in Sydney."

What type of student are you and how long are you here for? I was a Visiting Research student for 2 months in Sydney. I also spent two months on a road trip along the east coast.

Where are you studying at UTS, and how does it compare to your home university? I was studying/ working at the School of Civil Engineering under Dr. Emre Erkmen. At my home university I am a student at the School of Mechanical Engineering at the division for Computational and Experimental Mechanics. My school and the published works of Dr. Emre Erkmen have many great similarities.

What do you enjoy most about your studies at UTS, and why? The guidance and close contact with Dr. Emre Erkmen, who I now consider as a friend. I really had a lot of fun with him. Besides the work I did for him, he was a great motivator.

What methods of teaching in your course do you think works well, and why? Well in my case I had a real life case study which worked really well for me. Finally applying my knowledge is a great way to learn and never forget.

Did you find it easy to settle into Sydney? Outside UTS I had a great time, Sydney is a wonderful city albeit a bit expensive.

What skills do you think you’re developing that will help you find a job after you graduate? I have learnt a great deal about social skills and the working environment within a university. This was also the first bit of real research I have ever done and it worked out great for me.

Yijiu Hu

Bachelor of Engineering

Home country: China

University: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

"Definitely go for it. It is an experience that is valuable for your whole life."

Why did you choose Australia/Sydney? Excellent scenery, friendly people and an English speaking environment.

List three factors that convinced you to go come to Australia. English speaking environment Multi-culture Beautiful scenery

What is unique about studying in an Australian university? Compared to my home university, an Australian university has less teaching hours. This encourages self-oriented study.One can adjust his/her own studying strategy according to his/her own needs and passion.

How do you spend your spare time, whilst not in the classroom? I enjoy going outing when the weather is nice. I go sailing in the harbour, go hiking in national parks, barbeque at the beachside and also spend a wonderful night at party. Sometimes I would like to simply take a few shots around the fascinating city with my camera.

Even when the weather is not so nice I can enjoy playing table tennis, or a pool game, or simply chatting with friends.

In what ways has coming to Australia benefited your degree/ your life? It builds up my courage to live in a brand new environment independently. It helps me gain value by learning from peers of different backgrounds. It offers the opportunity to know more about myself from another perspective. It also enhances my cultural adaptability.

Do you have any advice for other students who may be planning to go on Study Abroad or Exchange to UTS? Definitely go for it. It is an experience that is valuable for your whole life.

Keep reading the Experience post for more interviews of our Study Abroad and Exchange students!

Feel free to share your experience in the comments below!