Hi! My name’s Marvin Pawelczyk. I’m 25 years old and am reaching the end of my Master’s degree. I currently study marketing and e-business at the Georg August University of Göttingen in Germany. During my semester abroad, I had the great opportunity to be a Study Abroad and Exchange Program ambassador at the University of Technology Sydney.
Studying abroad in a foreign country can be an incredibly enriching experience, as it exposes you to new cultural practices and perspectives. Here are five reasons why I think you should choose to have this amazing experience at UTS!
1. Discover a vibrant, multicultural city
During my time at UTS, I had access to a range of cultural and social opportunities that are unique to Sydney. With its world-class museums, galleries, restaurants, shopping districts and entertainment venues, Sydney is a great city to explore and experience Australian culture.
With its warm climate and beautiful landscapes, Australia is an amazing place to enjoy surfing, hiking and camping. I tried surfing and, although it was challenging, I really enjoyed the time out in the water with my friends. The country also has a strong tradition of music festivals, sporting tournaments and other events that bring people together from all walks of life.
There is also a strong sense of community and social justice that can be seen in everything from the country's politics to daily interactions between people.
2. Learn with an innovative and industry-focused approach to education
As a marketing student, the strong links to the business community that UTS maintains and its emphasis on hands-on learning benefited me greatly. At UTS, I had opportunities to work on real-world marketing projects, gain industry experience and build my professional network.
The teaching style was interactive, and the assessments were more varied and frequent than what I experienced at my home university, which helped me stay engaged and motivated throughout the semester. Tutors encouraged me to participate in discussions, work in teams and undertake practical work that developed important skills such as critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
3. Experience a campus that never bores
During my time at UTS, there were many cultural and social events specifically oriented towards international students facilitated by Activate UTS and the Study Abroad and Exchange team. As an ambassador, I was naturally present at many of these.
I participated in O’Day, went on day trips to the Blue Mountains, became a member of UTS Darlings and successfully completed the UTS BUILD global leadership program.
It was exciting to see how many opportunities UTS had for students to get involved and meet new people. It was really easy to connect with new people, make friends and integrate into the community!
4. Be supported during your stay
UTS offers a wide range of services to help international students adjust to life in Australia, including orientation programs, accommodation assistance and English language support.
The university also has incredibly modern facilities and buildings for students, with the IT infrastructure being particularly new and easy to use.
5. Prepare yourself for a global career
Cultural awareness is becoming increasingly important in today's globalised workforce. When you have a deeper understanding of different cultures, you are better equipped to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. This leads to better relationships with colleagues and clients and a more inclusive workplace culture. Cultural awareness also helps develop your ability to find creative solutions that consider the unique needs and expectations of different cultural groups.
With students hailing from over 120 countries, UTS is truly an international university with a diverse and welcoming student community that values global perspectives. I easily made friends from all around the world and learnt from their experiences!
I encourage future Study Abroad and Exchange students to take the opportunity to learn about Australian culture, try new foods and participate in local practices and traditions!