Study Abroad Reflections.
What are people saying
about
their time
studying abroad?
...
I truly feel that there is so much out there in the world and that I can now achieve anything I want to, and hard work brings the best benefits.
Jasmine Steer, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris III, France, 2024
Being in Paris felt so surreal, as I could finally apply all of the French I had learned in an immersive environment. By attending university and making friends with French students, I was able to gain an insightful understanding of French culture, values and ways of living, some of which I had not been taught about during my time studying French. However, what was the most valuable for me was gaining a diverse understanding of the French-speaking world, as many students at my university in Paris actually came from other French-speaking parts of the world, such as Northern Africa.
I am incredibly grateful that I was able to live in a student housing that truly made my exchange experience even more fulfilling. The facilities were incredible and included a gym and a cinema alongside study spaces, and it was mostly young and international students living there which meant I got to make many connections all over the world.
Organising my exchange in Paris in the first place, and then settling into life here were all extremely challenging and I felt like quitting many times. But I didn’t, and now I have a whole new life on the other side of the world. While cliché, I feel changed as a person.
I am incredibly grateful that I was able to live in a student housing that truly made my exchange experience even more fulfilling. The facilities were incredible and included a gym and a cinema alongside study spaces, and it was mostly young and international students living there which meant I got to make many connections all over the world.
Organising my exchange in Paris in the first place, and then settling into life here were all extremely challenging and I felt like quitting many times. But I didn’t, and now I have a whole new life on the other side of the world. While cliché, I feel changed as a person.
Nicholas Cheer, University of Tokyo, Japan, 2024
Prior to registering for courses, all exchange students were told to take an online test to assess and allocate students into appropriate levels reflecting Japanese skill.
When it comes to accommodation, sufficient research is recommended to find a place that one can be satisfied with concerning price and condition. I was lucky enough to be offered a spot Komaba Lodge, the university dormitory for exchange students which was 5 minutes’ walk away from UTokyo Komaba campus. It was a simple and small room, perfect for a student. Since all of my classes were held on Komaba campus, I believe I saved a decent amount of money from not having to use public transport to get to class.
Studying abroad is no simple task. Not only is there many documents and processes to complete before going to the destination, figuring out how to live in a new country can be quite difficult. My key advice would be to stay organised and on top of things. Being organised allowed me to stay aware of my studies… Due to this [diary], I felt little struggle in my studies, and was able to enjoy my time in Japan outside of university, stress-free.
‘No regrets’ was the main thought I had upon preparing for this study abroad, wanting to push myself out of my comfort zone as much as possible. As a result, I ended up participating in many extra-curricular activities and events in order to meet new people, gain new experiences and make new friends.
When it comes to accommodation, sufficient research is recommended to find a place that one can be satisfied with concerning price and condition. I was lucky enough to be offered a spot Komaba Lodge, the university dormitory for exchange students which was 5 minutes’ walk away from UTokyo Komaba campus. It was a simple and small room, perfect for a student. Since all of my classes were held on Komaba campus, I believe I saved a decent amount of money from not having to use public transport to get to class.
Studying abroad is no simple task. Not only is there many documents and processes to complete before going to the destination, figuring out how to live in a new country can be quite difficult. My key advice would be to stay organised and on top of things. Being organised allowed me to stay aware of my studies… Due to this [diary], I felt little struggle in my studies, and was able to enjoy my time in Japan outside of university, stress-free.
‘No regrets’ was the main thought I had upon preparing for this study abroad, wanting to push myself out of my comfort zone as much as possible. As a result, I ended up participating in many extra-curricular activities and events in order to meet new people, gain new experiences and make new friends.
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Knowing and understanding the culture before visiting would not only allow for someone to remain respectable and aware of the standards expected from people during their stay, but will allow them to be comfortable and further enjoy their experience in Japan.
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The best way to make admin tasks happen is to speak to people in person. The minimal use of technology was a point of difference... It was very difficult to arrange classes and timetables via email and the online system, but the staff were often quite willing to help when I spoke with them in person.
Caitlin Westcott, Université Lumière Lyon 2, France, 2024
My studies in Lyon began with a 2-week intensive course… to kickstart the French studies and to adapt my language use to the university setting.
The most satisfying subject to complete was art history… It was quite challenging at the start to keep up with the pace of the French in the lectures, but it felt very rewarding to be able to understand these much better by the end of the exchange.
The cost of items for daily living was quite like in Melbourne. I was able to secure accommodation through CROUS, which runs student living complexes. This meant that the actual cost for accommodation was … less than expected as it is more expensive to rent apartments or places that are more central in Lyon.
At the university, I participated in rugby each Monday. This was a good recreational activity that was with local students, which meant I got to speak in French with them as we trained. This was good to have some structure in my week and consistency with language practice, and to get to know the local students better as it was sometimes hard in the classroom setting where there is not much talking.
I recommend stepping outside of your comfort zone with this and embracing the fact that your language isn’t going to be perfect at the start, but that practice is the only way to get better. By participating in activities such as sport and travel, there are so many more opportunities to speak and improve language.
The most satisfying subject to complete was art history… It was quite challenging at the start to keep up with the pace of the French in the lectures, but it felt very rewarding to be able to understand these much better by the end of the exchange.
The cost of items for daily living was quite like in Melbourne. I was able to secure accommodation through CROUS, which runs student living complexes. This meant that the actual cost for accommodation was … less than expected as it is more expensive to rent apartments or places that are more central in Lyon.
At the university, I participated in rugby each Monday. This was a good recreational activity that was with local students, which meant I got to speak in French with them as we trained. This was good to have some structure in my week and consistency with language practice, and to get to know the local students better as it was sometimes hard in the classroom setting where there is not much talking.
I recommend stepping outside of your comfort zone with this and embracing the fact that your language isn’t going to be perfect at the start, but that practice is the only way to get better. By participating in activities such as sport and travel, there are so many more opportunities to speak and improve language.
Otto Grodach, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy, 2024
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy, 2024
While there was a period in which I found it difficult to adjust to taking classes meant for native Italian speakers, I quickly adjusted and performed well in these classes. Outside of my classes, I used Italian every day in a variety of contexts and became much more comfortable with my use of the language and speaking in new situations. Having this opportunity was invaluable for the development of my speaking and comprehension skills, and I have returned to my normal Italian classes at university feeling much more confident in my abilities.
I also felt that I was able to grow personally. This exchange was my first period living out of home, and even though I already considered myself an independent person, this experience greatly increased my sense of independence, providing me with the skills and confidence needed to grow as a person and as a young adult.
I appreciated meeting people with a variety of experiences and cultural backgrounds from whom I could learn more about the world and about life in different cultures. I made friendships that span across the world and will hopefully last many years.
I also felt that I was able to grow personally. This exchange was my first period living out of home, and even though I already considered myself an independent person, this experience greatly increased my sense of independence, providing me with the skills and confidence needed to grow as a person and as a young adult.
I appreciated meeting people with a variety of experiences and cultural backgrounds from whom I could learn more about the world and about life in different cultures. I made friendships that span across the world and will hopefully last many years.
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Through studying the history of Italian politics post-WW2 and the development of Italian cuisine and representations of the country through food, in these respective classes, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the Italian cultural context.
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Take advantage of the large variety of student discounts available to students in France.
Jessica Patishman, University of Bordeaux, France, 2024
The culture shock I experienced arriving in France certainly surprised me. Having previously spent time in the country, and generally perceiving it as a rather similar place to Australia, the period of adjustment was more jarring than anticipated. The key difference I observed was in customer service and administrative interactions. A well-known phenomenon of the French people, the initial response to any request, regardless of how insignificant is always “Non”. This attitude of “ce n’est pas possible” ensures a level of bureaucracy I have never before experienced... Initially an extremely frustrating and disheartening experience, I now see the experience as having increased my resilience and increased my ability to regulate my emotions in social interactions.
In general, I observed a real desire to be out among the people late into the evening throughout the week. Whilst in Australia going out is usually saved for the weekend, the French take a more regular and moderated approach.
Having chosen a cheaper accommodation option motivated me to spend time away and enabled me financially. I found prices in Bordeaux comparable to those in Melbourne (except coffees and certain supermarket items).
In general, I observed a real desire to be out among the people late into the evening throughout the week. Whilst in Australia going out is usually saved for the weekend, the French take a more regular and moderated approach.
Having chosen a cheaper accommodation option motivated me to spend time away and enabled me financially. I found prices in Bordeaux comparable to those in Melbourne (except coffees and certain supermarket items).
Stephanie Goldenberg, Institute of Intercultural Communication and Management (ISIT), France, 2024
The subjects that I undertook included a mix of translation, traditional written and oral comprehension as well as conversational and debate classes about global and political topics whilst also covering the intercultural aspects of it all. I enjoyed each and every one of these classes and found that the largely more traditional approach to learning that happened in Paris, meaning that there was much less of a focus on technology and distance-learning which allowed me to be more engaged in the classwork. Further, I feel that the full immersion into the language without the possible fallback to English, allowed my French to improve as I had no choice but to trust my instincts and language skill.
The university that I attended was rather small and consisted of only one 3-storey building, which is completely different to that of my Melbourne university. Knowing each person in the class and having a class of 12 compared to 30-40 people was something that I was definitely not used to. However, I think it allowed me to grow fondness with the classmates around me and allowed more open and productive communication between classmates and the teacher.
The university that I attended was rather small and consisted of only one 3-storey building, which is completely different to that of my Melbourne university. Knowing each person in the class and having a class of 12 compared to 30-40 people was something that I was definitely not used to. However, I think it allowed me to grow fondness with the classmates around me and allowed more open and productive communication between classmates and the teacher.
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Trial and error was my best friend, when mixing up words such as lac (lake) and lacque (hairspray). Take that step, dive in, don’t be scared and take every opportunity you can.
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Brush up on basic / daily phrases beforehand. Build your confidence speaking, even if it’s with yourself beforehand. Bonjours, mercis, bonne journées, bonne soirées alone go a long way.
Demi Elle Fanning, New Sorbonne University Paris 3, France, 2023
Living in Paris for 4 months was not enough – I really grew as a person and found the city so aligned with my own interests, particularly I found a great valorisation of literature and film within the university and beyond. I find Paris bubbling with life and full of creative spirit. The arrondissements are so varied and because it’s a dense city, you seem to walk only a short while to end up in a completely different world.
I improved more than I imagined and the feeling of gradually accruing more confidence and fluency and consequently having better interactions with locals is a feeling I am addicted to. It has developed my ability to empathise with those in Australia who do not have English as their first language and just how impressive the ability is of so many people who speak multiple languages proficiently!
The constant newness and excitement can be tiring. On top of this, my studies I felt were initially a bit beyond me but I grew accustomed to the challenge over time and it proved that my mental threshold was higher than imagined.
I underestimated the cost of accommodation during my stay. To begin with, there was no more student accommodation left and getting my visa sorted on time and everything else I just had to grab something out of security. I eventually moved into somewhere more affordable.
I really liked the experience of lining up with all the students, a tray in hand and getting these more home-style cooked meals with a variety of desserts of sides [for 3 euros]. The consistency of this same routine provided me with comfort and the dining area was lively and somewhat communal.
Accommodation in Paris is expensive! Look in advance but also keep an eye on websites regularly for things that pop up. It is worthwhile living with French people as your French will reap the benefits as opposed to living with other people from your home country.
Have a comfortable amount of buffer money as things can go wrong…
I would not trade this study experience for the world, despite its challenges!
I improved more than I imagined and the feeling of gradually accruing more confidence and fluency and consequently having better interactions with locals is a feeling I am addicted to. It has developed my ability to empathise with those in Australia who do not have English as their first language and just how impressive the ability is of so many people who speak multiple languages proficiently!
The constant newness and excitement can be tiring. On top of this, my studies I felt were initially a bit beyond me but I grew accustomed to the challenge over time and it proved that my mental threshold was higher than imagined.
I underestimated the cost of accommodation during my stay. To begin with, there was no more student accommodation left and getting my visa sorted on time and everything else I just had to grab something out of security. I eventually moved into somewhere more affordable.
I really liked the experience of lining up with all the students, a tray in hand and getting these more home-style cooked meals with a variety of desserts of sides [for 3 euros]. The consistency of this same routine provided me with comfort and the dining area was lively and somewhat communal.
Accommodation in Paris is expensive! Look in advance but also keep an eye on websites regularly for things that pop up. It is worthwhile living with French people as your French will reap the benefits as opposed to living with other people from your home country.
Have a comfortable amount of buffer money as things can go wrong…
I would not trade this study experience for the world, despite its challenges!
Jacinta Fitzgerald, University of Barcelona, Spain, 2023
I noticed my listening and conversational skills improve every day and at the end of journey looked back on my first interactions at my local bakery and café and realised just how far I had come. At the beginning of my time in Spain I found myself rehearsing what I wanted to say before I entered the store to then confidently walking in and having a chat to the store tender at the end of my exchange.
I really enjoyed visiting smaller towns that move at a much slower pace than metropolitan Barcelona and observing the Spanish locals.
My favourite part about living in Barcelona was learning about the Catalonian culture of the region. I began my time in Barcelona by taking a 2-week intensive Catalan course where I learned the basics of the language and culture with students from all over the world and was accredited an A1 level in the language.
I found university life quite different to what I am used to. It felt more school like and very casual compared to university in Melbourne. The students were very social, and it shocked me seeing them have a morning beer before a 9am class. It was challenging learning subjects entirely in Spanish, but it definitely improved my listening skills. I really tried to socialise with the local Spanish students in class to practise my language skills and immerse myself as much as possible and appreciated their patience I kindness towards me. I also loved engaging with the Erasmus Student Network and meeting exchange students from across Europe. I learnt a lot from speaking to other international students and enjoyed listening to conversations comparing different cultures and languages. I received many travel recommendations and now have friends to across the continent to visit one day.
Also make sure you get onto the visa process early because it takes time. Last of all, do it! Going on exchange and living in Barcelona for six months was the best experience I have ever had and it has made me consider further study and work opportunities in Spain and inspired me to continue to travel the world.
I really enjoyed visiting smaller towns that move at a much slower pace than metropolitan Barcelona and observing the Spanish locals.
My favourite part about living in Barcelona was learning about the Catalonian culture of the region. I began my time in Barcelona by taking a 2-week intensive Catalan course where I learned the basics of the language and culture with students from all over the world and was accredited an A1 level in the language.
I found university life quite different to what I am used to. It felt more school like and very casual compared to university in Melbourne. The students were very social, and it shocked me seeing them have a morning beer before a 9am class. It was challenging learning subjects entirely in Spanish, but it definitely improved my listening skills. I really tried to socialise with the local Spanish students in class to practise my language skills and immerse myself as much as possible and appreciated their patience I kindness towards me. I also loved engaging with the Erasmus Student Network and meeting exchange students from across Europe. I learnt a lot from speaking to other international students and enjoyed listening to conversations comparing different cultures and languages. I received many travel recommendations and now have friends to across the continent to visit one day.
Also make sure you get onto the visa process early because it takes time. Last of all, do it! Going on exchange and living in Barcelona for six months was the best experience I have ever had and it has made me consider further study and work opportunities in Spain and inspired me to continue to travel the world.
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Keep watch of your belongings or you will have two phones stolen like me. Eat as much food as you can because its cheap and delicious. Try to talk to as many Spaniards as you can because they are very friendly.
The above text is taken from the Mangold Scholars’ Experience reports completed after returning from their study abroad or exchange program. The reports are not published in full and may include excerpts of their reports and photos submitted to the Mangold Trust.
“…greater understanding and tolerance between the people of the world – and consequently a lessening of conflict – could be achieved through the study of other languages and cultures.”
Anne Marie Herzenberg on Walter Mangold