Brandon Helton
United States of America
Institution attended in home country: Arizona State University
Institution attended in Australia: Queensland University of Technology
Brandon
is full of enthusiasm when he describes his experience studying in
Australia on exchange. Not only is he thoroughly happy with the quality
of the education he has received, he is also impressed by the more
personal approach at his Australian institution compared to his
university In the United States.
“I come from a top-notch
university back home and my study experience in Australia measured up
nicely. [My Australian university] is a little bit smaller than I am
used to, but I liked that because the professors seemed to be more
personal with their students. I felt more comfortable approaching them
with questions, whereas back home I would not even bother because you
are sure to get a broad generalisation that only tiptoes around the
question you asked.”
Brandon describes his exchange program as
“perfect” because it not only provided a top-quality education but also
opportunities to travel and be active outside the classroom. “Travelling
was so simple, and the quality of the travel is spectacular. For eight
months, I coached an under-16 basketball team, and a lot of my memories
will be of them and the people I met because of the team.”
Brandon
believes he won’t have any trouble finding a job in the education
field. In fact, he is sure his Australian exchange experience will be
helpful. “I see it possibly paying dividends in my
coaching—international experience can be a huge selling point when
applying for jobs.”
Brandon wouldn’t hesitate to recommend
Australia to other students considering an exchange program: “Just go
for it. If you have even the slightest urge to travel in your studies,
then you should. For most people, there won’t be a more perfect time in
their life than in college. The people I have met have changed me
forever.”