Tijan
Germany
Institution attended in home country: University of Maastricht, the Netherlands
Institution attended in Australia: University of Adelaide, South Australia
Tijan knows that his visit to Australia has given him more than just study credit for his course; his experience will benefit him long after his return home and throughout his entire career.
“Generally, I consider experience with other cultures and ethnic groups and discovering other countries essential in order to work internationally in the future. Learning in different systems and with different people and standards helps.”
There were many reasons why Tijan chose Australia for his exchange.
“Australia is a fascinating country. Of course the weather is a lot better and the people are a bit more laid back. In general I chose Australia, next to the studies I have undertaken, to travel a lot, which I did. My recommendation for South Australia would be the Flinders Ranges and hiking up Wilpena Pound.”
After studying in South Australia for six months, Tijan can also recommend Australian education.
“I like the education system a lot. I am used to having tutorials and discussing problems in small groups. The university is very similar to my home institution and I consider it very good.”
An overseas trip can take some time to organise but Tijan found plenty of help once he arrived in Australia: “The treatment of exchange students was really good. [There were] opportunities to discuss issues at hand and exchange experiences.”
Tijan is staying just five minutes’ walk from his university campus in an apartment he found with the help of the university accommodation office. Comfortable accommodation is just one of the things that have made Tijan’s stay in Adelaide a great experience.
“One thing I like is that you meet so many people from all over the world. I had very many conversations and made a couple of really good friends from Asia, Europe, Canada and Africa.”
If you’re thinking about visiting Adelaide on exchange, Tijan has some advice: “Just do it. You will meet wonderful people. Everything is going to be fine—no worries!”