Full-Semester Bloggers
Laila
Tecnológico de Monterrey – Mexico
Hiya!!
My name is Laila and I am a BA/BCom student majoring in Information Systems, Economics and Politics. Very soon, I will be embarking on a semester-long exchange to México studying at Tecnológico de Monterrey and the excitement is already running high!!
Going on exchange has been on the top of my bucket list since the day I realised it was an option. The thought of experiencing life in a completely new environment appealed to me as I think the best way to learn is to just throw yourself completely into the unknown. I do not have much connection at all to Mexico, or that part of the world in general, which is why I chose to go there. The vibrancy of Mexican culture was very enticing and I wanted to experience it firsthand.
I hope that through this exchange I can improve my Spanish, extend the knowledge I have relating to my degree and travel with some new amigos – I also want my tastebuds to have a holiday of their own. I believe that anything is what you make out of it, and I am ready to make this a trip of a lifetime!
Can’t wait to share my experiences with you, talk soon 🙂
Iven
National University of Singapore – Singapore
Howdy! (●´ω｀●)~
I’m Iven. I’m in my second year studying Communications and in the new decade of 2020 I will be partaking in a semester exchange at The National University of Singapore (NUS). I am super excited to document my journey about learning a new way of life and living in a country I know very little about.
However, I do know that Singapore is where one of my all-time favourite films ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is based and it is where I will study at NUS, the 11th top university in the world according to the current QS world university ranking.
I do not have many expectations going into this exchange, I’m more a go with the flow type of person so I will take everything as it comes. I can’t wait to share my experiences of this once in a life time opportunity with you all through this blog and also my YouTube channel where I will take you all along with me on this journey!
✧My YouTube Channel✧ https://www.youtube.com/iventhepanda
Angela
Utrecht University, The Netherlands
Hello everyone! I’m Angela, and I am going to be spending a semester at Utrecht University in the Netherlands!
I’m doing a BCom/BGlobalSt conjoint majoring in business analytics, information systems and global environment and sustainable development at the University of Auckland.
I was born and raised in Taiwan and came to New Zealand two years ago to do my bachelor degree. I have had the idea of going on exchange since I was a first year newbie in uni, as I have been told how amazing the exchange experiences were from my friends.
Utrecht University in the Netherlands was my first host university choice because of the location and academic reputation. Through my exchange experience, I am hoping to meet new people, travel around Europe and put myself out there and be more willing to try new things.
I can’t wait to share my experiences with you! Make sure to stay updated and follow me along my journey!
Maxwell
Nanyang Technological University – Singapore
Hey everyone!
Let’s get all the boring stuff out of the way first. My name’s Maxwell, a first-year Computer Science and Psychology major at the University of Auckland, and in 2020 I’ll be attending Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. What kind of person am I? The first thing I would say is that I LOVE travelling! Whether it be 300 meters to the nearby dairy, or all the way around the globe, I see everything as an adventure. Human life is simply far too short, and much too precious to be stuck in one place, dredging through the monotony of daily life, and that’s why I simply can’t wait to be in Singapore!
I chose Singapore due to its unique situation as a melting pot of cultures from all around the world(including cultures that speak English thankfully). Not only will I be able to brush up on my Mandarin, but I’ll also be exposed to several other novel and very intriguing languages at the same time! On top of that, I’m looking forward to all the exotic foods, meeting and bonding with new people, and taking in all the majestic sights that the country many call “The City of the Future” has to offer.
Be seeing you guys soon!
Harry
University of California: Berkeley – USA
“Hi, I’m Harry!
I’m finishing up my BA in economics and film and media at UC Berkeley in semester one 2020.
I ended up at Berkeley almost by accident. I originally applied for the UC system because I thought the term dates were March-June, which would allow me to do an internship and then go on exchange. I only found out this was not the case after being nominated for exchange. I put this down to fate and decided to go anyway.
After looking into the UC schools, I felt Berkeley’s range of econ courses on inequality and development, (relatively) cheap accommodation alternatives, and academic reputation made it the best fit for me.
However, even after being accepted, I didn’t really appreciate Berkeley’s reputation. Then I started noticing that a lot of the material for my courses was produced by people connected to Berkeley, and it hit me. I’m looking forward to immersing myself in this community, exploring the surrounding area, and sharing my experience with you!”
Cameron
McGill University – Canada
Hey!
I’m Cameron, a third year BA/BCom student majoring in Media, Communications and Marketing. I am SUPER excited to be spending a semester at McGill University in the snowy city of Montreal. Montreal is known as the city of poutine, so why would I want to go anywhere else?
As cheesy as it sounds, I’m looking forward to having the experience of a lifetime making friends from all across the world and living somewhere that is so different from NZ. I’m buzzing to get to Montreal and am somewhat excited to see what -25°C feels like (I will probably regret saying that).
Stay tuned as I live it up and share my honest highs and lows of being an exchange student in Canada.
Talk soon! (if my fingers aren’t too cold to type)
Tom
Nanyang Technological University – Singapore
Hey Everyone!
I’m Tom and I’ll be traveling to NTU (that’s Nanyang Technological University) in Singapore for the first semester of the third and final year within my commerce degree.
As a finance and management major I’ve chosen NTU for its perfect position in one of the world’s financial capitals! I’ll also be going for its nightlife, insanely cheap and delicious street food, and its proximity to South-East Asia where I’ll inevitably end up traveling at the tail end of my trip!
I hope to give some idea of my journey throughout this blog, ranging from academic to other more interesting and exciting pursuits. Whilst I may not be Crazy, Rich, or Asian I’m sure my time in the Garden City will still be enjoyable. And who knows with that Finance degree my fortunes may very soon change…
Kathy
Tecnológico de Monterrey – Mexico
Hello everyone!
My name’s Kathy and I’m currently in my third year of a BE(Hons), specialising in Mechatronics. I’m also attempting to squeeze in a Spanish/Italian Diploma on the side because I just love to make my life harder than it needs to be 🙂
This semester I’m heading off to Mexico to study at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Monterrey, a modern city considered by many to be the main technological hub of the country. It also has a really cool mountain that looks like a giant saddle.
It’s always been my dream to explore Latin America, and I’m honoured to be able to travel somewhere with such a rich culture and history. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and challenging my level of Spanish. Let’s be honest though I’m mostly going for the food (just kidding – but actually not. Who doesn’t love tacos?).
I hope I can provide some useful insight into life at Tec and Mexico in general, and with some luck encourage fellow engineering students come on exchange here. I’m the first one to do it apparently, so I guess I’ll be your guinea pig for now… Wish me luck, whoever you are!
¡Hasta pronto!
Cecilia
University of Glasgow – Scotland
Halò ciamar a tha thu,
My name is Cecilia and I am off to the University of Glasgow for the next 6 months. I chose Scotland because I love the accents, although I am certain I will struggle to understand the thick brogue for the first few weeks. I chose the University of Glasgow because it looks like Hogwarts and I wanted my time here to be just as magical!
I am a fifth year law student who will be studying common law whilst on exchange. There’s actually a unique legal system specific to Scotland, which interacts differently within a broader UK framework. With Brexit on the horizon I am super excited to be experiencing the developments first hand in the Scotland. I’m also looking forward to connecting with people from different walks of life on my exchange and learning more about the world around me.
This is my first time living away from home, and as someone who has burnt instant noodle twice, I hope I do not burn down any kitchens. This will be an interesting challenge.
Join me on my adventures as I either become a culinary genius or spend my life savings on fast food deliveries!
Fiona
University of California: Berkeley – USA
Hello everyone!
My name is Fiona and am in my third year for a BSc in Biological Sciences! I have the great pleasure of attending UC Berkeley for the first Semester in 2020. I am so grateful for this opportunity as I selected Berkeley for their incredible reputation in Genetics and Genomics, the direction I want to move towards postgrad. Lo and behold, I am the first Bio student from the UoA to attend UC Berkeley – I was even lucky enough to slip into a lab class! Lastly, in the spur of the moment, I decided to convince my boyfriend to come along for the 5 months I’ll be there so he will likely also grace you with his presence in some of my posts.
I am excited to share some of my experiences with you from the lab, the campus, the people and obviously my adventures in the beautiful countryside of California!
The next 1.5 years of winter will undoubtedly be worth it, or so I keep telling myself!Until then – Fi
The 360 International Blog 