Violeta Todorova, 2013-2014 at Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris III)

Accommodation

Finding accommodation was one of the hardest parts of living in Paris.  Firstly, even as a study abroad student, you are not guaranteed housing.  I was not allocated a spot in the university accommodation.  The ones associated with Parisian universities are not located in the best areas of Paris.  However, they are convenient and most likely cheaper than anything else you will find.  I believe that it’s worth applying in May just to see if university housing is an option for you.

Continue reading “Violeta Todorova, 2013-2014 at Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris III)”

Meera Ved, 2011-12, National University of Singapore

10 ways studying abroad enhanced my degree

I’m pretty sure all new Geography undergraduates will have sat through a ‘What is Geography?’ lecture at some point in their academic lives. After my semester abroad at the National University of Singapore I don’t think I would be able to sit through such a talk without screaming out ‘Studying abroad’. Taking part in a student exchange encompasses the discipline throughout.

The language of study in Singapore is English so there were no language barriers plus my grades counted as credits towards my degree so I did not elongate the time taken to complete my degree. Here are ten ways various experiences and opportunities gained through studying abroad enhanced my Geography degree. Even though Geography is awesome I do note not everyone studies it at university…some reflections highlight the advantages of studying abroad for any degree and are not Geography or language specific at all

Continue reading “Meera Ved, 2011-12, National University of Singapore”

Anna Grimaldi, 2012-2013 at University of Minas Gerais

Top ten things

Belo Horizonte offers an extensive list of museums and galleries which will no doubt be on the top of your cultural to-do list, but in case you’re looking for something a little less generic, here is a list of the local gems which can offer a more personal experience of the city.

The campus: Although it might sound silly, spending a few hours between classes getting lost around campus is actually highly entertaining. The grounds seem never ending, and wandering around you will find students practising at a drumming jam session, learning how to tightrope walk, or having a debate in an abandoned courtyard. It’s also a great idea to check out each department eatery – Music, for example, may treat you to some live samba while you eat your omelette. Also – check out the hundreds of cats in Letras.

Praça do Papa and Parque Mangabeiras: Praca do Papa is a great day out – Continue reading “Anna Grimaldi, 2012-2013 at University of Minas Gerais”

Sarah Marechal, 2013-14 at National University of Singapore

I reached Singapore last January for a four-month exchange programme and actually stayed there for nine very enriching months! Many thanks to both King’s and NUS for offering me this great experience!

Travelling abroad is a chance and so is studying! I think that going on a university exchange genuinely empowered me to explore different ways of learning and develop new interests. I was really lucky to meet people willing to tell me more about what they have achieved, their culture, their lives and about their passions.

Just when starting university, there are a lot of new opportunities to which you will be exposed. If I can think of two pieces of advice they would be the following. Firstly, make sure that you take what you want out of that new experience and be curious! I personally enjoyed myself as much in a classroom Continue reading “Sarah Marechal, 2013-14 at National University of Singapore”

Kaitlyn Mak, 2012-13 at University of Melbourne

Accommodation

There are generally three types of accommodations in Melbourne: residential colleges, private halls and housings, all have their advantages and are popular among the students.

Residential colleges

Residential colleges are part of/run by University of Melbourne and consist of 11 different halls; all vary in size and location, most of which located in an arc around the cricket oval at the northern edge of the campus, known as College Crescent. They are pretty much in the campus and generally are only 5-15 minutes of walking distance from classes depending on where your class takes place. The furthest college, Whitney College, is also only 15 minutes walking distance from Parkville campus.

Residential Colleges are the only type of accommodation in Melbourne that offers meal plan (catered). They offer three meals per day, with take-away lunch available if you are busy during lunchtime. Continue reading “Kaitlyn Mak, 2012-13 at University of Melbourne”