UK – Muhammad
Student: Muhammad
Course: Bachelor of International Studies
Program: Trimester exchange T1 2025
International student grant recipient
Describe the city you were living in: the landscape, the culture, the weather etc.
I am currently going for an exchange at Leeds, United Kingdom. The weather is cold but as what people said, British weather is unpredictable. So sometimes we have a rain but a minute later, sunshine starts to shows up out of nowhere. The city is not too big and the University of Leeds, where I'm studying my exchange courses at, is within walking distance from my accommodation. The city centre is also within walking distance from my accommodation. So overall, to describe Leeds is like living in a comfy little British city where everything is not too far. It's also not too far from London and other exciting small cities nearby.
Did you go on any memorable trips to explore your host country or maybe a nearby country?
I went to a nearby city, which is York with my friend. It is a memorable trip because it’s actually an impromptu trip where a friend of ours offered us train tickets to York because she bought the tickets for a wrong date. We started the day in York by relaxing at a coffeeshop nearby the canal and explore the shambles, the place where harry potter was inspired from. We also took a cruise tour by the canal, sightseeing the city through the canal of York.
How will your trip add value to your studies ie. Did you gain credit? Was it to increase your employability?
The exchange study will certainly add value to my study. As I'm doing a Bachelor of International Studies, an study abroad experience will make my degree more appealing to employer and showcasing my versatile ability in navigating cross-cultural experience. I gain 4 credits that will be counted towards my international experience component of my Bachelor of International Studies, thereby, I don't have to take language units for my international experience. I feel that a study abroad experience is more appealing to employers than a language units taken at Deakin.
What is a piece of advice or tip you would give an international student who is thinking about studying abroad?
I would say, go for it. I know that as an international student, you have doubts to study abroad or going for an exchange. However, it is worth it. Going to study at another university abroad is different compared to studying at your home university. The reputation of your host university is different, the skills you acquire and adaptability you will get by navigating another different country will be priceless.