UQ Program: Bachelor of Engineering
At the tender age of 19, I was still a virgin to both the American way of life and more pertinently their vastly different college system, and so embarked on what would prove to be an unbelievably intrepid voyage to Madison, Wisconsin in the land of the free. The decision to undertake an exchange was not always a simple one for me, and indeed the trials and tribulations I encountered overseas were not themselves simple, but it was through these experiences that I obtained some life memories that I will cherish forever. Whether they stemmed from schoolwork stresses, last minute organization of travel or even simply missing home, there is no equitable trade of an overseas exchange experience for the eradication of these minor speed bumps.
Madtown as it is colloquially known is undoubtedly the most friendly, welcoming place I have ever been to, and were it not for DNA analysis of direct bloodlines I could’ve easily mistaken many of the friends I made for immediate family. The college campus itself is incredibly expansive and essentially encapsulates the entire city within its bounds, resulting in a town that literally revolves around college life. There is a great ethos towards academic life at the school and there are a number of avenues to seriously pursue scholarly excellence if this proved to be your primary endeavor. However the social and extra-curricular life is amazing too. In essence, there exists a really unique and well-developed balance between schoolwork and leisure at UW whereby both very important pursuits can be enjoyed to the fullest.
I truly could not recommend more highly any tertiary institution to indulge in the exchange facets of academia, 'socialising' and immersing oneself in a completely different culture, and I sincerely hope any future exchange students are afforded the incredible opportunity to study at UW and have what will no doubt become some of the most amazing times of their lives.