UQ Program: Bachelor of Commerce
To say that my exchange at the University of Washington (or U-Dub as it’s fondly nicknamed) was amazing would be a huge understatement because it may possibly have been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Being a 3rd year undergrad Bachelor of Commerce student, I was fortunate enough to have electives in my major and that meant that I was able to enrol in any course that I was interested in at U-Dub. The one thing I realised about the classes here was that the professors are a lot friendlier and actually takes the time to get to know their students personally. Also, the exams are conducted in a much more informal way and there are more emphasis given to homework and assignments instead.
I did my exchange at U-Dub for 6 months during the Winter and Spring 2011 quarters. There weren’t many exchange students arriving then as it was already the middle of the academic year in USA, but the up side to being a smaller group was that it allowed us to bond and socialise much easier among each other. FIUTS (U-Dub’s version of QUEST) does a really good job of integrating new exchange students into the U-Dub way of life. It was FIUTS that introduced everyone to each other. After the initial orientation, it was like time was flying us by every single day.
On my exchange I’ve met people from all over the world. Students from America, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Egypt, India, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Korea, Singapore, Cameroon, Taiwan, Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland etc. Everyone became friends regardless of our age, race or background. Together we talked about the differences in our culture, our interests and our lives. We also surprise ourselves sometimes with how similar everyone can be although we come from different ends of the world. There wasn’t a single dull moment when we weren’t doing anything. We were always out exploring, whether we were in the neighbourhoods in Seattle, or off Seattle to Portland, California, New York, Los Angeles, Olympic Peninsula, Canada and even Mexico; there was always something to do and places to go to.
One suggestion I would make to future study abroad students at U-Dub is to stay off campus instead of living in the dorms. The dorms on-campus is a bit pricey as compared to the off-campus accommodations and doesn’t have as much activities going on as hoped for. Living off campus allows you to save up on the cash that will be much needed to travel.
Going on exchange has allowed me to meet the most interesting, amazing and international group of people I’ve ever met in my life. But as with most good things in life, it must end. 6 months went by too quickly and I found myself reluctant to leave when the time came. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything and would gladly pounce on the opportunity to do it all over again if I’m able to. And now I’m proud to say that I have friends from all over the world! People that I can visit anywhere I travel. How great is that!
Top 5 Tips:
1. Get a rain jacket! – hands down, first item to invest when in Seattle
2. Join FUITS – coolest group ever
3. Go into the cascades off Seattle – part of what makes Seattle so amazing
4. Live off campus – save the cash for other stuff instead
5. Enjoy every bit of sun you get – chances are you won’t get a lot of it during your stay here