UQ Program: Bachelor of Arts
Like most language students, studying and living in a native speaking country where I can experience complete immersion is the holy grail of an experience. Thanks to UQ Abroad I not only maximised my study, but I did so in one of the most interesting places on Earth; Tokyo.
I lived approximately 30min from the mayhem of Shibuya and Shinjuku, close enough to head downtown whenever the urge takes you, but far enough away from the flashing neon that you don’t go insane.
Classes were provided in both English and Japanese. So you can mix and match exchange student classes (such as Japanese language) with any standard courses you like, allowing you to go as far down the rabbit hole of a Japanese university student’s life as you dare. Japanese universities are also famous for their ‘club culture’. The university is host to a plethora of different club activities, ranging from basketball to sailing, kyudo (Japanese traditional archery) to photography. Club life is definitely something you want to experience, where frequently drinking with fellow club members is seen as an important club responsibility.
Outside of university, you will find yourself in one of the busiest cities in the world, in a culture so different to Australia that everything is an adventure. And if the city ever gets too much, you can hop on a train for an hour and find yourself in the country, surrounded by rice paddies, forests and mountains.
If you’ve ever considered going on exchange, take the plunge and apply. You’ll never regret such an amazing experience.