Program at UQ: Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)
Leaving sunny Brisbane behind I boarded my 22-hour long flight to old London with two friends from my chemical engineering course. Having been accepted to go on a year-long exchange program to Imperial College London, I was excited to not only study in a city renowned for its academia, but also to experience the richly cultural and historical European continent.
Going on exchange to Europe offers a unique opportunity of being steps away from a myriad of places rich in its own culture and history. The countryside of Europe provides a great travelling experience, and I jumped at the first opportunity of going on a road-trip around Great Britain. The ancient castles and old cathedrals of England, Wales and Scotland were an awesome sight, and it was easy for me to see why they have piqued the imagination of so many authors in the past.
Certainly the most memorable experience of my road-trip was trekking through the grandeur of the Lake District. The climb to the top of the icy Cow’s Bell peak was filled with majestic sceneries, like landscapes within a painter’s imagination. The whole place seems tranquil except for the four Australian students trying to take in the sheer magnitude of the whole place. As wonderful as London is with its many (too expensive) pubs , it felt disappointing when it was finally time to leave the great outdoors, back to the big city and university.
Studying at Imperial College in all provided a smooth transition from UQ, since the workloads and teaching styles are reasonably equivalent. Nothing much needs to be said about living amongst the poms, it was fun all aroud. They crack their convict jokes and we laugh as they lose at the cricket, rugby, swimming, and tennis. Still, they are a great bunch of people and I have made friends who will welcome me whenever I come back (and give me free accommodation!).
Over the past year, my exchange experience has provided me with invaluable appreciation of the culture of Europe and its people. I encourage anyone to make their own adventure and enlarge their territory!