UK – Henry and William
Students: Henry and William
Course: Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws
Program: Exeter Summer School 2023, University of Exeter, England
William: In June and July of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to study at the University of Exeter in England. My time in the United Kingdom kicked off with two of my closest friends and we were quickly introduced to the many international students we were soon to be spending our next month with. Our journey had begun. Eagar to explore the foreign streets we enjoyed a one-week orientation period in London visiting famous sights such as the Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, British Museum and the Emirates Stadium (Home of Arsenal). Over the course of our first week, we got to know our fellow peers and learnt different international perspectives, each sharing our own unique words and sayings from our own home countries. We concluded our time in London by attending the Warner Brothers’ Studio; Harry Potter Experience and some of us also excitedly lined up for 10 hours to attend the opening day of the prestigious Wimbledon Championships.
We then commenced our 3-week program to study Human Rights Law. This course was taken by British Law Lecturer, Richard A. Edwards. We learnt much about how the UK is a member of the European Convention on Human Rights and completed a detailed assignment on comparing the legal protection of human rights in England and Wales with our home jurisdictions. Whilst we were in Exeter we enjoyed weekend trips to St Ives Cornwall, the Jurassic Coast and the historic city of Bath in Somerset. Upon reflection, I met some of the best people from across the globe, I became so close with like-minded students from countries like France, Switzerland, Canada and England itself who I am still in contact with today. This was an experience like no other and is one that will stay with me forever.
I have been extremely fortunate to study a bachelor’s degree of Law and Commerce, incorporating these highly valuable international experiences. I recommend that all students should take up any opportunity that Deakin offers, but I especially applaud the Deakin Study Abroad Program for being so diligent in creating these memorable opportunities for students.
Henry: Partaking in the short-term abroad program at the University of Exeter was truly a formative experience, both as a student and as a person. We began the program with a one-week orientation in London, where we could explore the city and get to know one another. It was a joy to learn the stories of each other as we got closer, and learning about where home was for people and where they studied was intriguing.
Following our week in London, we travelled to the Streatham Campus of the University of Exeter. Upon arriving there, I felt fully engrossed in the university. There were student volunteers present to show us around campus, provide food and entertainment recommendations, and offer general guidance to students who had questions. I found it very enriching to compare my experience on campus at Deakin University with the renowned United Kingdom-based university. Drawing from my knowledge gained from Deakin, I felt more than equipped to engage in the coursework and participate in class discussions.
The benefits of doing the program were beyond just study. The short-term nature of the program meant that I could complete an entire credit point and be back home in time for the next trimester at Deakin. Most importantly, I made lifelong friends from all four corners of the world, and the cultural experience I gained from both my friends and the city of Exeter will stay with me forever.
Studying at multiple international universities has certainly been a highlight in my life. I am now aware of the multitude of career opportunities in which my Deakin degrees can enable me to pursue. Studying abroad has given me the tools to approach learning from a more global perspective, and I am grateful for the personal and professional growth it has afforded me.
Deakin allows these experiences to be seamless and stress free. Studying abroad used to be a daunting idea to me, but the process at Deakin ensured that all my questions were answered. Despite having done short-term partner programs two years in a row, I wish I had the electives left to do another. I am now a large advocate for the multitude of international programs that Deakin operates. I am always that friend who recommends studying abroad through Deakin, and I am thankful for Deakin for facilitating life-changing experiences for me.