Looi Sze Shean

Exchanged to Monash University, Australia and University of Auckland, New Zealand

I got to know about the exchange programs provided at Monash University and felt that I should grab this opportunity to study abroad. Not only I get to save on some costs, but I also get to choose to exchange to different countries other than Australia, where most Malaysians go to study abroad. The exchange program was one of the best decision I have made. It opened my world so much and instilled in me so many values that I never would have learned otherwise.

How would you compare your exchange at the two different destinations?

Studying in Auckland was very different compared to studying in Australia. I find Australia way of teaching is quite similar to Malaysia. In Auckland, notes given in slides were not filled with words, therefore, I had to actually pay attention in lectures to jot down notes. This builds my attentiveness and listening skills as adapting to their accent was a new experience for me.

As Auckland is not as big of a city like Melbourne, travelling around the city was very convenient where I can reach everywhere by foot. Every weekend, I was able to travel around with friends and people there are very friendly. However, in Australia, there were more Asians, where it felt like I am back in my home country. Probably because I was taking major units in Australia, I could not travel much.

How these 2 semesters abroad have enriched your learning experience?

Each exchange has its uniqueness, as I was living with a friend in Auckland, whereas I lived with my relatives in Australia. I learnt how to be independent in Auckland, living the 'student life' by saving cost.

I gained many first experiences in Auckland, such as living independently, sky diving, bridge jumping, visiting a movie set (Hobbiton), visit farms and making friends of different origins.

I have travelled to so many places in New Zealand and every scenery were breathtaking. One of the main reason for choosing New Zealand was to skydive and that was by far the best experience I had.

In Australia, as I was living in a suburb with my aunt, I get to experience life as an Australian. For example, the farmers' market was the go-to-place every fortnightly. It is one of the recommended places in Australia, as you can get many fresh local products there.

I will never regret taking this opportunity and I am proud to say I have conquered the fear of going abroad and living independently and of course the fear of skydiving.