Motivation
When I started university I always wanted to go on exchange, the idea of uprooting my life and making my own life in a new country seemed amazing. The semester I applied I was feeling like I needed to get away and make something new. So I applied.
Personal Development
I was doing a stress management course and it helped me understand how to get rid of stress and live my own life. I never need to worry about what I'm doing anymore. I make friends easier than ever. I'm proud of who I am finally which is helping me prepare of the final parts of my university degree.
Academic Development
I've never focused on my academics before this exchange but I had decided to become a better studier. I enjoyed having everything be completely on me with no one holding me accountable. When I started getting grades over 90%, I felt proud of myself.
Funding
My advice is to just spend what you want, if there's an event or experience you want to do then do it. It's going to be a long time until you return, so make sure to enjoy the experience. When it comes to food, I say buy the food out depending where you are, for me it'd cost probably a bit more to buy the food at a store, walk all the way home and then cook the food, the time and money is not worth it on a single diet. Buy a dining hall plan if there is a dining hall.
Highlight
The culture of ASU and students love for the university was amazing. Going to the sports games felt like you were apart of something bigger than just yourself. There were always events on that were run by the university itself. With how much was going on, I didn't have to join too many clubs.
Advice/Top Tips
I recommend just taking everything in, make friends when you can and not worry. If you can enjoy the time by yourself you'll be able to enjoy with others. Pick the university for you every university is different and culture really exists in these universities and that attracts different people than what you would expect.
