Personal Development
This exchange experience was invaluable in so many ways. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, fostering greater independence and self-confidence as I navigated living on my own for the first time. I am incredibly grateful for the friendships I formed creating life long friends. We helped each other navigate and make the most of the experience we embarked on, a truely unique environment where all involved want the same thing, the best exchange possible. My friendships also enriched my exploration of London and Europe filling them with shared adventures and unforgettable moments. I wanted to explore the city I lived in by immersing myself in the city's culture. From trying new eateries, attending West End shows and visiting museums, these became the highlights of my weekends. Additionally, I was lucky to travel to 7 countries with newfound friends leading to spontaneous adventues, solidifying bonds and creating lasting memories. Through this experience I discovered my capacity for resilience and achievement, affirming that with determination, I can conquer any challenge I set my mind to.
Academic Development
Studying at UCL was something I really looked forward to given its global academic presence and specialised teaching staff. At UCL I completed economic elective subjects (discipline electives) by taking Financial Economics, International Trade, Money and Banking, and Environmental Economics. I most enjoyed learning from the lecturers as they were specialists in their field. To hear their global perspectives and learn from their current research was invaluable in deepening and expanding my knowledge. UCL also offered a wide range of economics subjects making it easy to select courses I wanted to study and that fit my study plan. For my department, all enrolment in courses had to be approved by the faculty which consisted of a meeting with an advisor during orientation week. This meeting was helpful as I could ask questions about courses and understand if I had chosen subjects I would enjoy.
Similar to UQ, I completed 4 subjects during the semester and found their workload to be similar to the workload at UQ. All lectures were in-person and recorded however, tutorials were not recorded. A key difference for me was the weighting of assessment at UCL, with each subject only having 1-2 pieces for the semester. These were usually in the form of an exam and/or assignment, which is something to keep in mind when selecting subjects. At UQ, I was used to completing various pieces of assessment throughout the semester including MCQs, short-responses and reports, however at UCL assessment was mostly towards the end of the semester placing more pressure at this time. For semester 1 abroad (January-June), there is a 1 month break for studying and assignment writing, which is helpful as it gives you more time to study for the larger pieces of assessment or use the time for other things you want to do during exchange.
Professional Development
"The economic department was a great place to learn from accomplished researchers and lectures in their specific fields. As I was completing 3rd year subjects (final year subjects for internal students), specialisation heavily encouraged for students therefore the teachers are incredibly well versed in their chosen economic area. This is extremely beneficial as lecturers are willing to help students gain a deeper understanding in their areas of interest by showing their current research findings which are often used as professional advisory pieces for workplaces e.g. governments, NGOs, banks. These subjects therefore helped me to explore areas of economics I was interested in and their potential applications for a job. Having participated in the exchange, I strongly believe it enhances employability. UCL's prestigious global ranking, consistently within the top 10, has been a valuable asset in showcasing my academic and personal growth. The experience abroad also demonstrates adaptability, cultural awareness, and the ability to thrive in diverse environments, qualities highly sought after by employers in today's globalised world."
