Academic Development
What I valued most were the connections I made and the way they challenged my thinking. I got to learn from my fellow students from all walks of life and thought leaders in international law. For example, I got to learn from experts with vast international experience, opening my eyes to global issues and perspectives.
Professional Development
My overseas experience brought me out of my shell. It has made me a more effective communicator and better able to build rapport with people across cultures. My experience also honed my problem solving skills, which will be indispensable in my future work.
Funding
Although I didn't have budgetary concerns thanks to government funding, I still made sure that I was living within my means. Advice I would give to exchange students is to save where you can, but not to go overboard with this and preoccupy yourself with the price tag. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Invest in those opportunities that will contribute to your personal and professional development.
My NCP scholarship lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. It meant that I could take risks and pursue opportunities as they arose, taking me to 3 countries in total. I would never have taken up those opportunities if it was not for the Scholarship. The scholarship pushed me outside my comfort zone and as a result, allowed me to grow.
Highlight
The highlight for me was learning from thought leaders with unrivalled experience. It was eye-opening to get international perspectives on issues I had researched back home in Australia. It gave me a new lens through which to understand these issues. It also highlighted how much different countries' challenges overlap, and therefore, how much space there is for international cooperation.
Advice/Top Tips
- Always, always have back up plans. Not one, but several. Have a plan A, plan B, plan C - especially when it comes to visas. I guarantee things will not go to plan at some point during your exchange!
- While it's important to live in the present and soak up every moment, take stock of your experience along the way, not just at the end of your experience.
