uni.liNeuigkeitenOutgoings back @unili - Downunder

Outgoings back @unili - Downunder


Michaela Bojes had to fly halfway around the globe for her semester abroad.  It had to be Australia for the Liechtenstein-Canadian dual citizen, especially since she had previously met and exchanged information with two students from Australia at the University of Liechtenstein.

Michaela Bojes had to fly halfway around the globe for her semester abroad. It had to be Australia for the Liechtenstein-Canadian dual citizen, especially since she had previously met and exchanged information with two students from Australia at the University of Liechtenstein.

Why did you choose this country and this university for your Erasmus semester?

Australia is considered to be a cousin country to Canada (where I grew up), and so I always had an interest in visiting the country. While studying in Liechtenstein, I met two Australian exchange students from Adelaide. They spoke very highly of the University of South Australia (UniSA). UniSA offered a wide variety of courses and opportunities, making it the top choice for my semester abroad.

 

How did you prepare yourself for your Erasmus semester? How did the International Office team assist you in your preparations?

In order to prepare for my semester abroad, I first had to get a student visa. It was a surprisingly quick process, as I received my visa in less than 12 hours after submitting it. UniSA international office was very friendly in answering any questions I had about the university, as well as finding living arrangements. I was very fortunate to find a private residential college for post-­‐graduate students, within walking distance to the university. The International Office was very thorough in providing need-­‐to-­‐know information during the introduction week.



North Adelaide Park


What did you look forward to the most? What was the greatest challenge?
Canada and Australia are very similar in terms of language and culture. However, I looked forward to going to the beach and exploring the city of Adelaide. I arrived in the middle of February, which was just in time for the Adelaide Fringe Festival; a festival which celebrates arts, music and culture. Every night for over a month, the city came to life with comedy shows, dance shows and street theatre. Myself and two friends splurged on a comedy show, to see two Australian comedians called the Umbilical Brothers. The show was a definite highlight of my stay in Adelaide. I also enjoyed going on a hike through the Adelaide hills and seeing wild koalas, as well as enjoying the amazing food culture in Adelaide.

 

How were you received at the partner university, and how were you assisted during your studies?

At the beginning of the semester, UniSA held an Introduction Week for international students. During

that time we went to the beach and visited a Wildlife Park. There we were able to pet koalas and feed kangaroos. There were also a few Australian BBQ lunches provided, where students were able to try

kangaroo meat and emu.



Apostles

 

 

What can you take with you from this time abroad that can help you personally or in your studies?

One of the best experiences during my time abroad, was a mentorship program recommended to me by my professors and fellow students. Through an external club of UniSA called SONA (Student Organized Network for Architecture), I was able to register for a mentorship program. Each week, I met with a local architect to discuss my studio project. My mentor was able to provide me with design tips, as well as insight into the architectural profession and future job expectations. I personally found the experience to be extremely valuable.

 

 

What recommendations would you offer to students at the University of Liechtenstein who are planning an Erasmus semester?

In comparison to UniLi, UniSA is very large. Therefore I would recommend that students make the most of their time abroad in Australia, whether it be through university clubs, mentorship programs and/or travelling. In a few short weeks upon arriving in Adelaide, I found myself at home, as I met many students from other universities through my college residence and joined a local sports club. I also highly recommend exploring the city, from the beaches, to the central food market, to the Adelaide hills. And of course, if making the long journey to Australia, I recommend travelling along the Great Ocean Road, visiting the Twelve Apostles, and the Sydney Opera House.




Michaela Bojes

Home country: Canada / Liechtenstein
Study programme: Master's degree in Architecture, Sustainable Urban Design
Semester: 3rd
Resident of: Schaan

Semester abroad

Country: Australia
Partner university: University of South Australia
Type of accomodation: student apartment
Semester: 1