Thorn – San Francisco State University – USA
Semester 1, 2025
Bachelor of Information Technology
Hey everyone! My name’s Thorn Horwell, and I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Information Technology at QUT. Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a semester abroad at San Francisco State University (SFSU), and honestly, it’s a chapter of my life I’ll never forget.
I chose San Francisco for a few simple but powerful reasons. As a city known for its rich queer history, vibrant culture, and position as a global tech hub, it felt like the perfect place for me both personally and professionally. I wanted to immerse myself in a city where innovation meets individuality, and San Francisco offered just that.
First Impressions & Finding My Feet
Touching down in San Francisco was surreal. The city has this electric, slightly chaotic energy about it. One minute you’re walking past rainbow-painted crosswalks in the Castro, and the next you’re watching the fog roll in over the Golden Gate Bridge. SFSU itself had a really diverse and welcoming campus. The student culture felt super laid-back but also open-minded, which made it easier to meet people from all walks of life.
Of course, settling into a new country wasn’t without its challenges. I definitely struggled with homesickness at times— missing my friends, family, and even the small comforts of Australia. But I learned quickly that leaning into new experiences and saying ‘yes’ more often than ‘no’ was the key to getting the most out of exchange life.
Stepping Up as IEEC President
One of the biggest highlights of my exchange was becoming President of the International Education Exchange Council (IEEC) at SFSU. This student-led organization was all about bringing international and domestic students together through social events, trips, and meetups. Leading this group was an unexpected opportunity that pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me build leadership skills, and introduced me to some of my closest friends from the exchange.
From organizing bonfire nights at Ocean Beach to Botanical garden walks and Watching baseball games at the iconic Oracle Park, IEEC made me feel like I was part of a family in a city thousands of kilometres away from home.
Spring Break in Cancun & Other Adventures
If you get the chance to travel during your exchange, take it. Over spring break, I headed to Cancun, Mexico with a friend I met through campus living, and it was an absolute blast. Crystal-clear beaches, cenote swims, and nights out dancing to reggaeton made it one of the most memorable weeks of my life.
Back in San Francisco, I made the most of my time in the area by attending Classic Excursions to places like Napa Valley for wine tasting. It’s amazing how much you can see and do when you say yes to spontaneous adventures.
Advice for Future Exchange Students
My biggest piece of advice? Embrace the challenges. There will be moments where you miss home, moments where you’re navigating cultural differences, and moments where things don’t go to plan. Those are the moments that shape you.
If you’re considering San Francisco or anywhere abroad for that matter, throw yourself into every opportunity. Get involved in campus life, travel when you can, and don’t be afraid to step up and lead. You’ll come back a little braver, a little wiser, and with stories to tell for the rest of your life.
Final Thoughts
If I had to sum up my exchange in one sentence, it would be: “If you never leave your town, you can’t say you’re from there.”
Leaving Brisbane for a semester gave me a fresh perspective on the world, on my own capabilities, and on the kind of future I want to build for myself. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
