Ashleigh – Manchester Metropolitan University – England
Semester 2, 2022
Bachelor of Social Work
I had an excellent experience going on exchange to Manchester, UK to study at Manchester Metropolitan University in September 2022. I went to Manchester with my two best friends who were also going on exchange, and we were able to study the British prison system and visit many different countries along the way. We started our trip by travelling to Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini in Greece, before heading to Manchester to prepare for our studies and move into our Airbnb.
Before our classes started our university had various Exchange student events, for networking and meeting the staff members at the University. Through these events I made friends with other exchange students from Mexico and connected with some exchange students from Australia as well. Through meeting these people, we were introduced to other friends from all around the world, including from Spain, Japan, and Hong Kong.
As we were studying two subjects, we were only required to be at the university for three days a week, giving us lots of spare time around our studies to explore Manchester, and travel to other nearby countries. I travelled to Ireland, France and Denmark during the university semester, and also spent a weekend in London for my friend’s birthday.
I am grateful for the opportunity to experience different cultures, learn about different systems and gain skills of independence whilst on my exchange journey. I felt so supported by both Manchester Metropolitan University, and QUT, while being so far from my usual support networks. The lecturers at Manchester Metropolitan University were wonderful and helpful, and it was such a great experience learning about other systems of criminal justice and health care.
Overall, my experience on exchange was one that has given me so many memories that I will never forget and taught me many lessons. I was able to have a balance between studying, learning, travelling, and exploring the UK and Europe at the same time.
