Student Testimonials
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Michael Aspinall, Copenhagen Business School
Kate Lorenc, Manchester Metropolitan University
Stuart Flinn, Northern Arizona University
Ellienore Fuller, Ho Chi Minh City International University
Sophie Mason, University of Leeds
Rhian Evans, Costa Rica (ISV)
Laura Bereicua, Stockholm University
Brad Moffett, Manchester Metropolitan University
Teegan Markwell, University of Gothenburg
Tim Forrester, Korea University
Michael Aspinall, Bachelor of Commerce - Copenhagen Business School
Choosing to go abroad is choosing to take the plunge into a new world. A world of new friendships, new experiences and freedom. You will gain a sense of responsibility and be empowered to make decisions independently. You will come home trying to convince all of your friends to take this leap and when they do, they will thank you for it. I try to convince almost everyone I come across, to at least think about the possibility of an overseas experience. No need to commit but do some research and discover some of the amazing places that you could visit. I promise you that no matter where you go you will have a fantastic time and make new friends from all over the world. I need to thank the International Office and iLead as without their help I wouldn't be able to say that I've lived, worked and traveled across 4 continents at the age of 22.
Kate Lorenc, Bachelor of Physiotherapy - Manchester Metropolitan University
Everytime I watch this video it makes me smile. Going on exchange was the best decision I have ever made. It was the best year of my life! I have tasted freedom, experienced so many different cultures and made friends for life all over the world. I've come home with the dreaded travel bug, but this has made me even more excited to see the world and gain further life experiences living overseas. I hope this video inspires everyone to take the plunge and study abroad! Don't delay putting in that application. If you've got the drive to immerse yourself in another culture and see Europe, America, Africa or anywhere in the world - start planning for the trip of a lifetime! I may have no money left in the bank, but I have a head full of memories - and that in itself is priceless.
Stuart Flinn, Bachelor of Business / Commerce - Northern Arizona University
This is a little insight into my time in the States as part of a Semester Abroad in Flagstaff, Arizona. Everything about this experience was top notch and I urge anyone with the opportunity: Make it happen. Shout out to the ILEAD and the Study Abroad programs at the Uni of Newcastle. Enjoy!
Ellinore Fuller, Bachelor of Communications - Ho Chi Minh City International University
The best part about going on exchange is the opportunity to really immerse yourself in another culture. You're living in another country, not just travelling and visiting places. I loved slowly getting to understanding the people and the way they go about life and business. It can be a challenge but it is so rewarding! Going on exchange gave me so much more than just an awesome experience; it sparked a fire in me and changed the way I view the world, especially my role in it. I made amazing friends and had such a blast! Oh, and I got to spend my 21st birthday soaking up the sun on an island in Thailand! I absolutely loved my time abroad and I know you will to!
Sophie Mason, Bachelor of Business/Commerce - University of Leeds
Studying abroad was the greatest experience of my life. The people you meet, the different countries you are able to visit and the amazing adventures that each day brings is indescribable. I highly recommend studying abroad to anyone who can, I guarantee you will not regret this decision!.
Rhian Evans, Bachelor of Arts / Science - Costa Rica (International Student Volunteers)
Volunteering in Costa Rica has been the most amazing experience of my life. It was an incredible opportunity to get involved in another culture, meet new people and try completely new things! I would urge everyone thinking about participating in an overseas experience/studying abroad to just do it. Put in the application and go! It will be the best decision you ever made. Special thanks to the University of Newcastle and the iLead program for making this possible!
Laura Bereicua, Bachelor of Arts / Laws - Stockholm University
Studying abroad through iLEAD was the best decision of my life. I was able to travel to places I never imagined and made the most wonderful friends along the way. I learnt a lot about the world and most importantly, about myself. If you are thinking about studying abroad, don't hesitate! It will be the best decision you ever made!
Brad Moffett, Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)- Manchester Metropolitan University
When abroad, make the most of everything! Join the International society abroad or a sporting team to meet people. Living on campus is an amazing experience which provides you with a quality feel for student life and immerses you in the University community. Become involved in that countries cultural activities if it is food, music or sport because it makes the experience as authentic as possible. Finally, use your geographical location abroad as a means of traveling to other countries/cultures and what they have to offer.
Teegan Markwell, Bachelor of Social Science (Welfare) - The University of Gothenburg
Going overseas to Study Abroad was the most amazing and liberating experience of my life to date. Pushing yourself into an unfamiliar zone where you do not know anyone and cannot speak the language is undoubtedly an exceptionally rewarding, life changing experience. I cannot thank iLead enough for enabling such a monumental opportunity.
Tim Forrester, Bachelor of Information Technology - Korea University
iLead and the Student Exchange Program has given me the opportunity to study at one of the leading universities in Asia, while working towards my degree in Australia. I have had the opportunity to travel to several new countries, learn a new language, discover new cultures, eat many delicious foods and make a lot of new friends. This has been an amazing experience so far, and I look forward to the rest of my semester abroad at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea.