Jason Box
Bachelor of Science (Zoology)
Exchange @ University of Miami, Florida, USA
University of Miami
The University has just about everything you need. The Gym is amazing, better then you see anywhere in Australia, 2 pools as well. As for labs and lecture rooms, they are up to date and do all that would ever be needed at uni. The on campus accommodation is the way to go, small rooms plus small bathrooms but you get used to them and get to like them eventually. The food hall is big enough and lots to choose from, but you are guaranteed to get sick of the food but its only 6 months.
Studying at University of Miami
I studied Introduction to marine, Comparative physiology, Ecology and Reporting global environmental issues. The quality of teaching over there I found was much lower, and much easier to get high grades. They are really just trying to get you to pass with most of the teachers. If you manage to keep good grades in Australia, and actually do some work in Miami it is an easy pass.
Living in USA
Very fun lifestyle, plenty to do from partying to trips all over the place. It is relatively cheap with the dollar how it is now, but even when its cheap you will spent much more then you think as there is always something on to do. The people are really nice and absolutely love Australian, and well foreigners in general.
What were the most rewarding aspects of the exchange experience?
Seeing another world over there, meeting soooo many people from around the world which will become some of the closest friends you can ever have. If you decide to travel in the future you have contacts around the world. Plus you get to travel while on exchange.
Did you experience any difficulties?
Not when you hit America as much, but when you come home it is a shock to the system. I never get too depressed or down, but when you leave all these new close mates and come back to Australia it is not the best feeling. But you would do it a million times over because it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
What advice would you give to a JCU student going to your host university?
When you get there, just don’t be too shy and talk to everyone, you accent will do the work and before you know it you will have more friends than ever. All the other students (exchange students from around the world) are in the same boat and will want to meet you. Also party hard, travel lots, don’t sit around for too long as the semester will be gone before you know it.