Why taking the leap to study abroad is worth it

Reflecting on her exchange in Copenhagen, Fong described it as an incredible adventure, where she balanced distinctive law subjects with the excitement of immersing herself in a completely new city and culture.

“It was an amazing experience. I flew over to Copenhagen in August just because I was at UNSW. We had the three trimesters, so I came a little bit later than those who went earlier and did a Euro summer then started that term and a full load,” she stated.

“There were essentially two different subjects. So I did laws of arms conflict, arbitration and mediation while I was studying at the university, and we wrapped up in early January.”

Fong explained that her exchange experience felt significantly more relaxed than studying in Australia, with the pass-or-fail system creating a laid-back classroom environment where students were less focused on grades and more comfortable engaging in discussion without pressure over participation marks.

“It was very different when it came to going to university in Australia. Just for context, when you go over on exchange, it's usually pass or fail,” she noted.

“So you usually don't have to be as worried about the marks that you're going to get when it comes to class participation or your assessments.”

VIEW ALL

She added: “It was very laid back. That's a big difference I noticed because you're not assessed on class participation. So people aren't actively putting their hands up, but at the same time, they're not as worried about what they're going to say.”

Beyond the academic differences, Fong also highlighted how exchange offers a rare chance to travel to places far from Australia, creating unforgettable memories that money simply can’t buy.

“It honestly is such a great opportunity to travel because you can do it around your classes. Sometimes you don't have to attend all your classes as well. So you can be a bit flexible with it,” she said.

“Also, if there are certain events that you want to go to, you can try and line it up. Like, Dom Dollar was playing in Manchester, and I was like, that sounds sick, and one of my friends was in Liverpool. So we made a plan to go.”

For students still feeling hesitant, Fong urged them to set aside their worries and simply take the leap, insisting that an exchange experience is likely to be one of the most rewarding decisions they will ever make.

“I would say that if you're arming and ahhing about going on exchange, or you're unsure and you're worried about how it's going to impact your career or your friends and whatever, I would just say just put that all behind you and just do it,” she noted.

“It's going to be the best experience of your life.

She also emphasised that an exchange opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that most students won’t get again, noting that she has never come across anyone who went on an exchange and regretted it.

“You're not going to get the opportunity to be in this position again unless you do another degree,” she said.

“So I would just say you just have to take the leap and do it because you won't regret it. I haven't met a single person who's gone on an exchange and regretted going.”