By Molly Allen

Studying abroad is something I knew I always wanted to do during my university years, and spending a semester at the University of Stirling has surpassed my expectations! I knew there would be important differences coming from the other side of the world, but I’ve found that adapting to a new academic environment and cultural setting has been really rewarding.

My accommodation at Stirling has been comfortable and is the perfect environment to meet people and socialise while still being close to campus. I’m living in a chalet with four other international students, and this has given me space to myself while making it easy to make friends. Everything is easily accessible from the house, and I feel well-connected to university life. I have enjoyed having a kitchen and common area to make my own meals and get to know my new flatmates. I would definitely recommend looking for housing like this if you are planning an exchange! The University of Stirling has lots of great on- and off-campus options for accommodation.

I am taking three social science papers in philosophy and sociology. The course content of these is relatively similar to back home; however, the structure of classes and the marking system took some getting used to. Elements of teaching are approached differently here, but having been used to online learning at the Tauranga campus, I have enjoyed more in-person teaching. This cultivates connections during lectures and seminars, and I have loved getting to know some lovely local students. While some coursework was quite challenging at first, I feel like I have been able to understand a new cultural perspective on these topics. Overall, Scotland and New Zealand are quite similar when it comes to assessment styles, so I haven’t found it too difficult to transition.

Experiencing my sociology degree through a different cultural lens and discussing this content with people from various countries and communities has provided a fresh view, which I am really grateful for. Meeting students and lecturers from across Europe has given me some valuable insight and has felt particularly relevant to the courses I am taking.

Studying in Stirling has been an amazing opportunity to challenge myself academically while making some amazing connections. I have loved having the opportunity to meet new people and be immersed in a new culture. Being away has provided me with a deeper sense of self-confidence and independence, and I couldn’t recommend going on an overseas exchange enough!