Hey! I’m Caitcheon Thain, a second-year student about to enter my third year of my Bachelor of Business degree, I’m double-majoring in Human Resource Management and Psychology. I’m excited to head on an exchange to Arizona State University.

The idea of doing an exchange first sparked when my older sister did one during her studies, and ever since, it has been something I have wanted to do. I have always loved travelling and have been lucky enough to do some with my family, but this exchange feels like a good opportunity to do some on my own terms. I have always been fascinated by America and the college lifestyle, so I knew I wanted to go somewhere within America. I knew I wanted a place with a warm climate and a vibrant social life which made Arizona State University stand out. Plus, last year I became friends with a student from Arizona State University who was on an exchange in Waikato and that was therefore a big push as to why I chose Arizona State University.

Through this exchange, I hope to have both personal and academic growth. Academically, I hope to gain different perspectives through different teaching styles, research and resources. I am also excited to work with students from different cultural backgrounds. Personally, I am super excited to meet new people as well as to reconnect with my friend from ASU. I hope to build my independence not only through the exchange but through travel I hope to do while on exchange. I am prepared for the challenges that will come alongside this journey and am so excited for this opportunity.