When people talk about going on exchange, it often sounds dramatic. It’s usually framed as academically intense or personally transformational — a period where everything changes and you return home as a completely different person.
My experience was definitely valuable and memorable, but the reality was a bit less dramatic. Continue reading Exchange Expectations vs Reality
¡Feliz año nuevo a todos! Since my last blog post, the seasons have changed (but don’t be fooled, Spanish winter certainly isn’t cold!), and everyone has settled into the exam period. Studying for finals has actually been really exciting because it’s in a completely different environment compared to my past 5 semesters that have all been in Hamilton. Continue reading Studying Abroad, Solo Travel & Spain
I cannot believe how quickly my exchange has come to an end. In just 2 days, I will be on my way back to Aotearoa and I must admit, I’m surprised by how hard it has been to say goodbye. Continue reading Cheers to goodbye
Hi there! My name is Jyoti, and I am a 2nd-year student at the University of Waikato, studying a Bachelor of Health with a major in Biomedical Sciences. Continue reading Playing Football in the UK
Hello, my name is Cordélia, I am 20 years old. I have finished my second year of my Bachelor of Climate Change, majoring in Ecology and Biodiversity. I am going on an exchange in Maastricht, in the Netherlands, for semester A of my third year. Continue reading Climate Change in the Netherlands
Hi!! My name is Emilie Don and I am currently a first year student studying a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. In 2026 I will be leaving to Spain to do a semester exchange at the University of Alicante. Continue reading Emilie In España
I was able to travel before my exchange even started. I ended up spending over a week each in Canada, Italy, Greece, and Morocco, and spent time with family in England—all before arriving in Cardiff. It was a great way to start the semester. Continue reading Travelling While Abroad: The Art of Making It Up As I Go
About a four-hour train ride from Madrid is Alicante, a coastal city that stretches along the Costa Blanca and is full of rich cultural and historical connections. Within my classes at the university, I’m the only non-Spaniard, but that hasn’t stopped my classmates from welcoming me like their own. Continue reading Roam The Esplanade, Try Paella, Enjoy Your Time Away!
A few months ago, I imagined I would be soaking up on the beaches of Santa Barbara, overall just enjoying the classic American experience. But as life often goes, things didn’t go to plan. But as the weeks fly by, it is becoming clearer that the journey isn’t about getting what I expected, but rather about what I can make out of it. Continue reading The Journey, it’s what you’re going to make of it.
As my exchange semester draws to a close, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for all that this experience has brought me. The lessons I’ve learnt, the friendships I’ve built, and the memories I’ve made, will be cherished forever. Continue reading Soaking up the last of what Hawai`i has to offer
Waikato Global Experiences Blog 