Going global

A record number of UNSW students are jetting off on international exchanges to universities around the globe to enhance their study program.

Anna Martin, Associate Director, Global Education and Student Exchange at UNSW, said more than 500 UNSW students went on exchange last year.

"The most popular destinations were America, Canada, France and the United Kingdom. There has also been an increase in students visiting countries such as Korea, the Netherlands, Italy, Singapore and Germany, as well as the Scandinavian countries," Anna said.

"UNSW now has exchange agreements with more than 200 universities in 40 countries, and we have recently added Brazil, Greece and Israel to the list."

A UNSW exchange program can offer "eye-opening" experiences as arts and environmental science student Jessica Cope discovered when she went on exchange to the University of Iceland last year.

As an earth science major, Jessica was thrilled to witness the eruption of the Icelandic volcano, Eyjafjallajokull. The ash cloud caused major disruption to European airports and made headlines around the world.

"It was phenomenal, it was the most exciting thing I have ever seen or been to …" said Jessica in a recent interview with the Sun-Herald.

As part of her studies, Jessica went on excursions organised by the University of Iceland to see nature's spectacular display.

"I saw lava fountains throwing molten rock into the air along with a series of lava rivers and falls, which absolutely blew me away. I was also able to collect rocks that had come from the Earth's mantle less than a week before," she said.

Jessica was inspired to go to Iceland because of her interest in glaciers and volcanology. Seeing them first-hand has deepened her understanding of these subjects, she said:

"You don't need to be told something twice once you've seen it."

Students will have the opportunity to talk to exchange advisors and representatives from UNSW's partner universities, as well as listen to the accounts of students who have been on exchange, at the upcoming Global Students Expo in April.

In addition to student exchange, UNSW also offers short-term overseas options such as research exchange, short courses, volunteering and internships.

For more information visit UNSW International.

Media contact: Leilah Schubert, UNSW Media Office | 02 93853107 | l.schubert@unsw.edu.au