10 Things I Learnt on Exchange During a Global Pandemic
Angus Dunnachie
In Semester 1 of 2020 I participated in USyd’s study abroad program at Drexel University in Philly, USA. Due to the coronavirus, I was sent packing halfway through and in my short time I learned a few things that anyone considering exchange ought to know.
1. Roommates aren’t for everybody
Yes, we’ve all seen how iconic of a duo two people living together can be (see Rachel & Monica, Zack & Cody, Ted & Marshall). But what TV shows don’t always show you is that you can just as easily be paired with someone who ignores you, blows their nose into their t-shirts and plays video games until 4am.
2. Join clubs and societies
One of my biggest regrets is not getting more involved in campus life. It’s a great way to meet people and just when I had started to get around to it, I was sent packing back to Aus. So, take it from me, go hard or go home (literally).
3. If the exchange rate is good, pre-load a large sum of money
I pride myself on being financially savvy, but my biggest money mistake was not taking advantage of the exchange rate of AUD to USD before I left. I assumed it would remain similar for my time there and wanted to transfer as I needed to. However, the beauty of an impending recession is that there is an increase in demand for the American dollar. Suddenly Ben & Jerry’s wasn’t so cheap.
4. Eat at home when you can
I’m sure you know this already but cooking at home really is cheaper than going out, especially in the US. Yeah $8 seems like a good price for gyozas, but add tax, a 20% tip, then convert it to AUD and next thing you know that $8 is really $16.
5. Pick your timetable wisely
Half of going on exchange is being able to travel around a new country on the days you don’t have class. So, the last thing you want is one class every day of the week, leaving you with just the weekend to travel. Also, consider times, I left my second quarter timetable late and ended up with a Monday 8am class. One of the upsides to being back in Australia and doing online uni is that class now takes place at a time I’m actually awake, 10pm.
6. Spring break isn’t all that it’s made out to be
I spent my Spring break in isolation for 14 days, in AUTUMN. So, if your travel plans don’t live up to your expectations, remember, it could be worse.
7. Take it easy, but not too easy
One of the best things about exchange is that it’s pass fail, so whether you get 100% or 51%, your USyd WAM remains the same. Use. This. To. Your. Advantage. However, don’t get too relaxed, one of my best friends extended her degree by failing several exchange units.
8. If you’re under 21, consider Europe.
There’s nothing more humiliating than attempting to order a drink and being asked for ID to which you stutter that you left it at home. You’ll feel 17 again (only you won’t look like Zac Efron) so definitely take the legal drinking age into consideration when finalising your ideal destination.
9. Pick somewhere central
I chose Philadelphia which is two hours south of NYC and two north of Washington DC, with great proximity to the Caribbean. By choosing somewhere close to an airport and transport hubs you have access to a multitude of inexpensive travel options. If you opt for somewhere interstate and more rural, you could be spending the price of a flight just to get to the airport from your campus!!
10. Sort out your academic approval BEFORE you leave
“What could be worse than being sent home?” you might ask. Finding out your core major subjects haven’t been approved after it’s too late to change them. Thankfully, my academic advisors made a typo on the form and it later ended up being approved, but those weeks of stress could have easily been avoided.
