AIM Overseas Alumni share their experience with you

Prague Global Leadership Program

Fri, 5 Nov 2010 16:30:47 +1100

Rebecca McGee Collett (UTS):
There were too many highlights to name! I started off keeping a travel-journal to write down everything I did but the days were simply too filled with amazing things!
The people I lived and studied and explored Prague alongside with for four weeks have become a family (and a global network for future study).
The teachers were great - they encourage debate and discussion. The readings and coursework was thoroughly challenging but engaging too and gave me the opportunity to be exposed to philosophers, philosophies and concepts, I would never be given the chance to explore in my current uni course.
All in all - a month like nothing I have ever experienced, and the best in my life so far!

Zach Whale (University of Canberra):
GLP (Global Leadership Program) was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far. Having the opportunity to study alongside people from all over the world in such a beautiful setting was mind-blowing. There were people from Sri Lanka, Columbia, Panama, Peru, Mexico, U.S.A, Canada, Kazakhstan, Romania, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Serbia and Australia all studying side-by-side.
The discussion was always thought provoking and stimulating and there were always many varying opinions due to the differing backgrounds of all participants. Not only did we get the opportunity to learn but we made friendships that will last forever. Now when traveling overseas, I will have friends in 13 different countries.
GLP was by far the best educational experience I have had thus far in my undergraduate degree. The learning took place not only in the classroom but also in every conversation and interaction with the other participants and our teachers. Now that I am back in Australia, I feel I have so much more to offer because of my experience abroad.

Nathan Appleby, Byron Rollinson and Alexander Simakovic (Griffith university) and Jemima Jackson (Newcastle university):
What was the highlight of the program for you?
Nathan: Staying at the Chateau, and the PEOPLE. You are surrounded by 60 other people who have been selected, from dozens of countries, because they - like you - have a passion for global action and change. The bounce-back effect is incredible. The stories inspirational. What you learn - just from the conversation you have on staircases, from getting lost in narrow cobbled side-streets, from staying up together at 4AM watching the sunrise over old, red painted tile roofs - is incomparable.
What comments would you make about the academic course?
Nathan: Challenging, but the instructors are so friendly you'd swear they were part of the course.
Byron: It was brilliant.
Jemima: Well structured, interesting, insightful
Would you recommend this program to a friend?
Nathan: Yes, the most unbelievably worthwhile program I have ever undertaken
Byron: Yes, GLP was one of the best times I have ever had. The people you meet, the classes, the things you see. You will never forget and you will never walk away with nothing.
Alexander: I have already told them that the program is well worth taking! Great program, great set of subjects, great fun.
Jemima: This program is not only for working on your leadership skills but the roles of a leader. Don't be scared to pick something above your ability the staff are amazing. Don't book weekend trips, Prague/Czech Republic is worth staying around for.

European Marketing and Management

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:06:56 +1000

Marie Bono (University of Canberra):
The host university were lovely and the program exceeded my expectations. We experienced France in a way thats unimaginable.
I always felt looked after and valued. Stephanie our co-ordinator would organise surprise boat trips along the loire river and and go the extra step to show us what France is about.
I was amazed by how friendly the french were. French students we met at uni would often meet us at restaurants and bars to show us a good time. I met many friends i hope to stay in contact with forever. The experience was amazing.
Photos cannot prove the magic of the city of Tours. I have told everyone they must visit the city. It is really what you imagine france to be. Wine, Food, Castles, Green fields, Elegance, Educated. It is a very clean city.

Oxford Summer School: Creative Writing

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:38:14 +1000

Amy Lovat (University of Newcastle):
I wanted to extend my thanks, once again, to Jooliet and the rest of the AIM Overseas staff for helping me all the way through the process and providing me with such an incredible opportunity.
I made some lifelong friends, met some wonderful scholars and opened up a world of international travel and opportunity!
Thank you once again for all your organisation and support, I would recommend any of your courses to anyone!
Angela Dyson, Western Australia
Can you ever imagine living one of your dreams? I just have!
My experience has been a life changing one for me. I was accepted by Oxford University into the Creative Writing Programme held at Exeter College which began in late July 2009. This College is one of the oldest at Oxford. It took me a few days to settle down into day to day life because I was overawed as a resident in a College which was founded in 1314. My first memory of Exeter was stepping through a heavy, wooden, fortress door into a portico where the porter greets new students or visitors which opens out into a quadrangle of manicured lawn. To the left of the lodge is Exeter Chapel, a perfect example of Gothic architecture which was built on the original site of the old Chapel in about 1847. There is a magnificent tapestry in the Chapel hanging under stained glass windows which was designed and created by two founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Movement, also previous members of the College, William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones. The tapestry is the Adoration of the Magi. On leaving the Chapel you walk around a corner stepping onto cobblestones. Nearby, racks of student bikes some with wicker baskets attached, reminded me of scenes from an English war movie. They lay in silent rows waiting for the student’s return to College after their vacation. After depositing my bags in my room I wandered into Fellows’ Garden, a sanctuary of flora typically English country garden in design but which is surrounded by part of the town’s original, stone wall. Near neighbours are the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera.
My fellow students came from all parts of the globe; South America, UK, USA, Germany, Cyprus, Ireland, Canada, India and Ghana. We had the time of our lives. There was some free time on weekends for organised tours to Blenheim Palace, punting on the river, (a surreal experience) and a plethora of walking tours. Imagine straw boaters, flat bottomed boats, summer afternoons eating strawberries, rowing past ancient trees and you begin to imagine why I had to pinch myself I was there. As well, most Colleges had a choral concert, chamber music ensemble or Shakespearean play you could attend in the early evening. Many students met after dinner in the under croft bar then went on a local pub walk.
My tutors were both published authors and poets. They were highly qualified in Poetry, Biography and Creative Writing. They were also current lecturers at Oxford University. I had a choice of two units of study to be completed in three weeks. Our twice weekly tutorials and daily plenary lectures were stimulating, informative and academically challenging. We were introduced to editors, publishers, agents, authors and poets who gave their time, knowledge and advice about writing, publishing and the realities of working in the literary world today. One of my tutors created more workshop hours to assist us with our work/assignments. Our Director, Dr Sandie Byrne even offered her time for a lunch time poetry reading as well as organizing evening mic sessions where we all had an opportunity to read our work to a wider audience. Undergraduate or post graduate students had the opportunity to have their grades credited to their Degrees if prior arrangements had been made with their home Universities.
Meals were taken in the Hall. It was like walking onto the set of a Harry Potter film. Long, dark-stained tables, bench seats, table lamps, white china, surrounded by gilt framed portraits of past Rectors and benefactors of the College peered down at us as we ate our meals. Gothic, stained glass windows reflected morning light onto us in a way I will never forget. One evening after dinner a local, Shakespearean, dramatic group performed a play in the Hall for us. The Oxford Township was regularly abuzz with tourists, student groups, and local holiday makers enjoying the historical landmarks during their summer vacation. I enjoyed walking to Rewley House where I had access to excellent library resources which was within walking distance to the Oratory, local restaurants, second-hand shops, fashion, book and antique shops.
One of the highlights of my visit to Oxford was the friendships I made during the course. One student organised a Talent Night which was held on our second last evening at Exeter. It showcased the talent of some of the students who claimed they were better at performance than writing! The final song by Britta an American student, in conjunction with a German student on piano was, “All You Need Is Love, Love Is All You Need”.
Our final evening culminated in pre-dinner drinks in Fellow’s Garden, a formal dinner, presentation of certificates, many photographs, some tears but an experience we all will be forever changed from as a result of being students at Oxford University Summer Programme 2009.
I want to give very special thanks to Rob Malicki for his encouragement, enthusiasm and support of my application to Oxford. At all times from my first contact with him until our final email before my return to Australia, he was at all times the consummate professional. In the beginning, I received regular emails about accommodation, academic programmes, Oxford University requirements, course details, university web site information, travel insurance, emergency contact in the UK and a myriad of answers to my personal queries. Without his assistance and the umbrella AIM Overseas provided, I would never have considered that one of my dreams could possibly come true.

Oxford Summer School: English Literature

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:20:27 +1000

Ashleigh Standen (Macquarie University):
The classes were marvellous and the Professors brilliant, the friends were endlessly entertaining and the resources provided for us to use were exactly what we needed. (...) Oxford, and especially Exeter College, were hospitable without exception.
Oxford is a devilishly difficult place to leave. It gets under your skin, and you become accustomed to the voices of the ghosts. We all felt that Oxford was, for those three weeks, our home.
So if you are considering taking part in the Oxford Summer Programme, I recommend it to you without reservation. It is worth every cent. The academic boost it gives you cannot be equalled, the confidence you gain in managing your own travel and study is invaluable, and the friends that you will make
from all over the world are both useful and rewarding. It
inspires you to pull up your socks and make something of yourself.
To read more about Ashleigh’s experience at Oxford, visit her blog Ashleigh goes to Oxford.

Cambridge Summer Schools

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:03:59 +1000

Nic Agius (Victoria University):
The course was AMAZING and well worth the hard work. The content of the course and quality of the lecturers was of the highest calibre; these people are well regarded and extremely well published. They have decades of experience and know their topics - basically what they don't know about their topic is not worth knowing.
The other students were from all countries and walks of life, I made some fantastic friends that I skype often to keep in touch.
Would recommend registering early, you really want your accommodation to be at St Catherine's or Clare College though St Chad's was convenient for lectures, either way you need to be a walker as you walk to lectures or you walk to dinner but the walk is through Kings College so it's pretty special!
I would recommend having 2 - 3 days in Cambridge prior to the course to get yourself organised and over the jetlag.
Overall, it was amazing and I would recommend the course to students that want the overseas experience but cannot afford the time or money to go for a semester. If you are going to request credit - you need to be aware that it is full on and that the pre-reading is essential.
Tiffany Gardoll (University of Newcastle):
Clare college was amazing! the dinners every night were great. the lecturers are all great and so passionate. i got some great ideas for my masters degree and hope to apply at Cambridge next year. i also met some fantastic people from all over the world as well as some some people from Australia that i will and have stayed in contact with for a long time to come!
its a fantastic way to get a great idea of what it would be like studying at the no1 university in the world!
Holly Lewis (UTS):
The Cambridge summer school was an excellent experience as gives you the opportunity to study and live in a place which is not generally open to the public. Everything from the people to the classes were fantastic and I would highly recommend this course to everyone.

International Law and Human Rights

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:42:12 +1100

What students say about their experience:
“The placement in Brno is going really well - the course has been so well thought out and the lecturers are fantastic. I think everyone is really enjoying it all. The sight visits and weekend trips are also amazing. It has far exceeded my expectations. I am really appreciating being involved with the course.”
Sam Cassell (Griffith University)

“This is just a note to say thank you and let you know how well I thought the International and Human Rights programme at Masaryk University went. Everyone (or at least those I spoke to) agreed that the organisation, content, lecturers and field trips were fantastic and exceeded expectations. It was a great experience and I hope you go through with it again next year.”
Amy MItchell (University of Newcastle)

“The course was very informative and necessarily intensive. I enjoyed every part of the course and feel like I have come away from Masaryk with a more informed understanding of international law and human rights law. In particular the course has allowed me to reflect on the Australian legal system by comparing it to that which I learnt about the Czech and German constitutional systems. The course was taught by amazing tutors/lecturers and the international office, particularly Martin, were incredibly helpful and approachable. The sight visits gave us a great opportunity to understand more about individual institutions and fit in perfectly with the academic program.”
Jayme-Lyn Hendricks (University of Newcastle)

Teacher Education and Practice

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:35:48 +1100

Narelle Fraser (Victoria University):
This program was fantastic. I loved Charlotte and the Carolina International School. I learnt so much about classroom management and also curriculums within schools. I have gained many tools to use in my future teaching. It was an incredible learning experience. I learnt about American History & politics and how important that has been in shaping American systems of education. My favourite part was teaching the grade 3's.
Katie Eslick (Charles Sturt University):
Going to Charlotte was amazing.
Most of the academic side of the tour was completely new to me and seriously open my eyes to the numerous components of not only American education, but education around the world. It was fantastic that we got to learn, discuss and compare what we saw in the various schools that we visited.
The people, the city, the weather and some of the food is all what made this trip. Making friends with college students and staff, with the locals as well as the staff at the hotel made this trip much more relaxing and rewarding - culturally, socially, and academically.
Debbie Luckett (Victoria University):
it was the most invaluable experience that I have ever encountered. It has enriched both my personal and professional future. The program was a thoroughly enjoyable experience that allowed us to get a great insight into the American culture and school system/structure/history. It has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding for the issues faced in education worldwide and the different approaches which are being used. I would love to be a part of this program again if there is any possibility of gaining anymore credits with my course.

Health Care in Mexico

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:21:39 +1100

Josephine Marshall (University of Newcastle):
I enjoyed every aspect of my experience, it was almost overwhelming how friendly and welcoming everyone was. They all wanted to ensure we had a positive experience and enjoy our stay in Mexico. I definitely want to go back to Mexico and look forward to catching up with my host family and the people at La Salle University. The program was very well organised and interesting. It was definitely the best course I've done in my degree. It might seem daunting when you first organise it, but the minute you arrive you feel very welcome and it only gets better. I had the time of my life.
David Warren (University of Newcastle):
"The Health Science (Mexico) program is a wonderful program. I had a wonderful time doing it - the program had something for everyone, no matter what your field of study is. I would go again in a heartbeat."

Studying Arabic in Morocco by Peter Ford (ANU)

Sun, 6 Sep 2009 09:36:07 +1000

“Studying a language overseas is an amazing experience. It adds considerable depth to your studies in Australia, whether in politics, international relations, history, or simply arts.
I undertook Arabic at Mohammad V University in Rabat, Morocco in June/July 2009. This should have been my mid-year break in between Semester 1 and 2 at ANU but going to Morocco has been a highlight of my studies. Being able to immerse myself in a culture and language that I am studying has provided a real insight into real-world situations. I can’t recommend overseas study highly enough.  OS-HELP loans and travel grant assistance are often available to help make the experience much more affordable.
There were 19 students in the course while I was there, and only 3 in my beginners class. After a thorough orientation, we were matched with a host family that would look after us for the duration of our stay. I chose a family that didn't speak English (everyone in Morocco speaks Arabic and French) to maximise the experience. The host family stay was amazing. My host father and brother (10yo) picked me up from the university and took me home to their house which was in the old medina of Rabat. Once meeting all the family, a customary and lengthy delight of Moroccan culture, I was treated to the first of many fantastic Moroccan meals and several glasses of the super-sweet mint tea. The host family were wonderful, helpful, kind, generous - true ambassadors for Morocco. My family showed me to the closet bus stop and even took the bus with me some mornings to keep me company. Getting to and from the University was easier than it was in Australia!! The local mosque was 20m away (many an early morning start with the azan or 'call to prayer'), and the Hammam (bath-house) was about 200m from the house I stayed in. If you go to Morocco a trip to the local hammam is a must.
The language course was intensive and was conducted entirely in MSA - important for quality assurance and academic standards. We started at 8.30am each morning and finished at 3.30pm, and covered vocab and listening, grammar, writing, speaking and reading.   Each day contained additional vocabulary and dealt with key concepts of the language, progressing quickly, but thoroughly through the early stages of language acquisition. There was also an hour of Darija (Moroccan Arabic) to help students interact with the locals. Exams were held at the end of every week, as well as being assessed throughout the classes. Homework (this took around 3-4 hours each day) was also given daily and greatly assisted in the overall study. There was a final exam which covered everything that had been learnt through the course. Twice a week there were cultural events such as Moroccan cooking or movies after class had finished. The University also arranged two small excursions, one to Asilah, a fantastic little fishing village in the north, and another to Essaouria to the south, known for its great beaches and surfing.   The staff were extremely professional and helpful, and were so enthusiastic about having a student come all the way from Australia to study their language and culture. For example, there is a city in northern Morocco called Taza, were the inhabitants are known as Tazzi's. One of my teachers was from this city and as soon he found out I was from Tasmania (which we call Tassie) that was it - we were brothers!!!
Travelling so far I arrived a few days earlier to recover from the flights. This also gave me an opportunity to head south and see Marrakech - possibly the best city in Morocco Experiencing the culture that your are studying is a great way to improve your understanding and to put the language that you are learning into practice.    Marrakech has an amazing history from its days as the final destination of the Sahara Caravans. Djemaa el-Fna is the centre square, and the thriving heart of the city, it comes alive at night but during the day it is filled with snake charmers, orange juice stalls, and spice shops. Second to Djemaa el-Fna are the endless souks and streets you can buy carpets, tea sets, leather products, anything you can imagine. Don't even bother with a map, just walk were you want and enjoy.   For the party-minded, Marrakech also has Africa’s largest nightclub - Pacha (an off-shoot of the clubs in London and Ibiza). It has a setting and a sound system unlike anything else I have seen. Marrakech is also a good base for getting out into the Sahara Desert. On a separate trip, four other language students and myself hired a guide and driver to take us up through the Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara. This was incredible - a totally different Morocco to explore. Highlights include getting into Berber Caves and drinking tea, the amazing scenery and landscape, the film studios at Ouarzazate were you can still see the sets of films like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven, 3 hours in a Camel Caravan into the Sahara, Dades and Todra Gorges and sleeping in a sandstorm in the desert. Many of the banks in Morocco have digital clock/date/temp signs and the sign in last town before we entered desert was reading 55 degrees!!
Another weekend I headed north to Fes and Meknes via train (it was easier to catch trains in Morocco than it is in Australia, too!!). Fes is an amazing city on its on, with the oldest university in the world, and the largest car-free CBD in the world. The streets are so thin that not only can you not fit a car, to get along some you have to walk sideways to get through!! Fez is also renowned for its leather tanneries, a smelly, but memorable experience. Outside of Meknes are the ruins of an old Carthage and Roman city which looks like a mini Roman Forum…something I did not expect to find in Morocco.
Morocco is a country that's changing, while still an Islamic country, and although parts are conservative it is quite progressive. An obvious example is fashion. The Hijab is quite common for women to wear and yet on the beach, bikinis are all the rage. There are strong ties to Spain (being less than 1 hour on a Ferry), and France (Morocco was a French protectorate until independence in 1956). There are close ties to the Middle East and the Arab world through religion and language, and also a strong feeling of being part of Africa. For female students, no problems were raised and the University took particular care to ensure  everyone’s safety - you will get marriage proposals though, so be prepared to break some hearts!
Morocco is such a wonderful destination with so much diversity of landscape, people and culture. But there are similarities with Australian culture - family and friends are all important, rarely will you get time to yourself. There is a strong beach culture if you’re anywhere near the coast. Moroccans also have a love of good food, so you'll never go hungry…I started walking to and from the university to burn off all the food I ate! Many meals resemble an Aussie BBQ but with a few more flavours. Moroccan hospitality lived up to everything I had heard, from the famous Mint Tea (so sweet you can feel yourself booking an appointment at the dentist as you drink it) to the warm handshakes that reach to your heart.
For those looking to take their Arabic to the next level I recommend time in Morocco very highly. Intensive study and total immersion in the language and culture really helps the acquisition and retention of the language. For those just looking for something different in their studies, Morocco will certainly give you this. Studying overseas has greatly added my studies and was an experience to remember.”

Intensive Spanish in Madrid

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:30:21 +1000

Rachel Allison (University of Sydney):
Would you recommend this program to a friend?
Yes, I had a fantastic time. I made lots of great friends from all over the world. I loved staying in a host family. There was a good balance between the academic part of the program and free time. It was a fantastic experience, much, much different from visiting a country as purely a tourist.
What was the highlight of the program for you?
Living with a host family and staying in the same place for the month was great as you really settled into the lifestyle. Making friends with people from all over the world.
What comments would you make about the academic course?
Acalingua was really great, I enjoyed it much more than learning Spanish at university. The teachers were so friendly and the people in my class were so fun that it didn't feel like a chore, but now I have 6 credit points for my degree.

What was your accommodation like?
I really liked my accommodation, my family were so nice and funny. I felt my family were perfect because it was a good mixture between living in a host family and boarding, i.e. being integrated into the family and having the freedom to do whatever.