After 2 months in Brisbane, it still feels surreal to think that I’m studying in the land down under. Arriving in Brisbane, Australia felt like a whole new world – from Vancouver’s cold and rainy winter to Aus’ scorching 30 degree summer!
I could not have imagined a better way to be greeted at the airport than by QUT’s own international students, who immediately welcomed us with maps, tip sheets, and Australian LOLLIPOPS!
I knew immediately that I had made the right choice in choosing the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) for my study exchange destination. Brisbane has the most incredible and FREE activities including communal BBQs overlooking the Brisbane river, free ferries running until midnight, and a 24/7 outdoor lagoon with both a pool and beach setting. If you couldn’t imagine Brisbane getting any better… it does!
The city location is ideal for weekend trips up to the Sunshine Coast or down to the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast. Long weekends in Brisbane are perfect for longer trips up to the pristine waters of the Whitsundays, world class Sydney, or fashion capital, Melbourne.
What I am finding the coolest about being on exchange is getting to really soak in living in a different country. Having backpacked through Europe, I was excited to finally settle down in a new city and call it home. Settling down has allowed me to embrace Australia’s laid-back culture, friendly people, and ridiculously funny slang – like “Barby” for BBQ, “Brolli” for umbrella, and “Tutes” for tutorials.
For anyone considering going on exchange, I would highly recommend Brisbane’s Queensland University of Technology. Living in a new city and meeting new people has been such an incredible experience and I assure anyone going to Brisbane that they will not be disappointed with this destination choice.
Cheers and enjoy your future exchange to Brissy!
Bio:
Elizabeth Keska is in her fourth year at the Beedie School of Business concentrating in International Business and Operations Management. She is currently on exchange at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia and loves it! She enjoys travelling to new places, embracing new cultures, and making life-long international friends. Elizabeth highly recommends QUT as an exchange destination.