A rich cultural experience

Juan Emilio Monge says he chose the University of Exeter for his student exchange because of its excellent academic reputation, and enjoyed experiencing the UK’s unique history and diverse society.

Juan Emilio Monge

Why I chose my host uni:

I chose the University of Exeter for my exchange programme due to its excellent academic reputation. Additionally, studying in the United Kingdom offered a rich cultural experience with its unique history and diverse society, broadening my horizons and providing a comprehensive understanding of the world. Exeter's emphasis on fostering a global community and providing a welcoming environment for international students was also attractive, as I met students and friends from all over the world.

How I found applying to my host uni:

Applying to the University of Exeter was an easy and straightforward process, thanks to the support from the AUT Global team. They assisted me in getting my cross-credit courses approved and provided detailed information on how to enrol.

The application requirements were simple: I only needed to submit my academic transcript and a professor's letter of English proficiency as a Spanish native speaker, besides filling some personal information.

Because this was a one-semester exchange, I didn’t require a visa to be in the UK based on my passport, making the entire process hassle-free.

How I found learning in a different academic system:

Learning in a different academic system at Exeter was an enriching experience. Most courses followed a similar teaching approach to AUT, with a combination of lectures and workshops. However, the intensity of the coursework was different, and participating in various extracurricular activities and societies required me to manage my time more efficiently. My friends were incredibly supportive, providing guidance on submitting assignments and using new platforms. The teachers were very helpful, making my adjustment much smoother.

What I gained from this experience:

From my exchange experience at the University of Exeter, I gained significantly both academically and personally. Arriving in a new country without knowing anyone, I left with a network of friends and colleagues.

My involvement in various societies, such as the Exeter Business and Finance Society, allowed me to develop professionally through finance competition with major banks such as UBS, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs. These experiences enhanced my financial and strategic skills. Additionally, the opportunity to travel around Europe broadened my cultural horizons and provided a deeper understanding of different societies.