Fantastic college culture

Jack Davies was drawn to San Diego State University for its sporting history, and says his exchange semester was transformative and rewarding in numerous ways.

Jack Davies

Why I chose my host uni:

San Diego State University (SDSU) has a great sporting history and the location caught my attention. With a basketball team that the previous year had just made the national championship game, I knew the students would be bursting with school pride. SDSU also had a reputation of fantastic culture and I wanted to surround myself with that type of environment.

How I found applying to my host uni:

Getting accepted into SDSU was the easiest and most straightforward part of the whole process, but once accepted, it became challenging. Initially, the SDSU process was confusing, involving quite a lot of back and forth to ensure all the correct forms were completed and my subjects aligned with theirs.

Applying for and obtaining a visa was the most difficult and frustrating part, requiring significant time to double-check everything. However, many great individuals were available to answer questions and ensure I was fully prepared for my trip.

How I found learning in a different academic system:

Adjusting to the academic system was not too difficult, as AUT had provided me with the tools to manage time and deadlines effectively. There were slight differences in language and terminology though. Due to the lack of international business courses at SDSU, I took a few management and innovation courses instead. Initially, this was very difficult as I had no prior knowledge or experience in these subjects. However, this challenge became very enjoyable, allowing me to learn a lot in an interesting subject.

What I gained from this experience:

This experience has enabled me to grow, gain independence, and immerse myself in a unique and fascinating environment. Through the rugby team and the daily interactions with my roommates I made many friends. The facilities and resources at SDSU were exceptional; they regularly brought in guest speakers, and we had the opportunity to participate in exciting competitions. Overall, my time at SDSU was transformative and rewarding in numerous ways.