Exchange

The thought of going for an exchange in my Year 3 final semester has sparked my interest lately. Come to think of it, it's quite an experience and not much further costs will be incurred, which is the main concern. As such, I guess I'll be planning my course structure for the next 3 semesters to suit this path, just in case I decide to go for it in the end.

Essentially, I'll keep all 4 of my Year 3 Sociology modules for the final semester because there are more options to do Sociology as compared to Media elsewhere. I'm looking at the University of Manchester in the UK, and Scandinavian countries, in particular Lund University in Sweden where Marc went. Not too keen on Finland, Denmark and Norway though but it's worth a thought.

Considerations:

1) Cost. Tuition fees will be the same. How it works is that I'll go for exchange but I'll pay the same fees here at UniMelb. Accommodation-wise I pay for accommodation in country of exchange and obviously I would not be renting a place here in Melbourne when I'm away. So it works out to be about the same in the end. I might even save because school only starts in September in the UK. So from June to August I'll head back to Singapore.

2) On the topic of accommodation, Clarence is planning to go for an exchange in our final semester as well. He's moving out next semester, while I'm staying put to see out my lease. Then I'll probably move in with him again the semester after next. Long story. Anyway the point is, it might be yet another issue if he goes for exchange and I don't, then we'll have to look for someone to take over his part of the rent again.

3) Grades. On exchange, you'll only need to pass your subjects. So far, I guess I can qualify for Scandinavia, UK is probably a tad more difficult to qualify. But by 2 semesters later, I should be able to do it. Working towards that. And by just passing my subjects while on exchange, my 'good' grades can be preserved.

4) Experience. Well, it's always good to experience a different education system and life in another country. To look at it more superficially though, I want to go to Manchester for obvious reasons. And Scandinavia to see the Northern Lights.

Much to think about and the good thing is I still have quite a lot of time to consider in greater detail. Probably there are factors I haven't considered yet as well but tentatively this is it.