I went on exchange in the final semester of my Master program in Public health specialization in Epidemiology. I chose to go on exchange because I wanted to do my master thesis project in another country because I presumed It would give me practical skills, professional networking and future cooperation development. Most importantly, since I have got a supervisor from Partner University working closely with my supervisor would be great for better communication and learning output. In addition, the opportunity performing research project abroad helped to make new acquaintanceship and meet new friends and potential future partners, it also created new environment exposure, explore the unknown and activities that have ben never my reach before. The choice to attend University of Sydney was easy once I found research supervisor in English speaking country. To travel to Australia a visa application should be sent to the nearest office (in my case Berlin) for approval. Vaccination certificate, invitation letter and certificate of registration at Karolinska Institute, official transcript of finished courses were required for visa application. A contact person from the University of Sydney helped me out with an invitation letter and necessary information, e.g. book flight(s), and visa class. I applied for a specific working visa as a student research visit for 3 months. My Visa took around 40 days to receive.

My arrival in Sydney was somewhat difficult. Unlike KI there was no opportunity to be picked up by a current student ambassador. Therefore, I have to manage myself to arrive at my accommodation place. Of course, my supervisor was willing to pick me up but I didn’t want to bother him. Australians are very communicative, friendly and helpful to get any information. Two days after arrival my Supervisor introduced me to all research groups and made arrangement office to me where I can work on my thesis. The research team was such an amazing people to help and was keen to work with me.

Regarding financing, I have to admit my exchange program cost me a lot starting from visa application fee (1200 SEK) to living cost in Sydney. Living in Sydney is extremely expensive. I figured out that Aldi supermarket as the cheapest to shop in Broadway shopping center located 10 minutes walk from the University of Sydney. Accommodation in Sydney was also quite expensive.

It was very difficult to find University accommodation for a short-term stay. Therefore, I have to find accommodation myself, I made a lengthy search on Google, and finally with help of my supervisor and friends, I found different links to book online. I stayed at Glebe point road 96 a kind of guest house for students, 15 minutes walk l to the University of Sydney and recommend it to others (very close to the University, furnished, clean, with proper linens, bath towels, etc.) although a bit expensive. 

Important links to get accommodation for short-term stay can be found at: 

http://www.96glebe.com/ 

https://flatmates.com.au/sydney 

http://sydney.edu.au/campus-life/accommodation/live-off-campus/emergency-and-short-term-housing.html

I was doing my Master thesis project and it was mainly working on data analysis and writing up with a support of my supervisor. I had such an amazing support and relationship with my supervisor as well as the research team.

Being English speaking country, It was very easy to communicate and learn. Despite the partner University didn't offer language course It gave me a chance to improve my English and communication.

Despite there was no social events organized the partner University (Might be short stay), I had a wonderful time of stay in Sydney! I enjoyed warm weather, impressive to walk over spectacular harbor bridge, beaches, parks....

I had an amazing experience and speak highly of what I learned from University of Sydney. Personally, I have immersed in a different culture and in such an international environment and I mad international friends. Always have courage, be open and kind, and you’ll have an amazing learning experience. Best of luck!