From the ski slopes of Germany to the sandy beaches of Australia, Nina Sametinger experienced a year studying abroad down under.
Nina Sametinger speaks fondly of her hometown in southern Germany. “I’m originally from Munich and having lived there all my life, I do love this city and the mountains close by.”
But for her university degree, Nina chose the University of Innsbruck in Austria for its good reputation in business matters. Part of her International Business Studies qualification is a year at a foreign university and after researching a number of different universities and the courses on offer, the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia was her choice.
“It’s a very international university offering high-class business courses and great cultural variety, “ she says. “And it’s giving me a new insight into Australian and Asian business, the different models and ways of doing business in the southern hemisphere. I’m really enjoying learning about doing business on the other side of the world and it’s certainly letting me see things from a different angle.”
Nina spends 36-40 hours in lectures each week and also needs to find time for a number of presentations and papers that are part of her study. Exams are taken mid-term and at the end of each term. “Most of the teachers have lots of industry experience, so they can teach hands-on skills, which you can put directly into practice.”
Outside of the lecture theatre, Nina is spoilt for choice when it comes to activities that will take her mind of looming assignments. “The student life at UNSW is excellent. You can choose among hundreds of activities – on campus or off campus, sports, arts, charity events, pub-crawls. Being a sports person I take advantage of the numerous sport facilities at the uni, which are open all day, early mornings, and late at night in order to suit everyone. There are events for incoming students, in order to welcome them and give them the chance to meet with other new students and make friends.”
As for living and working in Australia, Nina says that’s easy. In Sydney, people advertise their rooms or apartments in cafes and even stick adverts on lampposts in the streets.
As for living and working in Australia, Nina says that’s easy. In Sydney, people advertise their rooms or apartments in cafes and even stick adverts on lampposts in the streets.
“Just get the number, call them up and arrange for a viewing. It took me only half a day to find a decent place. I share accommodation with two other people – a nice big flat with a big terrace. We really enjoy living and doing lots of stuff together.”
There is the possibility for students to organize accommodation through the university as well. UNSW provides houses for foreign students, which can be booked in advance, so students have a place to stay when they first arrive.
Nina says if students are happy to share accommodation, nice flats are really affordable. “I pay about $AU130 per week and then in addition, is the money you spend on food and nights out.”
Getting a student visa is not difficult and it entitles students to work for 20 hours per week. Nina has taken on a part-time job which she said was easy to find and it’s a way to get to know other people. It’s also helped fund some travel. “I try to travel whenever possible and do weekend trips to close by destinations in and around Sydney.”
One of Nina’s favourite activities is heading to the beach, something that’s not so easy to do back home in Germany. “There are lots of built-in pools in the ocean where you can swim but be protected from the waves. I love to go for a run on the paths around Coogee and Bondi. My favourite places in the city are Coogee and all the suburbs through to Bondi beach – Tamarama is definitely my favourite beach. I also like to go to Maroubra or up to the northern beaches for a surfing session or a stroll on the beach.”
And when she’s has had enough physical activity for one day, Nina relaxes in the local bars and cafes. “My favourite bar is a 360 degree bar in the centre of the city, where you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the city while drinking one of their delicious cocktails.”
“The Australian lifestyle is quite laid-back and relaxed and people are just so friendly and helpful. They are very hands-on and open, which makes it easy to get in touch with them and hang out".
Nina has noticed a few differences between the Australian way of life and that of her native Germany. “The Australian lifestyle is quite laid-back and relaxed and people are just so friendly and helpful. They are very hands-on and open, which makes it easy to get in touch with them and hang out. There are differences to the European way of life – the relaxed Australian way can slow things down sometimes that need to be done, just when you wouldn’t appreciate it to be slow. But that’s not too big a deal; you just have to accept it. Other than that, this is an awesome place to live.”
Nina says that studying abroad requires a lot of preparation. “I would advise students to get information about the country, the city, and places to stay as well as the cultural specifics – simply because you want to know what to expect from the place you are going. I always find it nice to learn about the lifestyle and cultural differences beforehand. Therefore, to cut a long story short, I can only recommend Australia as destination for studying abroad.”