Studying abroad has many rewards 

 
Julianne Valles 

Most students would scoff at the idea of cutting short their Christmas break, but for a select group of Charles Darwin University students, it represents the opportunity of a lifetime.

The year 2009 will see several students leave Australia’s northern waters to spend a semester studying overseas as a part of CDU’s student exchange program.

One of the students involved in the program, Julianne Valles (pictured), said she was already full of expectation and excitement about her decision to study abroad.

Julianne, a Bachelor of Communication student, will journey to the USA in January to spend a semester studying at the University of Southern Florida (USF).

“I chose USF as it appeared to have a diverse student body, a wide variety of classes and a great deal of resources for my chosen field,” she said.

“They have many opportunities to grow and develop which is displayed through their active student life, such as the social clubs and sororities which I would also love to experience.”

Like most exchange students, Julianne is also planning on travelling around the USA during her semester breaks and is looking forward to experiencing the different lifestyle that living and studying on a US college campus offers.

"Student exchange has provided me with the opportunity to travel, learn and have fun in another country," Julianne said.

CDU has student exchange programs in the USA, Canada, Europe, Indonesia, Malaysia and Hong Kong. For a full list of CDU’s exchange partners visit www.cdu.edu.au/international/current/exchange-program.htm#2.

For more information on opportunities to spend a semester of study overseas, contact Therese Fitzgerald in the CDU International Office on +61 8 8946 6048 or at therese.fitzgerald@cdu.edu.au.