My Study Abroad Experience – Juliette Lewis

My name is Juliette Lewis, and I am from Australia. Currently, I am completing a Bachelor of Engineering and am participating in a semester exchange programme at University of Galway.

Why I Chose University of Galway

Studying abroad has always been something that I wanted to do, and I saw this as a perfect opportunity to deepen my understanding of international engineering standards while immersing myself in a different culture. Initially, I heard about University of Galway through my home university, Central Queensland University. Since I wanted to complete an exchange program before entering my final 12 months of study, I began researching potential universities through study abroad programmes.

I chose University of Galway as I had always wanted to visit Ireland. The opportunity to experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of the country while continuing my engineering studies made this a relatively easy decision.

First Impressions

When I first arrived in Galway, I was immediately struck by how beautiful it was. The architecture here is so different to what I am used to back in Australia. Even after nearly 3 months of being here, I still cannot get over the beauty of Ireland. Every day, I find something new to admire, whether it be the open lands, the scenic river, or the food. That said, the traffic can be a little overwhelming at times, and living expenses are something to consider before coming. Overall, however, it has been an amazing experience so far.

Highlights of My Experience

One of the highlights of my experience so far has been joining the Windsurfing Club and participating in an overnight club trip to Mayo. Before heading on this trip, I knew no one in the club, and hilariously, I didn’t even know what windsurfing was! I just figured it would involve a surfboard and some wind. Despite my lack of experience, I had an incredible time meeting new people and attempting to windsurf. One may even consider me a windsurfing genius… (hehe).

Another highlight has been joining the Mountaineering Club and learning how to rock climb. Turns out, it IS higher than it looks…. But pushing through this, I have found these climbing sessions have helped me develop my confidence and determination. I also learned that I love climbing. Overall, being part of these clubs has made my time in Ireland that much more special.

Advice for Students Considering Study Abroad

Despite how it sounds, I am quite a timid person by nature, so I have found that trying these new activities and engaging myself in new environments has been very impactful in building my confidence. So, if you are considering studying abroad – especially if you’re coming from Australia – my biggest piece of advice is to make the most of your stay. Join clubs, try new activities, and engage with as many people as you can. Studying abroad isn’t just about academics – it’s about immersing yourself in a new environment, making lifelong friends, and truly embracing the adventure!

My Future Plans

In the future, I hope to continue travelling and exploring new cultures. This experience has reinforced my love for international experiences, and I want to keep learning from different communities worldwide. Studying abroad has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to see where my next adventure takes me!