A Semester in Melbourne

- Steen Haning

My name is Steen Haning and I’m studying Architectural Technology and Construction Management at UCN. I chose to take a semester abroad, in Melbourne, Australia, at the Holmesglen Institute of TAFE. I am here with three of my classmates.

Goals

I had several goals: to improve my English, to experience studying in a foreign language and living in a different culture and to learn more in my field.

I improved my English although it was challenging at first, as I had to learn to think in English. Getting to know the Australian culture was somewhat difficult, since in my area (and in Melbourne in general) there were many Asians.

A different study environment

The study environment was very different and unfamiliar. At home I would sit with my group and make drawings, analyse and calculate almost every day. In Australia we were split into mixed groups of 5 and worked on a "feasibility study" - a report that includes all possible scenarios of a project.

We only met as a team (plus the supervisor) once a week, because most of my Australian colleagues had part-time jobs. I had to catch up with their study, as their study-subjects were different from mine back home, but my team helped me greatly.

Exciting duties

My duties have been varied and exciting. For example I had to study something about development potential in different cities, make a budget for a $ 140 million project - one of the coolest and most exciting assignments I had.

I've learned a lot in Australia: you must stand firm on your position and opinion, you must be welcoming and open minded and not judge people in advance. I've also learned that things take time.

A life experience

So I would definitely recommend people to do this. It has been my life experience and I would like to do it again. I would like to thank my classmates and also the CW Obel Family Foundation for their financial support and for making it possible.