Olivia Kilponen

In-country study destination: Neuchâtel, Switzerland

For me, UTS has always been a bit of an up-and-comer in comparison to other universities in Sydney. That energy is hard to ignore. On Open Day I suppose I just got an inherently good feeling on the campus, and was further convinced when I discovered their highly practical approach to teaching. This has really been reflected in all of the changes on campus since I started in 2012.

The things I enjoy about my degrees

I love them both for quite different reasons. With Law, I find that each semester I am coming away with highly practical and employable skills, whilst learning about the law as an integral part of how society functions. I am constantly surrounded by bright minds and a brilliant academic faculty that stimulates and supports me.

International Studies is quite different in that it offers an opportunity to expand my mind in more of an abstract way. I think a big part of that is the focus of the degree on immersion in other cultures — it has kind of a transformative power that no other degree can really give you.

So I think they balance each other out nicely. As my degree has progressed and I’ve found myself on this long-awaited In-Country Study, I still think this rings true.

My favourite part of the ICS journey so far

Definitely realising how much my language skills have developed. Learning a language is quite similar to building a muscle — it requires work and dedication for it to grow and get stronger. You notice little things slowly getting easier and easier and that is exciting to realise. Language classes before ICS certainly helped, but there’s nothing that gets you to improve your French more than having to set up a bank account, send an email to your professor, or have a conversation at a bar!

A typical day on ICS in Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Normally, I’ll take a morning walk by Lake Neuchâtel. I can see the Alps along the lake — I still haven’t got over how breathtaking it is. Then I’ll come back, brew myself some coffee and head to class about five minutes down the road. Class will finish at around midday so usually after that I’ll catch up on ICS work, homework, or travel plans. After I’ve finished work I usually head back home and make myself dinner, or if it’s really great weather, I’ll meet up with my friends and have a barbecue by the lake for dinner! Life doesn’t get much better, really.

Advice to UTS students studying Communication and the BAIS

One thing I would say that is fairly typical is to give as much of yourself to the experience as possible. ICS is such a unique experience that you really can’t do twice. When you’re here, the more you speak to people, the more you participate, the more you’ll get from it.

Also, for those choosing their preferences — don’t be afraid to choose smaller towns! I was quite wary about my first choice initially, but I think smaller places are a little easier to mix in with the local culture and language, which is exactly what you want. It’s probably the best decision I’ve made.