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Nanyang Technological University
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Previously I have been lucky enough to have been on two physical exchanges - Hong Kong and Singapore. These were some of the best experiences of my life to date - living in a new country, exploring the region, meeting many amazing people, studying and overall having fun while doing it. Keen to do as many as I could fit into my degree, COVID stopped this, meaning virtual abroad opportunities were the best alternative. Interested in entrepreneurship and innovation, HEX's program stood out!
Tom
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HEX's Amazing APAC Virtual Innovation Exchange
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As a virtual program, expenses were very minimal - besides of course your typical day-to-day home living expenses. The program itself did cost money but fortunately, there are typically scholarship options available.
Money Saving Tips:
Apply for the New Colombo Plan mobility scholarship, if you are Australian and this is an option for you!
Home Sickness / Loneliness Tips:
Nope, considering this program was virtual from the comfort of my own home! :D
📸 Check out these snaps...
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Subject Timetabling
This two-week program happened during the July break, meaning it didn't clash with any other university classes. The subject was an intensive subject, meaning it was two weeks of approx. 9-5pm.
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Student Card
Application Process
Applied online through the university and then HEX required a pre-recorded digital interview (so not a live 1:1 interview) and to answer some basic questions, including one or two out there questions with no right answer, just to see your thinking process (don't worry, this was more of a fun than a scary question).
Region / Travel Options
Trip 1
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Trip 2
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Trip 3
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Trip 4
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Growth and Memories
Having been on physical abroad experiences, this program comparably was less memorable but that comes with anything done virtually. Despite this, HEX and their whole team did an amazing job at creating a virtual feeling of excitement and fun, in addition to learning that I have never experienced before!
Memories:
Got to work on and pitch my business idea, which I am still working on today! I also met amazing people, and one of the team members even helped be a reference for me which contributed to me landing a fantastic grad program.
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Despite being virtual, HEX did a good job at trying to keep some social aspects including social check-in evenings and an after-party!
Tips for Making Friends:
Mix and collaborate with those in the program, who knows, you might find a new friend or maybe even a start-up business partner! Either way, it is great to meet people and stay connected with the teachers too who were always great and fun to chat with.
FEATURED
Looking Back at My Experience...
Originally unsure whether I would study abroad with all the unknowns, I was extremely close to not applying. In the end, exchange was THE BEST thing that I have pushed myself to do - I got to live in another country, meet global friends, travel to nearby countries, make life-long memories and in general have a great time, all while studying! I still can't believe I almost missed out on this opportunity simply because I was too 'unsure' to apply - do not make the same mistake. Hopefully sharing my experience helps!
What I Liked Most:
I loved how organised the program was, which is really important for a virtual program. The assignments were easily manageable and the guest speakers were so insightful. Nothing like your normal university course!
Start Date:
5 July 2021
End Date:
16 July 2021
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Improved:
There was so much fun organised during the day and so many sessions that it meant it was hard to apply everything you learnt to your start-up idea then and there. More time to apply what you learn would have been a nice to have.
Orientation/Onboarding:
Firstly you apply and the application process includes a quick pre-recorded digital interview and some quick questions. Once you hear back, you receive everything you need plus more via email to make you feel ready and excited! They are happy to chat with any questions and even a HEX onboarding kit gets sent to you!
How My Home Institution Prepared Me:
Macquarie University's website provided the basic information needed to get an understanding of this program. Any questions I could reach out to either them or HEX. Reading past students' reviews on Exchange Exchange would have been helpful too so I could know what I was getting myself into