The application for my semester abroad was organized with the help of GOstralia. Svea Helmig’s support was particularly helpful. GOstralia not only helped me to apply for a place, but also gave me access to a scholarship. In addition, my employer ITERGO provided financial support. A visa was required and was easily applied for online. I took out international health insurance that was valid for my stay as well as for travel within and outside Australia. Contact with the host institution, Southern Cross University, was established via GOstralia. The university provided extensive information on accommodation options and course selection.

I would particularly like to highlight Ms. Schwabe and Ms. Groll from the FHDW International Office, who were an immense support throughout the entire preparation and stay. They were always available to answer questions, always responded reliably and ensured that all processes ran smoothly. The cooperation between the FHDW and GOstralia was excellent, which made the organizational effort much easier.

My flight to Australia took off on June 20, 2024. The trip went smoothly and I was warmly welcomed at the university. Together with a fellow student, I rented an apartment in Broadbeach. Although it was a little further away from the university, it was close to Surfers Paradise, which made it ideal for leisure activities.

I took four modules in the innovative 6-week sprint model. Two modules took place in the first six weeks, the other two in the second block. The level of difficulty was manageable, which gave me enough free time. I was particularly enthusiastic about the “Cyber Security” module, which provided practical knowledge and deepened my understanding in this area through challenging homework and tests.

The university offered numerous leisure activities such as surfing and beach volleyball courses. The staff were always helpful, whether for academic or personal matters. During the semester, I went on trips to Melbourne, Sydney and Byron Bay, which provided unforgettable impressions.

The term break was an absolute highlight of my stay. Together with fellow students, I traveled to New Zealand and Fiji. The spectacular landscapes and cultural experiences were a highlight of my stay.

Rent, food and leisure activities on the Gold Coast are expensive, but the quality of life justifies the costs. Apart from the cost of studying, you need around 2,000 euros a month to live well and go on numerous trips. A rental car proved to be useful for flexibly exploring the surrounding area. Public transport was also a good option for exploring the region.

After the end of the semester, I used the remaining time for a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Bali and the island of Gili Trawangan. The mixture of culture, relaxation and adventure made this part of the trip a perfect end to my stay. The atmosphere on Gili Trawangan with its relaxed beaches and fascinating underwater world was particularly impressive.

Looking for accommodation early on and renting a car to have maximum flexibility is an important tip. Taking advantage of the university’s leisure activities and participating in excursions enriches the experience. Preparing a detailed cost calculation in advance helps to avoid financial surprises. The GOstralia website offers numerous resources for planning a stay abroad. In addition, the International Office at Southern Cross University is a great resource for questions on site. If possible, I recommend prospective students to come for the 4th term, as this period is particularly advantageous due to the weather and the modules on offer.