Leaving, discovering, growing: Reflections on the exchange student experience

An exchange period abroad is more than just a geographical move: it is a journey that begins well before departure and continues long after return. Every student who chooses to leave brings with them expectations, fears and dreams, only to return with new awareness, indelible memories and, often, a transformed perspective.

End of exchange reports contain the testimonies of those who experienced this first-hand in the autumn semester of 2024-25. What motivated them to leave? What challenges did they face and what surprises did they find along the way? How did their perceptions - of themselves, their culture and the world - change?

Through a selection of quotes and reflections, we would like to offer an honest look at the many facets of international mobility: from the practical to the more personal aspects of growth and discovery. 

A collective tale that not only celebrates lived experiences, but can also be a compass for those who dream of taking the same path.

The quotations are in the language in which they were written. The Service has limited itself to correcting any typos.

The opening question in the questionnaire "What is the main factor that motivated you to go abroad?" leaves no room for doubt. The two predominant motivations are "Personal development" (36%) and "Build an international experience" (28%), confirming the fact that a mobility experience is indeed perceived as an enrichment of one's curriculum vitae, but, above all, as an opportunity for personal growth and development.

A retrospective on the latter theme is provided through the question "If you look at your “old” self from 6 months ago, what has changed?". Terms such as "autonomy", "independence", "awareness", "growth", "adaptability", and "self-confidence" recur in the answers.

• “Looking back at my old self from six months ago, I can see how much I’ve grown in terms of confidence, adaptability, and perspective. I’ve become more open-minded and curious, and pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone. Living in a city like Hong Kong, with diverse culture, has made me more independent. I’ve also become better at navigating unfamiliar situations, whether that’s figuring out public transportation or learning how to communicate in a new language. Overall, I feel more resilient and self-aware than before, with a deeper understanding of the world and my place in it.” (exchange at Hong Kong Baptist University, HK).

• “I notice significant personal growth. I have become more independent, confident in facing challenges, and open to new perspective. Living abroad has strengthened my adaptability and improved my intercultural communication skills, making me more self-aware and resilient.” (exchange at Hanken School of Economics, FI)

• “I’ve become more independent, adaptable, and confident. Living abroad taught me resilience, cultural awareness, and the value of stepping out of my comfort zone and to dive into new experiences. It's very important to not underestimate the value that such experiences can give to the person.” (exchange at Charles University Prague, CZ)

• “Looking at my "old" self from six months ago, I wouldn't say I'm radically different, but I have gained a lot of life experience and knowledge. Living in a new city, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and navigating academic challenges have all contributed to my personal and professional growth. While my core values remain the same, I feel more confident and adaptable, with a broader perspective on both my studies and life in general.” (exchange at Kühne Logistics University, DE)

• “Looking at my "old" self from six months ago, I see a transformation that goes beyond just academic and professional growth. Initially, I never considered visiting or exploring Asia, but my time in Singapore completely changed that. I became enamored with the culture, the people, and, of course, the food. This experience has expanded my horizons, showing me that what I thought I knew about the world was just the beginning. The three words I would use to describe my exchange experience are: "Home, Heart, Growth". "Home" reflects the comfort and sense of belonging I found in Singapore, a place that quickly felt like my own. "Heart" captures the deep emotional connections I formed with people from around the world, learning about diverse cultures and experiences. And "Growth" embodies how I have evolved into a more confident, globally aware individual, both personally and academically. I’ve gained a greater appreciation for international perspectives and developed the skills to adapt to a new environment, all while being open to new ideas and possibilities. (exchange at Nanyang Technological University, SG)

While the outcome of an exchange programme leads to common common elements, it is interesting to note how the underlying drive can have different origins and motivations: the desire to go far away to confront a culture completely different from our own, the prestige and educational offer of the university, the attraction to a big city, the desire to discover the educational model of the Nordic countries, wanting to deepen a foreign language, the familiarity of a place one already knows, and many more. 

• “I personally always wanted to live in a Nordic country and experience its culture. Copenhagen was very appealing to me as a city and also CBS is one of the best universities in Europe.” (exchange at Copenhagen Business School, DK)

• “I chose my destination based on the university's reputation and recognition, as it is known for its high academic standards. Additionally, I saw China as an opportunity to gain valuable academic knowledge while also experiencing a country that plays a crucial role in the global economy. Moreover, its culture, which is significantly different from European traditions, offered me the chance to broaden my perspective and deepen my understanding of diverse cultural dynamics.” (exchange at Peking University, CN)

• “I chose Paris Dauphine University because of its academic prestige and strong reputation in the fields of finance and economics, which align perfectly with my academic and professional goals. Additionally, the opportunity to study in Paris, a vibrant and culturally rich city, was incredibly appealing. I believe this experience will provide me with both high-quality education and the chance to broaden my international perspective.” (exchange at Université Paris-Dauphine, FR)

• “It is the country of my second language, and since I have never studied it, I wanted to challenge myself and improve it.” (exchange at Universität Münster, DE)

• “I chose my destination mainly for two reasons: first, because the UPF is recognized as one of the best universities in the field of management, which is my specialization; second, because I have always felt at "home" in Spain, as I really like their culture and way of life.” (exchange at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, ES)

Writing the report also allowed the students to reflect on issues such as clichés, preconceptions, unexpected elements and even fears and apprehensions. And although each individual is unique and each exchange experience is different, we are pleased to note that 100% of the students would recommend such an experience as part of their studies without hesitation. 

• “Yes. It is a life changing experience. It is a challenge with yourself and a chance to become a better version of yourself, be open minded and completely on your own.” (exchange at University of Technology Sydney, AU)

• “Yes, definitely. I believe that everyone should challenge themselves and do an exchange abroad at least once in their life. These kinds of experiences help you grow, improve, and open your eyes to the world.” (exchange at Copenhagen Business School, DK)

We would like to remind you that end of exchange reports are available on the partner universities portal, by selecting ‘Exchange experience reports’ at the top left, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all USI students for sharing their journey with us.