Luisa’s Story – Skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef this World Tourism Day!

Hi! I am Luisa and I study BA International Tourism Management at the University of Chester.

I began at the University of Chester as a second year student, having transferred universities. Considering this, I have not been short of opportunities!

In July 2023, I began the first semester of my exchange year – as part of my four-year course.

I applied for my exchange through the University of Chester and the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). With the amazing support of Candida and Susannah – the Study Abroad team, I was fortunate enough to be offered a place at the University of Technology (UTS) in Sydney, Australia for my first semester.

ISEP guarantees accommodation at the host university – I currently live in the UTS housing – right next to campus and in the centre of Sydney! The apartment is super comfortable and nice. I share communal areas with four other international students and one Aussie! The housing runs a variety of activities throughout the semester to help us to meet new people and see more of Sydney. It was during the first week of joining these activities, that I met my closest friends!

Previously, I used to be quite anxious in new situations and meeting new people, however, stepping out of my comfort zone has not only helped me to have the most amazing experience, but developed my confidence too.

At UTS, I study Contemporary Italy, Contemporary Germany, and Management Skills. One of the aspects of studying abroad which I love the most, is that you can study whatever modules you wish that are offered by the host university! I really appreciate this, as it means I can study in-depth areas that interest me, outside my degree subject!

I have really made the most of my experience so far, touring the Opera House, Watsons Bay, the Blue Mountains, Manly Beach, amongst many other beautiful places! In fact, I am in Cairns right now, having travelled here with my exchange friends.

I will well and truly be celebrating World Tourism Day, by skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef! Alongside visiting lots of incredible places, I have been able to take part in lots of unforgettable experiences too! A moment from my exchange which took me completely by surprise was the opportunity to watch England vs Spain in the Women’s World Cup Final, at Stadium Australia! It was incredible to experience a crowd that shared growing and ongoing support for women in football!

Alongside my studies and adventures, I am actively participating at UTS in many ways! Such as by becoming a TalkFest volunteer – which involves supporting international students to become more confident speaking English. It is incredibly rewarding and a great way to meet new people! In addition to this, I also work as an Events Assistant for the university – my experience working in student engagement at Chester Student’s Union was a great help in securing the position!

I am incredibly excited for my second semester – my top choices are South Korea, Hong Kong, or Japan – I will find out in a few weeks where I will have the pleasure of going next! Having completed a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) prior to beginning my university studies, I have always had the ambition of teaching English in Japan or South Korea after graduation. So, I am even more excited at the potential of studying there for my second semester!

I am incredibly grateful to the University of Chester for offering the Study Abroad year. I wholeheartedly encourage all students to apply and make the most of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

To find out more please visit our Study Abroad and International Tourism Management pages.