Exchange Programs Let Students Go Far Beyond

International Academic Programs offers several different study abroad options.
Exchange programs with Stony Brook’s 160 partner universities worldwide give students the immersive experience of living on their own, studying at a foreign university, and experiencing another culture.

Picture: Ashley Olafsson visits Sydney during her semester exchange in Australia

Since 2002, Stony Brook has partnered with the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia to offer student exchanges.  Queensland, one of Australia’s top three universities, is consistently ranked in the top 100 worldwide and is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (GO8) research intensive institutions.

Ashley Olafsson, a Psychology major returning from a semester exchange at Queensland, recounted her experience.

Why did you choose to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad because I wanted to expand my horizon and explore the world. I chose Queensland because being a citizen of the UK, I traveled to Europe frequently to visit family and I wanted to go somewhere totally out of my comfort zone. Australia was that place for me, a dream but also a huge leap forward, but I’m so glad I took that leap because it gave me the best 5 months of my life.

What do you remember most about your experience?
What I remember most about my experience was the people I met. Honestly, you get so close with other people in the program and you bond in a way that you never have with other friends with traveling and experience all of it together. They are the only ones who understand you upon your arrival home!

What did you learn from your study a broad experience?
I took a marine science class and we went on a field trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and it was out of this world. My project was about me snorkeling in one of the wonders of the world counting fish! It was amazing! But in general, the traveling, learning about another culture and country, living on your own far away from home… You learn so much about yourself and who you are mostly. Everything pushes you outside your comfort zone! I would highly recommend to challenge yourself and put yourself out there, and just DO things!

How did the experience pull you out of your comfort zone?
I frequently traveled growing up, but typically with my family to visit our extended family in Europe. It pulled me out of my comfort zone because I traveled alone and I didn’t know anyone going. Australia is very far from home, but it made me that much independent knowing I could do it on my own.

Would you recommend the program to other students?
YES! Queensland is such an amazing place and university. Live on campus. Embrace everything. Explore the country. You will come back having the best semester you could have never even imagined.

Visit the International Academic Programs website to learn more about the exchange program with Queensland and other study abroad programs!