Marcus Raty, a 3rd year Engineering student from Griffith University, spent four weeks in the beautiful city of Prague, studying Global Leadership with other like-minded students from around the world. Marcus tells us more about this life-changing experience:
Hi Marcus! Could you please introduce yourself?
Hello! My name is Marcus and currently I am studying on exchange studying at KTH, or the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. At the moment I am in the third year of my Bachelor of Engineering, specialising in Electronic and Computer Engineering and currently thinking about what the future holds for me when I get back home to Australia and finish my degree.
Why did you choose to participate in AIM Overseas' Global Leadership in Prague?
I had not travelled much overseas before so the chance to travel and study at the same time was a big reason in choosing this course. Further to that I thought that the content of the course would be different to what I usually study in engineering and it would give me a chance to work on a different skill set.
Did you have any fears/concerns before doing the program?
As I was not use to the kind of essay writing and intensive readings that the program required that was really the one thing that I was a bit nervous about coming into the program. I was worried that after three years of an engineering degree my brain was more wired for math and science, however I found the work really exciting and rewarding. I truly surprised myself with my ability to adapt to a completely different work environment.
Tell me about a typical day during the program.
A typical day would be waking up at about 7am and getting ready for class. Having morning class was good because it meant that I was forced to get up early to get the most out of the day, and it also meant that I was able to speak to some family and friends back home as mornings were when the timezones aligned the best. From home I would spend until about 2pm at school, first having Global Business and then with Philosophies of Leadership. After lunch I would usually get most of the readings and homework done for the next day and still have many sunlit summer Czech hours to explore the city and do things with friends.
Marcus and friends taking a dip
How has this program affected you, either personally or professionally?
Personally, I think that the program has given me so much more faith in myself. As I said I was worried about doing courses that were really different to the norm for me. However I really surprised myself with what I was able to do and how truly adaptable I am. I know now that I should give myself more credit next time!
Further to this I believe that through showing I am able to be adaptable in this way I have increased my future employability. Through attending the GLP program you really show that you are willing to through yourself in the deep end and do a job really well.
What was the highlight of the program for you?
The highlight of the program for me was meeting a group of like-minded people, not just the students but also the student leaders and the teachers themselves. Travelling in Europe in summer was an unforgettable experience but any travel is really highlights by the friends and the people you meet. Not only did the group of GLP make my time in Prague unforgettable but it was also inspiring to meet a group of students with such a positive and interesting outlook on life and education.
Aussie Aussie Aussie!
Do you have any funny travel stories you’d like to share?
This happened before I had even left Australia, as I had to catch a flight to Brisbane first and wait for my plane onto Prague. I had forgotten to charge my phone the night before in the rush that I was in and I had caught a really early morning flight into Brisbane in case it would be delayed. That meant I had seven hours in Brisbane airport with no phone, nothing to do! There are only so many hours you can go duty free shopping with a limited budget! Make sure you always charge your phone!
What would you say to somebody who’s thinking of doing the program?
Do it! At first you could be nervous about doing something totally different like it, but you need to give yourself a chance to surprise yourself with what you are capable of!
I totally understand that sometimes the process of studying abroad can be tedious with lots of steps and essays and forms, but the experience is totally worth it; once you are there you won't remember the forms or essays you will remember the amazing time you had with all your new friends!
Thanks Marcus!
More swimming pics...
These guys certainly took advantage of the glorious European summer!
This program runs every year in the July uni holidays. To find out more about this program or to apply, please go to our website: www.aimoverseas.com.au or email us on info@aimoverseas.com.au
Join us on Facebook for more photos, travel tips and updates: www.facebook.com/aimoverseas
Posts
