Matt

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Taiwan. Bachelor of Business, Finance and Banking and International Business

I was very impressed by the assessment items at QUT. In Australian universities you are required to write reports, essays and prepare presentations as well as exams. In Taiwan the focus is on exams, exams, exams. However, you also have to do research in order to write assignments and essays, which make up a large part of your mark.

Teaching staff in Australia are much more available to students than in Taiwan and the level of interaction between students and lecturers is very high in Australia. In Australia you are often encouraged to form groups and work together with other students. Students are also required to give presentations, which was difficult for me at first. Although giving a presentation is quite difficult it is very beneficial.

Always seek advice and guidance from the staff at university. Regardless of whether your concern is academic or personal you should talk to a member of staff because they are very helpful. It is also a good idea to try to make Australian friends and to do this you need to go out and meet people. It doesn't help to just stay at home.

I was also very impressed with the facilities at QUT. The computer labs are really beautiful... it's almost like being in a coffee shop... the atmosphere is very nice and everything is designed to make the student feel comfortable.

Students are encouraged to express their opinion to management more than in Taiwan. For example, at the end of the course students are asked to fill out a survey on teaching performance and the quality of services provided by all staff at the university - this doesn't happen in Taiwan.