Charlton Gunn - Exchange Alumni Testimonial

What motivated you to participate in an overseas experience?

I think an exchange for me was a great learning experience because there is a different culture while going overseas and it was a good excuse to do a bit of travel [too]. For example, throughout the semester, as well as afterwards, we travelled within America, and specifically California, San Francisco and LA; just to see how the big cities operated was incredible. 

Then, after [my] Exchange finished, [going] interstate in America was pretty awesome! Like for example, going to Texas and trying Texas Barbecue was very unique. I think that first bite of the brisket was the best bite I’ve ever had. In general, it was really a great opportunity just to learn a different culture.

Which study period did you go overseas in?

I went overseas on exchange in Semester 2, 2023.

The Study Period corresponded quite well with the Study Period in Australia. I had a bit of a longer break during the middle of the year, and then worked a tiny bit longer than the students in Australia if they [had] completed their Semester 2 studies.

Why did you choose the University of California, Davis (Law)?

UC Davis… If you want the honest opinion of why I chose UC Davis, it was kind of random because I was on the Study Overseas website and I saw a bunch of different exchange options. I saw the word, ‘California’ and I was like, ‘oh my gosh, California would be just completely incredible’!

So, I didn’t look into the academics of UC Davis or really like where it was actually located in California… I just saw California and knew that it’s quite an incredible place in terms of economy, having San Francisco and LA, as well as a lot of cool beaches as well. It kind of persuaded me to go to UC Davis.

What was the highlight of your exchange experience?

The highlight of my exchange experience was meeting people who are now really close friends from all around the world. I [now] have quite close friends from Pakistan, from Denmark and the UK, and other places as well. Hopefully we’ll stay in contact, and I mean, learning about the different cultures, not only in the US but also in the countries where the other Exchange people are from was pretty incredible.

What was the biggest takeaway from your experience?

Well, I think the biggest takeaway was in the fraternity that I joined. There were a number of events that we did throughout the semester, and everyone became a lot closer throughout the semester. So, I think the takeaway of doing events to bring people closer together and create a really positive culture is quite impactful.

What is something you wish you knew before going overseas?

I wish I knew how expensive California was!

Do you have one piece of advice you would tell other people who are going on exchange?

I have two pieces of advice…

One piece of advice is with finances and trying to pay for the exchange. I think renting out my room was a good option for me because it was effectively like a swap. I would rent out my room in Adelaide and then I would rent a room in California and there wasn’t too much of a difference between the two in terms of price.

And the last piece of advice is to probably ask yourself, “What do you have to lose by going on exchange?” I think there’s a lot more to gain than to lose. I mean… I had a great experience!