Ebba Jakobsson - Exchange Testimonial
Ebba Jakobsson completed her exchange at the University of Adelaide in Semester 1, 2023. While a 3rd year Law student a Lund University in Sweeden, Ebba has expanded her studies outside of her home study area during her time in Adelaide. This included studying courses that focus on Indigenous Knowledge, History, Criminology and Philosophy.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Adelaide as an Exchange student?
I wanted to experience another country’s culture and get the chance to live abroad. I choose the University of Adelaide because of the high quality of education that was provided at the University.
What did you like most about Adelaide?
I like the closeness to the beaches, the parks surrounding the city and the walking paths along the Torrens River. It's easy to navigate Adelaide as you can easily walk around the city or take the bus or tram to go to Henley or Glenelg beach. The best places to shop and eat would be around Rundle Mall. But, there also are also great restaurants around Hindley Street and Currie Street. In my spare time, I usually walked around the city with friends, went to the cinema, or explored new restaurants or bars around the city.
I also really enjoyed the campus at North Terrace. It’s easy to get around and you can always find a place to study at. In particular, I really liked studying at the old part of the library, the Barr Smith Reading Room.
Historic Elder Hall.
What did you enjoy about your academic experience?
I enjoyed learning new things about the Australian culture and new subjects that I haven’t studied before. The academic structure was different in comparison to my home university. At Lund University, I only study one course at a time. We also almost only have one exam which is 100% of our grade. At the University of Adelaide, I undertook four courses at the same time and had a lot of quizzes and assignments that were scattered over the semester. In addition, the University of Adelaide offers different clubs, such as sport which my University at home doesn’t have to the same extent.
Have you made many friends? If so, how did you meet them?
I have met a lot of international and some Australian friends. I mostly met my international friends during O’week and my Australian friends during my different courses.
Sunset by the River Torrens.
What are your top 3 favourite things about being a University of Adelaide student?
1. Felt very welcomed by staff and students
2. O’week, because I met all my friends there
3. That the University is located next to the nature and river.
What type of accommodation did you choose to live in?
I choose to live at Scape which is a student accommodation located in the city centre. Before coming to Adelaide, I did some research and mostly googled different student accommodations options. I enjoyed the closeness of the accommodation to the University and the different facilities that the accommodation offered. But the rent is not as affordable as I am used to.
What has been the highlight of your exchange experience?
The highlight of my exchange has been all the new friends I’ve made from all over the world. The most unique things I’ve noticed is all the different birds and the flying foxes. I’ve never seen such big bats before coming here.
Hiking through the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens in the Adelaide Hills.
Tell us about your most challenging experience since your time here. What was the hardest adjustment you had to make?
The hardest adjustment must be that the traffic drives on the left side and not on the right. But also, that the stores close at 5pm and cafés at around 2pm which is very different from Sweden. Before coming here, I wish I knew that the winter can be colder than you think, so pack a few extra warm sweaters.
How has your exchange prepared you for the future?
I’ve become more confident as a person and learned more about myself in the past few months while living in Australia. The most valuable things I’ve learned so far is that you can survive in a new country and that it can be scary, but that you’re not the only one feeling that way. I’m now capable of handling different situations and scenarios better than before the exchange. But also, in understanding and appreciating the growth you make when you’re outside of your comfort zone.
Wall art in centre of the North Terrace Campus.
Tell us your thoughts on the benefits of completing an overseas program.
The benefits are how much you will grow as a person and learn about yourself. But also, that you will make so many new friends and visit some beautiful places in Australia.
Would you recommend an exchange experience at the University of Adelaide? If so, why?
I would highly recommend studying at the University of Adelaide because the quality of the University. South Australia as a destination has much to offer: the closeness to the beach, the nature, wineries and all the hikes you can do.