Global Journeys, Lasting Connections: How the Student Exchange Programme Unites Cultures Through Learning

Students from across the globe gathered at Lecture Theatre 26, Taylor’s University, for the Student Exchange Programme (SEP), a vibrant initiative that promotes cross-cultural understanding and academic collaboration. The event provided a dynamic platform for students to exchange ideas, celebrate diversity, and forge international friendships. Featuring interactive workshops, cultural performances, academic discussions, and local excursions, SEP offered participants rich opportunities to immerse themselves in new cultures, languages, and perspectives.

A highlight of the event was the sharing of personal stories by students who had recently returned from their exchange programmes abroad. In Taiwan, one student reflected on adapting to a new culture and navigating modest yet affordable dormitories, recounting memorable moments such as promoting Milo to local friends and winning a short film competition. In Japan, a student described Kanazawa’s charm, the importance of learning Japanese, and her enjoyment of summer festivals, geisha performances, and the country’s quirky photobooth culture, despite gaining weight from the generous local cuisine.

Experiences in South Korea were mixed: while one student enjoyed the lively campus atmosphere, budget-friendly entertainment, and activities like Lotte World visits, another, based at Konkuk University, found the academic environment overly theoretical and faced challenges making local friends. At the Suwon campus, students appreciated the calmer pace, social bonding with mostly European peers, and the opportunity to travel to Busan and Jeju. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, a student shared insights from her time at a university five times the size of Taylor’s, noting the demanding academic environment, the difficulty of understanding the local accent, and offering practical tips such as using Revolut cards and preparing for visa requirements.

The event concluded with a networking session where students and organisers reflected on their journeys and discussed possibilities for future collaborations. Many expressed excitement about maintaining international friendships and applying their new global perspectives at home. With strong engagement and positive feedback, the Student Exchange Programme is set to expand further, connecting more students across borders and shaping a new generation of culturally aware, globally minded graduates.