Kintan, a semester exchange student from Case Western Reserve University at the quadrangle

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A semester exchange at the University of Sydney

15 August 2024

A global experience involving internship, language and culture.

Kintan Silvany, a semester exchange student from Philadelphia, USA, talks about her life in Sydney, her professional internship placement, Indonesian language studies, and top tips for future students.

Kintan in front of Case Western Reserve University, USA — Kintan is a semester-exchange student from Case Western Reserve University, USA.

The University of Sydney offers diverse international exchange opportunities with partner institutions, welcoming students from around the world to undertake short-term, semester and year-long study abroad programs in Sydney.

Kintan Silvany studied for a semester at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences as an exchange student from a partner university, Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, USA, in 2024. During her semester exchange, she gained professional placement experience (an internship through ARTS2600), reconnected with her cultural heritage through Indonesian language and culture classes, and embraced Australian University life while exploring Sydney. We caught up with Kintan to ask about her experience studying with us.

What inspired you to undertake a semester exchange program at the University of Sydney?

Kintan smiles at the quadrangle, the University of Sydney — Kintan in the University of Sydney quadrangle.

"What initially attracted me was the opportunity to study the Indonesian language. Taking a language course was a requirement for my major, but the Indonesian language was not offered at either my university or any other universities in my area in the States. The idea of building a bridge to my culture really appealed to me.

Another point was the idea of interning in Sydney. The flexible option of undertaking an internship in January intensive also allowed me to have a much more flexible schedule during the semester."

What are your top 3 highlights of studying at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences?

"My first highlight is being connected and seeing Indonesian culture in academia through Youth and Language in Asia and Indonesian Studies units. These units enabled me to build a bridge with my culture while also gaining cultural immersion experience. My second highlight is watching the Australian Football League (AFL) games with my Sports and Learning in Australian Culture unit. I never realised that sports can be so political until I learned about it from my professor. Finally, my internship at the Asylum Seekers Centre in the ARTS2600 unit was also an exciting and rewarding aspect of studying at the Faculty."

Tell us about your internship experience in Sydney.

Kintan at the Asylum Seekers Centre, where she interned in Sydney.

"Working at the Asylum Seekers Centre in Sydney was an amazing intern experience. It helped me learn the similarities and differences between the immigration systems in the US and Australia and build a deeper connection with the local community. Having community lunches with my clients and learning about their journeys was a highlight of my internship. I continued volunteering with the Asylum Seekers Centre for my entire time in Sydney, even after completing my internship."

What is it like to study overseas as the first in your family?

"I am proud of myself for being the first in my family to study overseas, especially knowing that I achieved it through a scholarship. My parents attended University before they immigrated to the States, and I never had the chance to travel overseas in my childhood due to our financial constraints. I am grateful to be selected as the recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and the Voyager Scholarship: The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service which made the semester exchange opportunity possible."

What does your typical week look like as an exchange student in Sydney?

Kintan with her friends in Sydney — Kintan enjoys her weekends with her friends in Sydney.

"I enjoyed the well-balanced mix of internship, studies, volunteering, and social life. By completing the internship unit in January intensive, I only had classes on Mondays and Fridays during the semester. Tuesdays were my volunteering days, that left Wednesdays and Thursdays for me to focus on my studies. I spent the weekend resting and relaxing with my friends. This structure really helped me balance everything."

What are your key takeaways from being on exchange at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences?

Kintan at the quadrangle, the University of Sydney — Kintan outside the quadrangle at the University of Sydney.

"I feel like it’s a life-changing experience that everyone should take advantage of. The professors here truly want the best for students and there are a wide range of units available which allowed me to take classes that truly interested me. My experience would not have been the same without my peers and professors, and I am truly grateful for them both. I have learned more about myself, and grown so much, and that's what I believe is important."

The exchange program has influenced many different aspects of my life. It’s a life-changing experience that everyone should take advantage of.

Kintan Silvany, semester-exchange student, USA

What tips would you give to anyone interested in an exchange program in Sydney?

"I would say to take up every opportunity that comes your way. I have never been in a more supportive environment while learning so much academically and about myself. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet new friends and explore new places. Just go for it!"