Hello, my name is Dahrian Bowe and I was an exchange student at UniSC for the fall 2026 semester. 

I always knew I wanted to study abroad, and I fell in love with Australia in middle school while watching shows like Bondi Rescue and Crikey! It's the Irwins. I've always been meticulous about my decision academically, so I started looking at study abroad programs in Australia back during my first year at university.

Upon seeing the location of UniSC, the programs the university offered, and the fact that it was a nature preserve, I immediately knew I had to study there.

I went through a whole other USA university's study abroad program so I could specifically study at UniSC. When I make up my mind about something important, I will do any and everything to fulfill it.

My favorite part about studying at UniSC was the courses. I got the once in a lifetime opportunity to take the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Studies while studying at UniSC and I learned so much about Aboriginal culture and history. It's something we're never taught in the USA and I knew very little about from looking into Australia.

I've never been a big history person and yet this is the course I would absolutely recommend all international students take to learn more about your host country.

My international friends and I were never bored, there was always something going on. And if we wanted to change up our scenery, we'd take a weekend trip into Brisbane and visit museums and zoos like the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. 

The Sunshine Coast was the premier spot to study abroad. No matter what, there was always something to do along the coast, from beach day activities to local live music in the afternoon at so many different venues, all afternoon.

There were also a lot of opportunities because of not only the Sunshine Coast, but UniSC's distance to Brisbane City. I had another once in a lifetime opportunity as I was studying photography at UniSC as one of my courses, and I was allowed the chance to come down and shoot the Brisbane Lightning professional ice hockey team as a one-time volunteer.

I've been shooting sports, more specifically ice hockey, since I was in high school, but this was the first time I ever got to photograph a professional sports team. I'm so privileged to have gotten this opportunity thanks to UniSC.

The experience on campus was also wonderful. The events organised by the Student Guild was a highlight of mine and my fellow international students' weeks. From the trivia nights to the game nights, there was always something to do.

I've lived in all kinds of locations from cities to rural to suburbs, but I've never lived in a place quite as special as the Sunshine Coast.

My advice...

One piece of advice I'd give future international students considering UniSC is to take the leap. Come to a school where you get to study while watching kangaroos on campus and whose education is out of this world. And for international students already at UniSC and are homesick and second guessing it all; join a club on campus, meet new friends, invite people to the beach, and don't forget how hard you fought to get to such a wonderful school.

My biggest tip, don't wait or hesitate. Because, all of this is over so, so quickly and you won't want to go back home and second guess how you spent your time in Australia and at UniSC.

If you want to go hike in Noosa, go take that hike. If you want to learn how to surf in Kings Beach, learn how to surf. If you want to go into Brisbane for something as small as a market, take the trip. Don't waste time on missing home when your time in such a beautiful country and wonderful school will be over in the blink of an eye. 

Most of all, don't be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. There's nothing wrong with wanting or needing support in a new country.