BA (Hons) Events & Leisure Marketing student Jana Saastamoinen went on a study exchange semester in Macau and was shortlisted in the Institute for Tourism Studies’ 2018/19 Honours List due to her academic performance while doing a semester in Macau. The Institute for Tourism Studies Macau is the main mobility partner for BU Events Management students, with the collaboration between the two institutions spanning many other areas including joint research, publications and conferences.

“I am fairly outgoing and love jumping at every opportunity that pushes my boundaries.

I wanted to spend six months studying in Asia because it was a part of the world I hadn’t really travelled to before and this seemed like the perfect way to emerse myself into a different culture. I decided to go to Macau because it was a country I knew nothing about and it seemed like a place I wouldn’t normally visit, so why not just move there for the experience.

Before leaving, I was really nervous about the language barriers, finance and making friends because I didn’t know anyone before moving there. All of this was for nothing as I ended up having the best half year of my life. I made friends for life, travelled a lot and learnt so much about Asia as well as about myself.”

“My time in Macau was the best time of my life. I made so many close friends and fell in love with the culture. Being so far from home also teaches you a lot about yourself and puts everything in perspective.”

“I think everyone should go a study exchange because in addition to it being a great addition to your CV, it’s amazing for the experience, personal growth, adventures and networking. After spending six months in Macau, I am a lot more confident, outgoing and learned so much. I believe that now I am ready for anything and can go do my placement with a fresh perspective.”

Read more of Jana’s blog.