By Michelle Heesen

UniSC’s campus is beautiful, modern, and uniquely situated within a protected reserve. Seeing kangaroos hop across campus between lectures was surreal every single day, and they quickly became the sweetest and most unexpected “classmates” I could imagine.

The academic system was quite different from what I was used to in Switzerland. Instead of final exams at the end of the semester, we had four courses with two assignments each throughout the term. This meant a higher workload during the semester, but no stressful exam phase at the end. The courses themselves were refreshingly different from my finance-focused background. I took subjects such as Managing Across Global Cultures, exploring global leadership and intercultural challenges, and Innovation by Design, which emphasized creativity, problem-solving and idea development. Stepping outside my finance specialization definitely broadened my perspective and strengthened my international business skills.

Adding to this, the professors at USC were incredibly approachable, helpful, and genuinely invested in our success. The university also went out of its way to support international students, organizing events and networking opportunities that made it easy to connect and build friendships. I quickly met students from all over the world, which made the semester feel very welcoming.

Life on the Sunshine Coast itself was just as remarkable as university life. Australians start their days early, often around 5 a.m., with running, surfing, gym sessions, or coffee. The lifestyle is active, outdoor-oriented, and relaxed at the same time. Evenings were often spent at the beach, watching sunsets, enjoying barbecues, and sharing stories with friends. With its own airport, the Sunshine Coast made traveling simple. During the semester, I flew to the Whitsunday Islands, Melbourne, and Sydney, while Brisbane was only about an hour’s drive away, perfect for spontaneous city trips. Having beaches, nature, and vibrant cities all within reach made every weekend an adventure.

Looking back, this semester was far more than an academic experience. It was a personal milestone. Living on the other side of the world, adapting to a new system and building an international network pushed me beyond my comfort zone – in the best possible way. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and can recommend the programme 100%. If you have the chance to study abroad, especially somewhere far away, take it – it might become one of the most formative experiences of your life.

Do you have questions about the Master’s program in International Financial Management or would you like to learn more about your options in this program? Then take part in one of our information events and get all the important information firsthand.

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Autorin: Michelle Heesen

Michelle Heesen completed her Master’s degree in International Financial Management at HSLU. She currently works in M&A and consulting, focusing on corporate finance, transaction advisory, and strategic financial analysis.