Hi everyone!
I'm Swedish and I have been accepted to Iowa State University (USA) for Civil Engineering. But also to University of Technology, Sydney (Australia). I need to decide the next 2 days.
Sydney is of course a lot more fun, good communications, good climate, more "european" and I can do both Bachelor of Business AND bachelor of Civil Engineering at the same time. But Australia as whole feels more isolated from the rest of the world (Europe and USA).
Iowa State University is very good for engineering (I've heard/read). But Iowa and the city Ames looks and feels like a dead town not a living city, and there is no good public transportation (=need a car?)
I just can't decide....I LOVE USA, but I'm afraid I won't like living in Iowa for so many years, and that I won't find any internships/work during/after. If Australia wasn't so isolated I wouldn't even think about it, but...
Choose or Lose: What would you rather give up: eyeshadow primer vs ::
Choose or Lose: What would you rather give up: eyeshadow primer vs. foundation? Choose or Lose: Do you write down what looks youve done?
http://www.temptalia.com/choose-or-lose-what-would-you-rather-givadow-primer-vs-foundationHOME |
/DaSwede
In a way, America is the isolated country, not Australia. It borders only Canada and Mexico.
Australia is close to Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, etc., etc.
There are lots of things to consider, but I wouldn't let Australia's geographic location put me off.
(I'm a Canadian who studied for a year in the UK)
i vote Sydney
(but i am kinda biased because i've always wanted to go...)
I've traveled quite a bit in Australia as well as USA, so maybe I can help you decide. However, since you are going there to study, your priority should be in getting a good education. But let's consider:
1. Travel. Sydney is more cosmopolitan, you'll be able to make more friends, especially those from Asia. Yes, Iowa/small town can be boring, but you have the whole of the US to explore during your time off. Compared to the US, Australia, has less to see/experience although it is just as different coming from Sweden. It is partly because the population of Australia is small. I''ve been to Sweden and find the people cosmo as well, so I do not think you will lose out if you give Sydney a miss. Anyway, I think Swedes are more exposed to USA culture (albeit dated), so there's definitely kinship there to explore.
2. What do your potential employers think of your degrees? I think it is best to speak to a few people in the industry to find out. Just look up a few big firms and talk to their HR. Or get some contacts from an industry magazine and beg time with them.
3. Being an alma mater of a uni matters. Have any heroes of yours in civilE come from either U? Besides pride of association, there's also the business network eventually after you graduate. If a few big industry names come from your uni, so much the better. importantly, are the institutions still teaching cutting-edge knowledge?
4. Although I would encourage anyone to do a double degree, in your case, you can leave the business side of things alone and concentrate on your CivilE. Save your energy to do well enough for a Masters. As for business skills, you can pick up an MBA later. You'll learn current stuff and higher order management skills/knowledge; perhaps even an MBA that is relevant to your industry. (By then, you would have some work experience and is ready to move into Management).
5. You might also want to check out the size of foreign student population at Iowa State. That might make living/studying there a bit more interesting. Do the same for its surrounds, neighbouring unis, etc.
In the US, there's quite a bit of fraternalisation between unis.
6. Another consideration is where do you want to work after graduation? Back in the late 90s thru to the early 00s, there was a construction boom in Asia, esp in resort building. Then, an exposure to Asia really helped. Now, China and India are leading the way (for some years yet). Perhaps eyeballing a major (Swedish or American or Australian) company in these industries can help you decide how and where you want to be trained.
It is not my position to tell you how to enjoy your uni years. But I think a quality education matters more at this stage.
Hope this helps.
 Where's The Advantage In Windows Genuine Advantage?
 Stocks Bounce After S&P Joins Bear Market
|
What would you rather choose?