Caroline Poncet
Home country: France
Caroline Poncet was curious about Australia. She had heard good things about USC and decided to make the most of her home university’s cooperative partnership with USC.
“I chose to study at USC because this university was in partnership with my university (Universite de Savoie) in France. Moreover, the country itself was very attractive. I knew nothing about Australia and I was very curious to discover another culture,” Caroline says.
“I knew people who had already been at USC and on the Sunshine Coast, and they were very glad with this experience.”
Caroline loves the USC campus and its kangaroos!
“My favourite thing about USC is the campus itself. There are a lot of green spaces, and all is very well organised. Something wonderful for me is to be on the campus and see kangaroos there with me!”
She has enjoyed opportunities to share her French culture and language while at USC, participating in the USC Interact language program.
“I liked the experience of teaching French courses to Australians and people of other nationalities with the USC Interact language program,” she says.
“It was a really great activity, because people are very interested about your language, your culture and all that they can learn about your country.”
Caroline has noticed differences between the teaching and learning styles of France and Australia.
“The lectures are more dynamic in Australia. Students are really involved in the course and can speak with the teacher. Tutorial classes are smaller so it is easier to follow the teacher and participate actively in the course.”
“Another important difference is the availability of the teachers. You can always talk to them by mail or you can have an appointment with them. This is very helpful,” Caroline says.
An important academic difference is the style of referencing.
“The principal difference between study and learning methods in France and in Australia are the references. In Australia, they are very strict about the method of referencing.”
Caroline has discovered and enjoys the diversity of the Sunshine Coast and describes it as a ‘great place to live’.
“There are the beaches, which are beautiful. Then there is Mooloolaba, with a lot of restaurants. The Sunshine Plaza is a huge shopping centre where you can find anything you want, and there are several nightclubs - you can also find the zoo near the University,” she says.
“On the north there is Noosa, which is a very beautiful place with a natural park where you can see koalas! There are a lot of events such as the Noosa Jazz Festival in September, or sport events such as marathon in Mooloolaba.”
Caroline recommends USC for its academic quality, people and location.
“I recommend USC to others from France. This University is very good and offers a great choice of courses. Moreover, people are very kind and helpful. Last but not least, the location is wonderful…”