Name: Vincent Goode
Course: Economics with study abroad
Year of study: Four
Home/EU/International: Home
Host institution for study abroad: Monash University, Australia
On choosing Economics at Warwick
Warwick really impressed me with the quality of teaching, and seeing how enthusiastic staff were at an offer-holders day cemented my decision. The breath of the course also strongly appealed to me, especially the focus on developing STATA skills from first year. I was also attracted by just how active societies were at Warwick, and how many opportunities there were to hear renowned speakers.
On studying abroad
Ever since I decided not to take a gap year prior to my studies, I knew I wanted to study abroad. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture, whilst broadening your horizons through further study. Prior to my year abroad, any queries I had were dealt with and I felt extremely prepared before leaving to Australia. I also received advice from my personal tutor once we discussed my decision to go abroad. In Australia, I had constant communication with Warwick and have been able to deal with any issues extremely quickly.
It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture.
Monash has a separate Econometrics Department which has enabled me to study modules with strong theoretical approaches. Also, it’s been extremely exciting to further delve into Macroeconomics in a country that was relatively unscathed by the financial crisis, and to notice how perspectives are different as a result.
Academically, adjusting to a system with exams at the end of each term has required a more consistent workload. Furthermore, studying humanities based subjects alongside economics modules has forced me to adapt to a completely different style of working. On a personal level, spending time in Australia has exposed me to an extremely active lifestyle. I’ve enjoyed taking part in new activities, from obtaining my SCUBA license to learning to surf. I’ve also enjoyed the chance to meet people from different backgrounds, and adjust to life in a vibrant city.
I spent 5 weeks of the Australian summer travelling roughly 15,000km in a second hand car.
My overall year abroad highlight was spending 5 weeks of the Australian summer travelling roughly 15,000km in a second hand car. We spent nights camping in remote outback towns, before finally making it to the top of the East Coast. From there, we worked our way back to Melbourne, taking in all the sights along the way. This was topped off by spending our last night on the summit of Mt. Oberon, taking in one of the most spectacular sunsets I’ve seen.
On the Warwick Economics experience
Since beginning my course at Warwick over 3 years ago, I’ve been exposed to new and exciting experiences that I never would have dreamt possible. From having the chance to work as a Research Assistant, to listening to talks from Nobel Laureates George Akerlof and Eric Maskin, Warwick has opened multiple doors for me.
Economics has been brought to life by experts who go out of their way to engage with students. I’ve been lucky enough to find myself on the other side of the world continuing my studies, and I’m looking forward to using all my experiences in my 4th year.