What if your study abroad experience could take you from the classroom to the Great Barrier Reef? Follow Alex and Rosa’s journey to understand why UNSW’s research is vital for preserving the world through our oceans.
For UK students Alex Chatwill and Rosa Fenhall, studying abroad at UNSW Sydney meant conducting climate research alongside leading scientists and gaining hands-on fieldwork experience at one of the world’s most iconic coral reef ecosystems.
Driven by a shared passion for understanding and protecting the natural environment, both students chose UNSW for its world-class research reputation, practical learning opportunities and unique location in Sydney.
“Growing up, it always felt like the climate crisis was ‘our’ problem to tackle, and for me, that message transpired into an interest in conservation and climate solutions,” says Alex.
As a postgraduate environmental science student at the University of Bristol, Rosa longed for an international experience that would challenge her academically while immersing herself in a new culture.
UNSW stood out for its global research reputation, hands-on approach to learning and the proximity of Sydney’s eastern suburbs and beaches.
“I found UNSW had a really good reputation for research, especially in climate and environmental sciences, which appealed to me as I want to continue in research after university,” says Rosa.
“I really enjoyed the flexibility of the degrees, where you can take a very wide range of courses, so you can explore your interests rather than specialising.
“The coastal location of the campus was another deciding factor; being so close to beaches like Coogee Beach where I could finish classes and go for a swim in the afternoon.”
For Alex, an undergraduate electrical and electronic engineering student at the University of Bristol, studying abroad offered the opportunity to combine international experience with access to world-leading academics and facilities.
UNSW's opportunities for field-based learning and research across Australia stood out most for Alex and Rosa.
Diving head-first into student life took them to Heron Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef, where they joined leading academics from the UNSW Centre for Marine Science and Innovation to investigate how climate change is affecting reef ecosystems.
The experience gave students a firsthand understanding of how coral reefs respond to changing environmental conditions and why research is critical to their future.
“There’s so much to be gained from witnessing the impact of global warming and ocean acidification first hand,” says Alex.
At Heron Island, students became part of a real-world research team, dividing work on projects across coral reef ecology, oceanography and environmental monitoring.
While ticking off a bucket list moment of snorkelling in the reef, Rosa explored how coral bleaching affects marine animal behaviour and reef biodiversity.
“We monitored both healthy and dead corals using GoPros fixed to the sea floor and recorded how different fish species interacted with the corals, whether that was feeding or using them as shelter,” she says.
The experience helped students develop practical research skills including field sampling, data collection, scientific analysis, hypothesis development and presenting findings.
Students were given creative freedom to present their findings, with Alex producing a documentary-style media report exploring the symbiotic relationship between the whitetip reef shark and slender suckerfish.
“This was an individual research assignment which allowed for endless diversity and creativity,” he says.
World-leading researchers tackling global environmental challenges.
Unique fieldwork opportunities like the Great Barrier Reef.
Practical, hands-on learning experiences from undergraduate level.
Advanced laboratories and research facilities.
Sydney's coastal environment and proximity to diverse marine ecosystems.
A global network of researchers and industry partners.
For Rosa, the experience extended well beyond the classroom and opened doors to a career in climate science.
By working alongside academics and researchers in the field, she gained valuable career insights, strengthened her professional network and explored future pathways in environmental research.
“It helped me gain hands-on experience working in a research environment, develop my fieldwork skills and build strong working relationships with my professors to understand different career paths in climate science,” she says.
After connecting with Prof. Sen Gupta on the trip, she secured a nine-month research internship at the UNSW Climate Change Research Centre, working on machine learning approaches to predict marine heatwaves.
“I’ve also been able to participate in other industry competitions for UNSW which helped me develop my coding and data analysis skills,” says Rosa.
One of the unanimous highlights of the trip was witnessing the abundance of marine life continues to thrive thanks to research taking place at Heron Island Research Station.
For Rosa, seeing threatened species such as loggerhead and green sea turtles in their natural habitat was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“To see so many of them in a safe nesting location like Heron Island made them my favourite animals. A close second was the huge stingrays that would rest close to the shoreline at night,” says Rosa.
The students also had the opportunity to take part in a professor-led night snorkel to see how the reef comes alive during dark hours.
“We got ready in our usual snorkelling gear, this time with glow sticks and waterproof flashlights. The wildlife activity in the water at night was astonishing."
“I saw a big grouper out hunting, along with several sharks and rays sleeping. The highlight was a huge barracuda!” – Alex
A green sea turtle spotlighted by students during the night dive. Photo: Richard Freeman, UNSW Sydney
Alex's favourite marine life in the reef – the Shovelnose Guitarfish. Photo: Richard Freeman, UNSW Sydney
A white tip reef shark on the hunt during dark hours. Photo: Richard Freeman, UNSW Sydney
Constellations visible over Heron Island. Photo: Richard Freeman, UNSW Sydney
After studying abroad at UNSW Sydney, Rosa now has life-long friends from around the world.
“Moving to the other side of the world at 21 is never easy, but the friendships I’ve formed have made it such a rewarding experience and I’ve been able to make Australia my second home.” – Rosa
For Alex, it’s the "Aussie" lifestyle of prioritising mental clarity, wellness and social connection that he will carry into his future life and career.
“Through my time in Sydney, I’ve really learned that it’s so valuable to get the most out of every experience. Waking up early for a sunrise is always worth it. Meeting new people at socials gives you connections across the world,” – Alex
From snorkelling alongside sea turtles at the Great Barrier Reef to contributing to real-world climate research, Alex and Rosa's experiences demonstrate how studying abroad with UNSW can take learning beyond the classroom.
“Ensure you complete your application forms on time and get organised with all the admin. It might seem like a long process to finalise visa, course choices and healthcare, but stick with it as it’s worth it. Prepare to be open-minded and become more comfortable in unfamiliar environments: for most people, Australia is very far from home,” says Alex.
“My advice would be to say yes to everything. UNSW has so many amazing academic and social opportunities and the campus and college culture is great, so take advantage of everything the university has to offer. Work can build up surprisingly quickly, so keep up with assignments and you can have more time to see Australia,” says Rosa
“The application process was straightforward, with queries concerning the academic year and course choices promptly addressed by the UNSW Study Abroad advisors. There were several welcome events and many ways to get to know other students and get your bearings on campus,” says Alex
“Prior to arriving at UNSW, the Exchange advisors were very helpful in helping me navigate choosing and enrolling in modules which I hadn’t had to do before,” says Rosa.
“Once we had arrived in Sydney, we had an induction day where they were very welcoming and gave us presentations with lots of advice about navigating cultural and social differences between Sydney and our home countries."
“We had many social events organised for us to help us settle in and meet other exchange and study abroad students very early on. It was where I made many of my friends,” says Rosa.
“The campus is huge and has everything you could need, from excellent sports facilities and restaurants to study and social spaces,” says Rosa.
“The facilities of the Biological and Earth Science Faculties are great and very well equipped. Most courses in the faculty require a few hours of lab work every week which I really enjoyed as it gave you time to interact with your professors and classmates and gain some practical hands-on experience,” says Rosa.
