By Michelle Mills
Two QUT journalism students will swap a tropical Queensland summer for a chilling winter in Norway, after being awarded a $5000 scholarship each towards their student exchange.
Louise Wallace and Lachlan Brown will spend a semester at Oslo University College starting in January 2008 and at that time of year, average temperatures are minus 7 degrees celsius!
They will study journalism practise in the Nordic countries and Europe, learn the basics of the Norwegian language and have ample opportunity to explore the Scandinavian country.
The scholarships were offered under the Endeavour Awards scheme run by the Australian Government, and are one of more than 40 scholarships each year offered to QUT students undertaking student exchanges.
Louise said the upcoming opportunity feels “surreal” and she’s excited to travel somewhere which seems so far away.
“I’m looking forward to something totally different and meeting new people, gaining new life experiences,” the 23-year-old said.
“I think studying is one of the best ways to meet people.”
Lachlan, 20, is thrilled about his first trip out of Australia and the chance to touch snow in an arctic country.
“I’ve never been in the snow before and I’d like to try skiing. I’ve seen pictures of the fjords [glacial valleys] and it all looks so beautiful,” Lachlan said.
Both Louise and Lachlan have an interest in music which they hope to combine with their journalism skills in their future careers.
Louise currently writes and reads the news headlines for 4zzz, an independent community radio station, while Lachlan enjoys feature writing and hopes to write reviews and stories for music magazines.
Both students are extremely grateful for the scholarships which have eased the financial burden and enabled them to experience a trip of a lifetime.
If you're interested in spending a semester overseas visit the Student Exchange website for information on destinations and scholarships.
Both domestic and international students are eligible to do a student exchange as part of their degree. | 
