From heroics to hailing Norwich: Australian trio reflect on their UEA exchange fortnight
By: Communications
Three Australian students who hit the headlines when they rescued a broken-down car and driver on the A11 last year have spoken of their fondness for UEA.
Axel Blitzman, Ace Lin and Lachlan Salvador visited UEA last October from Deakin University, Australia, for a two-week exchange of learning and living in Norwich.
Their visit started off with a bang, when the Aussie trio came to the heroic rescue of a broken-down car and driver on the A11, shortly after they stepped off a 23-hour flight to the UK – a story which saw them appear in local newspapers.
Almost a year later, they have been talking about how their time at UEA impacted them, their final impressions of Norwich, and their memories of making a splash in the Norwich Evening News.
Axel Blitzman said: “Everyone in Norwich was so welcoming and easy to talk to, both inside of UEA and any strangers we met along the way. This exchange opportunity really gave me a lot of insight into what I enjoy, both personally and for a career path.
“Over my two weeks in Norwich, I learnt how to use the skills I'd gained over my course and put them into practice during the consultancy experience. I also learnt a surprising amount about mustard working with Condimentum. I'm now currently aiming to start a social environmental start-up as I'm majoring in entrepreneurship, to do some good for the local community and have a positive impact.â€
On his time in the Norwich headlines: “News made it home pretty quickly since the situation was quite amusing. It still gets brought up by mates whenever we drive by a car with their hazards on – it doesn’t bother me too much though! Since I’ve been back home, I’ve mostly just been helping strangers with directions.â€
Ace Lin said: “The staff at UEA really helped me come out of my shell during my time there. I gravitate towards being quiet and more reserved, but the staff here guided me to being more proactive and not afraid to speak up. I hoped that going all the way out to the other side of the world would be a bit of a confidence booster for me, and I feel that I achieved what I set out to do.
“Although it was a different country, I think the comfortable atmosphere in Norwich put me at ease. The cobblestone paths and older architecture were also a highlight – in Australia, we don't have that many old buildings and it was fascinating to see places that look like they've come from a movie. Two weeks felt like such a short stay and whizzed by, I would love to come by and visit again someday. I always tell people about the Avengers Headquarters fact when I tell them about my time studying there.
On his time in the Norwich headlines: “It's really exciting to be on the news in the first place. Everyone was quite shocked, especially since it happened as soon as we landed in the UK. I’ve not done anything newsworthy since I’ve been back, however I do think that small acts of kindness go a long way and that the world can do with a little less blue. So, if you have the chance, please support your local community.â€
Lachlan Salvador said: “I decided to come to UEA because it looked like a really fun experience that I would remember for a lifetime. I really liked how friendly the people were at UEA and how I could see the whole of Norwich on one bus ride. I made heaps of new friends, had a lot of fun, and watched my first ever Lacrosse game. I also studied and got a high Distinction grade for my course work.
“Oh yeah, and I pushed a car on a freeway and became famous for five minutes! I have told the entire world this story and even my girlfriend on our first date. I reckon that’s what won her over honestly. Who wouldn’t want to date a Norwich hero?â€
For more information about visiting and outgoing Study Abroad programmes available at UEA, visit the Study Abroad and Exchange webpage.
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