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UWA student keen for Global Exchange in the UK to challenge and ‘push boundaries’

24 January, 2020

As a lover of old buildings and ghost stories, University of WA student Toby Joske couldn’t wait to explore Queens University during her two-month UK exchange.

“The Bader International Study Centre campus is located at the historic Herstmonceux Castle and I’m excited to see the grounds,” the 24-year-old Floreat resident said.

Ms Joske, who is studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in linguistics and philosophy, embarked on Global Exchange through the McCusker Centre for Citizenship in late December 2019.

During her exchange, she will be conducting research into the experiences of poverty and homelessness in Perth and England.

Ms Joske said she chose to do an exchange with the Centre because she had such a great experience when she completed an internship at the St Patrick’s Community Support Centre in 2019.

“The global exchange gives me the opportunity to learn more about some interests that were sparked during my first internship, including the social issue of homelessness, social inclusion, policy, and not for profits and community work in general, as well as hopefully some completely new areas,” she said.

“The exchange seemed like a perfect fit for me, while also something that will be challenging and push my boundaries, which is when I really find personal growth.”

From a personal and educational perspective, Ms Joske said she was looking forward to learning more about various social issues in an “applied way” and tying it back to a theoretical perspective.

“I’m excited to meet and learn from both the local and university community, and get some hands on experience learning about the differences in community work in the UK as compared with what I’ve learned about it in Perth,” she said.