Opportunities are indeed everywhere, it is either you work hard to grab them or you just don't. You just can't utter your wishes from your mouth and hoping someone will come and give them to you. That is definitely not how life works. Stop dreaming mates, WAKE UP!

I started searching for all the opportunities UTM could offer me starting from those days before I entered UTM - right after UPU results were released. Right after I decided to stay in UTM (you could read my last post about this), umi (my mom) would constantly remind me on getting more details about UTM exchange program opportunity.

After the mid semester holidays of my 1st semester, I already start gaining more and more information on exchange program actively through the website. After discussing with my mum, I deciding on choosing Australia (I prefer UK tho, but the exchange rate make me think zillion of times). 

Before I even go to UTM International - based on the information on the website, these are some initiatives I took. The deadline for the application was in the first week of 2nd semester.

Firstly, I surveyed on UTM partner universities in Australia. I chose University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Then my mum and I started counting the expected living cost. After we realised that staying in campus would be freaking expensive, we decided to search for other accommodation alternatives and Malaysian Hall was the best offer that time. I emailed Malaysian Hall to get more info on the fees and rental for the living cost calculation. We also look up on the transportation costing. I still remember one fine day after class, my mum called me telling me that if I were to stay in Malaysia Hall, I need to take bus numbered 372 to university everyday. (She googled and street viewed everything - cause I have the coolest mum).We intended to minimize every expenses as possible. Then, I looked through the potential subjects those could be credit transferred - this includes finding, comparing and listing the similar subjects as well as printing out the subject outlines. I created my program proposal (is was a requirement back then) and filled up the application form after feeling quite satisfied with everything.

Then, I went to the UTM International.

Since everything was almost done, I went to UTM to clear up my doubts on several issues such as: 

Can I still apply if I don't even have any result yet and the deadline is before my 1st semester's result?

Yes, you could but you need to send to UTM International your result as soon as you get it.

Do I need IELTS or it would be consider enough as 'successfully completed no less than the equivalent of one year full-time study taught in English' if I am applying now but I'm going on my 3rd Semester?

IELTS is an English requirement depending on the exchange university (In my case, i don't need too). If I am applying for my 3rd semester I am eligible to be considered as completed no less than the equivalent of one year full-time study taught in English.

How much would I get from UTM?

Up to RM10 000 depending on the country. (I don't get that much tho XD)

I also reconfirm on the steps needed before and after submitting the application form. 

1) Meet up with Academic Advisor

I was lucky enough, my academic advisor, Mr Shah was indeed very helpful. The moment I told him my plan in applying for exchange program, he helped me tonnes throughout the process.

2) Confirm the subjects with the subject coordinators

So after the Semester 1 finals, Mr Shah helped me out with this process. From one lecturer to another, we tried getting subject verification for credit transfer purpose. After getting some confirmation, then we proceeded with the application process.

3) Recommendation from Academic Advisor

Then, I gave the application form to Mr Shah. Sadly, it was already time for me to go back to my hometown, so it would be hard for me tho to continue the process. He helped me again by giving it straight to the faculty for the next step after filling up the recommendation part. I told him that I will try to come back after my conference to take the form back after dean approval.

4) Approval from Dean

When I was at the conference, I received a call from UTM International that they received my application form but it was incomplete because the attachments weren't there. Obviously, because I was suppose to go back to UTM, get the form from my faculty, compile it with the attachments and send the complete form to UTM International. So, I told the officers the miscommunication issue, so I send the attachments when I entered my 2nd semester.

5) Application review / Interview by UTM International

The next thing I knew was my application was already being approved by UTM International and the status was 'waiting for confirmation from UTS'. I skipped the interview part because there were not many applicants. 

6) Wait confirmation from UTS

Then I received email from UTS asking me to proceed with online application. I proceeded with the application and waited for months before getting the offer letter (I received these almost at the end of Semester 2). 

P/S: I will continue the story starting from the day I received the offer letter - pretty soon. XD