Hi guys,
I have been accepted at both Michigan and Sydney (one semester, exchange). I would prefer Sydney over Ann Arbor, but I get the feeling Michigan is a more prestigious/better university that has a higher position in the rankings.
I’m from Europe and study International studies/international relations.
Every help is appreciated as I’m kinda lost (really can’t decide lol), thanks a lot!!
Cheers
Michigan and Sydney are not that far apart in rankings. If it’s the semester that starts in January, I’d go with Sydney. Michigan will be very cold and snowy.
I agree. Michigan only if it is for the September-December term. Sydney otherwise.Also beware that the drinking age in Michigan us 21…so a lot of the bars and fun at Michigan will not be legally accessible if you are under 21.
I think a lot depends on the academic calendar. Michigan Fall semester runs Sept-Dec, Winter Jan-April. Sydney Semester 1 runs March -Mid June. Semester 2 runs Late July-Nov. I expect the Michigan academic calendar will fit better with your current university.
Overall, Michigan is a better ranked school but they are roughly the same in international relations.
I don’t think that the school ranking should be a huge factor in choosing a college for an exchange as it is only for one semester – I’d go to the location that interests you most.
What do you want from your experience?
Since you study international relations, is your area of focus more Northern America or the Pacific area?
In terms of weather, what semester would you be going?
I highly recommend Michigan for the fall semester.
If you seek an intellectual and academic experience, Michigan is a better option. If you seek a lifestyle and social experience, go for fit, and it seems you prefer Sydney. Since it is for just one semester, I think Sydney makes better sense since it where your gut is telling you to go.
Which of those locations is a place you aren’t likely to visit otherwise?
Thanks a lot for the replies!!
You’re absolutely right that UMich might be a better choice academically speaking, especially since my area of specialization is North America. That makes me think I’d be stupid to refuse this uni.
However, the unique opportunity to (finally) go to Australia is pretty tempting as well. I’ve visited the US multiple times, never been to Australia. USyd does offer some interesting North America-related politics courses though (& it’s a pretty good university too!)
Weather: It’ll be the fall semester next year (or at least at UMich, in Australia it’d be a bit different but that is no problem for my schedule).
My mind says Michigan, my heart says Sydney.
Michigan is second to none in American Politics. And Ann Arbor is a pretty unique place. You can always visit Sydney, but it is unlikely you will ever visit Ann Arbor unless you go there as a student.
If your area of specialization if North America then Michigan would make the most sense…
Also: Football Season @ Michigan is a magical time.
I think either school will serve you well at the end of the day (I just had to vouch for my school).
You’re on an American forum with several loyal Michigan posters and nary an Australian or Sydney poster in sight…something to keep in mind while tallying responses. If you’re most interested in going to Australia, go! Study abroad is a time to explore a new environment. Sydney is a perfectly good school, and nobody is going to care where you studied abroad for a semester.
For some reason, my ears are burning! 
A fair and objective post? Not okay! Go Blue!
Went to Michigan and visited Sydney. I recommend you do the same.
warblesrule recommending another school over Michigan? That’s unusual, not! Trust your mind in this case…
My advice would be the same with respect to any American school, including those I’ve attended. I have nothing but respect for Michigan and a deep fear of the deadly fauna in Australia, LOL!
Fair enough warblersrule. However in this instance, since the OP is interested in studying North America, the best choice here is Michigan. The fall semester is also the best time to be in Ann Arbor.