The Other Side of the World and Back

Last winter I sat on a plane for 22 hours straight and traveled to the other side of the world. I went to the land down under also known as Australia. Making the decision to study abroad was the best decision of my life. Living in another country changed my life, allowed me to become more independent, and prepared me for life after college.

I took part in many excursions that left an imprint on my life and participated in activities that tested my limits and pushed my mind. I also learned more about Australia and the Aboriginal culture, which is the oldest living culture in the world, through classes at the University of Wollongong.

Studying abroad forced me to step out of my comfort zone. I started over in a new place without the friends and family I was surrounded with the majority of my life. I was truly on my own and had limited communication back home. I was able to learn more about myself through traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing new things on my own. Aside from changing my life and gaining independence, studying abroad also prepared me for the future.

Taking classes overseas and experiencing a new way of life prepared me for life after college. I learned to adapt and do things that I was not used to doing. I was placed in a classroom with completely different standards of education and different teaching methods. This adaptation is similar to life after college when I step foot into my first job. At my first job I will face a change in routine, obey different rules, and do tasks I am not familiar with.

Studying abroad was the best decision of my life and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to experience the beautiful country of Australia. Australia changed my life and I will always consider Australia my second home.

I have also included a link to a newsletter published by the program I traveled through to Australia. I wrote this article about my spring break trip to Fraser Island and the Whitsunday Islands in Australia.