Why did you decide to study abroad with GlobaLinks?
Ash: When I first began the process of choosing which program to study abroad with, I was completely overwhelmed with the seemingly countless options and didn’t know where to begin. I literally had 20 or so booklets and pamphlets spread out in front of me; I knew I wanted to study in Australia, and with an extensive list of programs at a huge number of universities, GlobaLinks (AustraLearn at the time I studied abroad) was a very possible choice for me.
When I further looked into what GLA offered, the booklets had a very user-friendly dot chart that listed every Australian university that GLA was partnered with and which courses of study were offered there. In addition to a wide variety of academic choices, the staff at GLA was second-to-none. No matter who I had to contact, whether about financial aid, housing plans, course registration, etc., everyone was genuinely interested in making my experience the best it could be.
What made this experience unique and special?
Ash: By far the most amazing part of my study abroad experience was my time at International House—my home-away-from-home for five months, and the place where I met the most incredible friends that I continue to stay in touch with. IH was like a second family to me, and having the opportunity to live with both local Aussies and international students from all over the world was incredible. I appreciate every aspect of culture so much more now, after being exposed to a global array of food, music, dancing, singing, religions, and holidays through the events held at IH during my semester abroad at UQ. As a resident of IH, I learned to row on the Brisbane River, tried pavlova for the first time, and dyed my hair bright red for a charity event, among numerous other things. But the most special part of IH was without a doubt the loving community I became a part of.
What was the best place you visited outside of your study abroad city?
Ash: Although Sydney is most certainly an amazing city and should be explored if one is visiting Australia for any reason, whether studying abroad or not, the most memorable (and by far the most fun) place I visited outside Brisbane was Roma. A six-hour drive inland, a group of my friends from International House spent a weekend at our friend Heidi’s house on an off-the-beaten-path, Outback adventure.
From four-wheeling in the rain to sliding down hills of ochre to night-shooting, I could not have imagined a more genuine Aussie experience. I’ve never had more mud caked onto my face in my entire life, yet I have never laughed more than I did that weekend. I would completely recommend making friends with locals, no matter where you choose to study abroad; that is how you’ll learn the most about your host country and its people, and you’ll gain a unique outlook on that country’s lifestyle—something you don’t necessarily always get when you just visit tourist attractions.
What is one piece of advice you'd give future GlobaLinks-Queensland students?
Ash: To any student that studies abroad with GlobaLinks at the University of Queensland, and to any student studying abroad for that matter, my most important piece of advice would be to try and do everything on your overseas bucket list. This is your time abroad, and you need to make it your own personal experience. I wanted to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef. I wanted to learn how to surf. I wanted to go Zorbing in New Zealand with my best friend from International House. And I did all these things and many more, because I wanted to shape my semester abroad into something I would never forget. Try to step out of your comfort zone and do things you might not necessarily do back home; don’t worry about looking stupid or failing. It was honestly a bit nerve-wracking when I first got on the surfboard; I didn’t know if I’d ever stand up or be able to catch a wave without the help of my instructor. But when I finally did it, it was the most freeing feeling in the world, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world.