GlobaLinks - Study Abroad at University of Newcastle

It's usually around one's birthday or the holidays when they decide to inform their loved ones that they're going to study abroad. We're asked what we want for our birthday, and we respond--almost automatically-- MONEY! "I'm studying abroad!" Now everyone is in an ecstatic state of excitement, firing off one hundred and one questions: where are you going?; how long?; are you going with anyone?; where else are you visiting?; how excited are you? Needless to say, this initial moment and the moment you return to share all your stories are the two times people will be the most interested. But the thing about studying abroad is, when it comes time to share your experiences, it's almost frustrating because you simply cannot find words powerful enough to describe how much fun you really had, and the pictures all of a sudden don't showcase how beautiful the beach was. But that doesn't matter. When you study abroad, you have the experiences, you preserve the memories, you make the friends, and you will treasure that morsel of absolute satisfaction for the rest of your life.

I boarded my plane February 11, 2012, and while saying goodbye to family and friends was the hardest thing I've had to do, knowing what the next four months would bring, it was invigorating! Some people will study abroad and have fun, enjoy a new culture and take pictures but others like myself will come back a changed person. I stepped out of my small, farm town comfort zone and met the most incredible friends of a lifetime and exposed myself to a completely new culture and environment; and for those opportunities I am forever grateful. Living abroad in a beautiful country alongside people who are nothing but fun, thoughtful, loving, and encouraging, brought out a new confidence I didn't even know I had. Not to sound cheesy but I really did find a new Aussie Ashley deep inside. Australia certainly was a whole new book to my life, but I'd rather think of it as a spruced up second edition, but this copy won't be on shelves for a limited time only!

The most memorable of my experiences wasn't the opportunity to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, or the chance to snuggle a koala bear--although they were both amazing chances-- but it was the chance to live, day in and day out, with a group of Australians. We were housed in the dormitory together and were each others' neighbors. They showed me how a normal Australian my age lives. I made friends with my corridor mates who took me to the beach on a Tuesday afternoon, took me shopping on Saturday, made me Vegemite on crackers, introduced me to the Tim Tam Slam and most importantly, they were genuinely interested in my lifestyle and culture! These moments with my new mates are the intimate, treasured times I reminisce on a daily basis.

And these friends were the ones who made my hardships more bearable. When you travel to the other side of the world, getting homesick, sad or emotional is inevitable. Your life at home continues despite your adventures abroad. I had to deal with family issues, missing family functions, and pure moments when I just needed a hug from my mom. I am eternally grateful for my corridor mates who stopped by my room with chocolate when I was missing my family, or joined me in Skyping home for my sister's first prom that I had to miss out on. And these same friends were there for other issues, too. You develop another family when you study abroad; the only bad thing is, you have to eventually give that dreaded goodbye hug.

But despite all the fun I was having, I knew June 9 was approaching, and my time would come to an end; and in a way, I was ready to go home. I don't know how to describe it, but those who have studied abroad know exactly what I'm talking about. I wasn't ready to leave Australia, but I was so ready to see my family, friends, house, and get back to my regular lifestyle. I just wish I could pick all those things up and take them back to Australia with me!

February 11, 2012 and June 9, 2012 are both two significant days I will never, ever forget, and each and every one of those 120 days in between are just as memorable. Those four months will be forever in my heart. Studying abroad is a journey everyone should take. Sure it's a resume builder, employers like to see it, and it may get you a better job one day, but most importantly, it brings you confidence, experience, fun, true friends, and memories that will last forever. So Australia, it's not goodbye but see ya later, mate! I will be back with HEAPS of places I want to see, friends I want to visit, and more memories to be made.

Cheers!

Critical Feedback:

I would ask for more information regarding meal plans. Many of the Americans I traveled with were surprised by the lack of meals we were provided at our University, and it was difficult to buy food for daily lunch that wouldn't go bad because we didn't have a fridge in our room.

Studying abroad through GlobaLinks was the best decision I have probably ever made. GlobaLinks made the process of getting ready for my semester easy and exciting. The orientation week was so much fun and made the transition to a new country seamless. If I had to make the decision to study abroad through this program again, I would make the same decision every time.

This was the best thing that ever happened to me. I lived in a great area and got to meet some of the best people. I loved being able to go to the beach every week and interact with the locals. One of the best days that I had was going out with a group of friends to the beach. On the way we stopped by our favorite Coffee shop, called 23 hundred got coffee and then spent the entire day at the beach. We hung out, swam and listened to music. One thing you have to remember you have to be open to meeting new people and enjoying your time there.

I have been at Newcastle for about 8 weeks now and I love it. Since day one, people living in the International House with me have been so friendly. They plan college events often (at least 1 every two weeks, but usually more) which gets me involved on campus and helps me to meet new friends. Sometimes, the people that have been living here for a while are kind of cliquey, but overall people are pretty friendly if you are outgoing enough.

Classes are equally comparable to those in America. I am taking all 3000 level classes and they require about the same amount of time and work as the upper level classes in America. I wish that I took at least 1 class that was lower level just to lessen my work load so I could have more free time to travel and such, but it isn't too dampering.

The weather when I first arrived (mid-July) was cooler than I had expected, so don't forget a jacket if you're coming around the same time.

The downtown/bar scene is very similar to America, but people dress a little nicer here - you can't get in with flipflops, so bring at least 1 pair of nice shoes.

Things are more expensive here so think about that when budgetting. Bus fare is $3.60 one way, a box of cereal is around $7, shampoo is $10, makeup is 4x American prices... just be aware that general living expenses are more.

Overall, though, I am loving this experience and if I was to do it all over again I would do it the same, except I would have done it my Spring semester (begin at Newcastle in Feb). AustraLearn was an amazing help and they have a great system set up for everything that needs to be completed before leaving and the program in Cairns was an amazing experiences that I am beyond happy I was able to be apart of.