Why did you study abroad with Globalinks at the University of Queensland?
Emily: I chose to study with Globalinks because they had the most to offer me when it came to information I needed in order to choose a school within Australia. Globalinks was also extremely organized and user-friendly. They made sure that all of my documentation was submitted on time and correct. Without this help, I don't think I would have been able to figure out all of the necessary documents and processes I needed to get through alone.
I was also attracted to the opportunities Globalinks had to offer such as the almost week-long orientation in Cairns, Australia. Not only was I informed about the culture of Australia, but I was also provided with amazing activities like the Rainforestation and catamaran trip to SCUBA dive on the Great Barrier Reef. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly (especially Andrea Lipkin my coordinator/advisor).
I chose the University of Queensland because it was in the perfect place in Australia for me. I wanted to be near a city where I could get a feel for the culture and not be near all the touristy areas. I knew I wanted to study in Brisbane, and UQ had a lot to offer when it came to location. I lived in Urbanest which was in the South Bank, Brisbane and it was beyond perfect. Had I chosen another school, I do not think I would have had such a great experience with housing and the culture I was looking for.
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Emily: What made my study abroad experience unique was that I was able to travel to different parts of the world that I would have never dreamed of going to otherwise. For example, I spent a week in Bali, Indonesia which is very close to Australia. The cultures that I experienced abroad were unlike anything I would have been apart of in the U.S.
What made my study abroad experience special was the different people I made life-long friendships with. On a typical day I would hangout with people from England, South Africa, Argentina, Singapore, Egypt, and of course, Australia. That isn't something that you will find at home and I don't think in any other country. Australia is the true melting pot and the amount of diversity you can find their is endless.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Emily: Studying abroad has impacted my life and future in so many ways I don't think I could name them all. To name a few though, I have gained an amazing amount of independence. Going from being used to having my dad plan everything out for vacation and not knowing anything that was happening to booking flights and traveling all around the South Western Hemisphere alone is a major step in responsibility, maturity, and independence.
The same goes for having to cook all my meals. In the future, I plan to use my experience to prove that I am worldly. Although I only travelled to three different countries while I was abroad, I was able to experience multiple cultures and ways of life. Not many people get the chance to live in a different country on the other side of the world. Anyone who gets that chance and takes it should be extremely proud of such a unique accomplishment.