Why did you study abroad with Globalinks at the University of Queensland?
Chelsea: Going into the decision of where to study abroad, I knew that I wanted to study in Australia; I just didn’t know which program provider to use. What impressed me the most about Globalinks was the large variety of universities and locations in Australia to choose from.
I am so thankful I decided to go to UQ because of the variety of courses available to study and the big city location. With many opportunities to get involved in at UQ in student activities and Brisbane’s unending supply of cultural, athletic, and social events, there was always something to explore. I never once regretted choosing UQ as my home during my study abroad experience.
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Chelsea: What I really enjoyed about my experience abroad was living in the Women’s College on campus. Living and dining with local students every day provided me with the opportunity to learn from fellow Australian students through conversations and college activities. Building these relationships gave me a unique perspective into Australian traditions, pop culture, politics, and current issues facing the country. Without living in this environment, I would have missed out on learning so much.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Chelsea: For me, studying abroad was the perfect experiential learning opportunity to complement my academic learning. One of the best things I ever did for my personal growth was to leave my home for the first time and completely immerse myself into a new environment. Independence, problem-solving skills, a sense of adventure, and adaptability are key characteristics that I gained from participating in a semester abroad.
Getting involved in a culture exploration group, taking a course in intercultural communication, and living with local students completely shifted my professional focus to revolve around cross-cultural learning experiences in international education. Even if you are not looking to pursue international education as a career, studying abroad builds intercultural competency that is invaluable in the workplace and will prepare you for the future.