Why did you decide to study abroad with AustraLearn at U of Wollongong?
Cory: For as long as I can remember I had always wanted to travel to Australia-- it just sounded so mysterious and amazing-- and when I decided I wanted to study abroad I realized that was the perfect opportunity to go! I wasn't thrilled with the program offered through my college and liked the idea of not going with anyone else I knew, so I started researching other programs.
I spoke with several different program representatives at UGA's study abroad fair, but I decided to go with AustraLearn because I loved that I had so many universities to choose from, offered amazing orientation trips and that unlike a lot of other programs, I could really pick and choose to take any courses I wanted- I wasn't stuck taking courses I wasn't interested in.
I knew I wanted to be close to a big city, but not right in the city and I figured if I am living in Australia I needed to live close to the beach, so the University of Wollongong seemed like the perfect fit. It was such a convenient, amazing location, living only an hour from Sydney and at the same time being a 10 minute walk from several gorgeous beaches!
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Cory: For me it's really more of a 'what wasn't unique and special' about my study abroad experience?! The people, the places, the culture, EVERYTHING was absolutely incredible. I met some of the most amazing people that are still some of my best friends today. I was able to travel to several beautiful places throughout Australia and New Zealand and had the opportunity to do many things most people can only dream of doing --- bungee jump, sail the Whitsundays, learn to surf, go tubing in a crazy cave in New Zealand!
I think what made it even more unique and special was having my mom and sister come over to Australia to travel with me for two weeks after my program was over. I was able to show them around this place that I loved so much and considered a second home-- they were finally able to get a little glimpse of the magical land that I had been raving about for the past 5 months!
How has this experience impacted your future?
Cory: I know it's such a cliche to say this, but my time abroad definitely changed me. It was really the first time I ever had to fend for myself - I was very shy and dependent on my friends and family before I left, but traveling half-way around the world, not knowing a soul forced me to really fend for myself for the first time ever and become so much more independent and confident, and for that I am forever grateful.
After venturing out into the real world not really sure of what I wanted to do with my life and working some random jobs (still), I am slowly starting to realize that I would love to work, in some way, in the field of international education because I want to help other students find their perfect program and have an eye-opening, life changing, unimaginable experience like I did. And although it's proving a bit harder than I had anticipated to break into the study abroad/international education industry, I am positive that one day (hopefully soon) I will, and I have the confidence I gained during my time in Australia to thank for that!