Why did you decide to study abroad with AustraLearn in Australia?
Daniel: I have wanted to visit Australia since my 3rd grade class gave a performance on Australian culture, sport, animals, and landmarks over 12 years ago. Then watching the Olympics in Sydney in the Summer of 2000 just added to the desire to visit this amazing land.
When I began looking for a program to travel with I wanted someone who would give me the best experience for the cheapest price. After comparing several options, AustraLearn stood out because they offered a week long trip to Cairns at the start of the program that allowed us to experience the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest as well as getting exposed to the animals that are indigenous to this country. That was the deciding factor for me- the fact that they wanted to make sure we got to experience the big things Australia is famous for.
What do you think made this experience unique and special?
Daniel: This experience has been unique because of the people here. Everyone in the US is kind of uptight and always worrying about everything- school, work, money, reputations. Here, everyone is friendly and the most common phrases I hear is "she'll be right" which means no worries or everything will be okay. They appreciate life and know that in the end everything is going to work out.
Also, the fact that English is the national language has made the experience easier. If I were to go to Italy or France and constantly be translating words I would miss out on a lot of action. I've made many Aussie friends who are always happy to show me the local hotspots and the exciting places to visit that most foreigners would not find or even look for.
How did this experience impact your academic development?
Daniel: With this experience has come much learning. I've learned things about myself, life, and even a little about my degree. As far as academically and professionally go, I have learned that no matter where you go in the world, there is knowledge to be gained. I became much more independent this past semester as I couldn't always call mom and get her to fix the problem. I had to communicate with authority figures on national levels to maintain a visa, university levels to get classes approved, phone and internet companies to get access to those amenities, and many other things that school advisers or my parents would usually take care of for me.
One of the most important things I've learned is that life isn't about how much money you have, it's about the people and places you get to experience. I saved up thousands of dollars for this trip over the past 7 or 8 years and am going back with almost nothing but I will have enough memories to more than make up for the lack of a bank account.
Don't worry about how much something costs, worry about what you are getting out of an experience- whether its a zip line through the rainforest or a snorkeling trip in the Great Barrier Reef or a road trip around a foreign country with 10 of your new friends. See the sights, see the world, and take every opportunity you are given at whatever cost because, as the Aussies say "she'll be right".