Why did you study abroad with AustraLearn at the Univ. of Wollongong?
Jessica: I chose to study abroad at the University of Wollongong because of 3 reasons: 1) The school has outstanding reviews, and everyone who went there prior to me loved it because of the city, the professors, and the quality of education they received. 2) I knew I didn’t want to be in a big city like Sydney, I wanted a town that was full of life without all the tourists. Wollongong seemed to be the perfect city. Big enough that there were things to do and explore everywhere, but small enough to get a feel of what life is really like in Australia. 3) Prior to study abroad, I had never left the country, let alone by myself. I wanted to go somewhere where I felt I would be safe, and still have a memorable experience.
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Jessica: What made my study abroad experience unique and special were the people I got to meet and the places I was able to visit. Not only were my peers wonderful, but my professors were very understanding and were always willing to help. They were interested in my life and experiences and often asked for opinions from an American standpoint to help the class gain a wider perspective on the topics at hand. My experience was also unique and special due to where the university was located. From living in Minnesota, the land is pretty flat and mostly farmland. Wollongong was beautifully situated between the ocean and the mountains. Many of my days consisted of going to class and then climbing the mountain or surfing in the ocean, activities that are nearly foreign to me living in the Midwest.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Jessica: This experience impacted me personally in more ways than I could have imagined. First of all, it helped me realize who I am and who I want to be. I am no longer the quiet, shy girl I was prior to this trip. I now understand the importance of good communication skills. My interactions and my relationships with others grew a lot stronger. Professionally, studying abroad helped me gain more “world experience” and helped me learn to interact with people from different backgrounds. Academically, studying in Australia forced me to have good study habits. The education system is different from that in the US. In Australia you are expected to previously know the material before coming to class. Classes are based a lot on discussion, and the grading system is very different. When I returned from abroad I found myself studying a lot earlier for my classes and exams than I had prior to leaving.
Any final thoughts?
Jessica: Overall, studying abroad was one of the best experiences I have had thus far. I would not change a single part about it; I learned so much and met some extraordinary people. If I were to give one piece of advice to current students, it would be to study abroad, no matter where and no matter the cost. It is impossible to have the same experiences or even the same chance to go to a foreign country for an extended amount of time after you leave college.