Why did you decide to study abroad with Globalinks?
I chose GlobaLinks Learning Abroad because I loved how they took care of everything for me. They were so easy to work with and obviously knew what they were doing. My favorite thing about GlobaLinks was the Bridging Cultures Program. That took place during the first few days in our host country. That's where we got to meet and make friends with other people who came from the U.S. to study at the same universities as us. (So if you're worried about making friends, don't be! This is where you really get to know people because we're all in the same boat!).
During the bridging cultures program is also when we got to do a lot of the toursity things anyone visiting Australia would want to do! This included seeing the rainforest, scuba diving (or just snorkeling) the great barrier reef, meeting aboriginals, hanging out with koalas and kangaroos, and learning to throw a boomerang. During this time is also when GlobaLinks gave us some important informational sessions that helped prepare us for living in a different culture. Best part, this is all covered in your program fees!
What was the best place you visited outside of your study abroad city?
I traveled throughout Australia and loved everywhere I went. My favorite city in Australia was the Gold Coast. It was a beautiful beach, great shopping, and fun nightlife. However, my favorite trip was probably to Queenstown, New Zealand just because it was completely different from anything I had seen in Australia. It was absolutely beautiful there and the people were so friendly. There was also a good range of activities to do from horseback riding, bungee jumping, luging, skydiving, white water rafting and more.
If you could do-over one thing, what would it be?
The entire trip! I know people argue that not everything could have been perfect but I beg to differ. I absolutely loved my entire time in Australia and wish so badly that I could go back and do it all over again!
Describe your most meaningful souvenir and why do you love it?
My most meaningful souvenir is an opal ring. The opal is the national gemstone of Australia so I love that it represents Australia. Two of my other friends that I made while in Australia also got matching rings so it's kind of like a friendship token as well since we all live far apart in the states. I also like that it isn't anything cheesy that will eventually be forgotten about. I will always value it and it will always be a reminder of my amazing time spent in Australia.
Do you feel you got a chance to see the city from a local's perspective?
Definitely. Our first week there GlobaLinks sponsored a scavenger hunt in the city that really helped us get acquainted with it. It forced us to find landmarks and learn what local sayings meant by asking random strangers on the street. It really helped me understand the layout of the city better so the next time I was there I knew where I was going. I felt very comfortable navigating the city as if I lived there my whole life. My team also won the challenge and got free ferry rides to Magnetic Island!