Why did you decide to study abroad with Education Abroad Network in Australia?
Neal: The University of Maryland has a strong partnership with TEAN and I found their program on the Maryland study abroad website. When I went to the Maryland abroad office and mentioned my original interest in Australia, TEAN came highly recommended from several staff members in the office. Then, upon looking at their website and the schools and programs they offer, it was a very attractive program. I made an original inquiry phone call to TEAN to ask them questions about their program and immediately the customer service and staff knowledge impressed me.
Kate McSurley helped answer any original concerns and helped me with some of my final decisions such as housing options and classes. The service TEAN provides as they help you through many processes is unbeatable. The staff there aid you in applying to the school, registering for classes, finding flights, and they provide incredible housing to their students. TEAN gives student opportunities to study all around Australia and they had everything I was looking for and more.
What made this experience unique and special?
Neal: I was never been a big traveler before studying abroad in Australia, so this experience was unique and special to me for many reasons. For starters, it was my first time in the southern hemisphere experiencing seasons opposite of America and I was exposed to a different culture of personalities. Before this I had always wanted to go to Australia but never had the time or money. Therefore this was an incredible opportunity and reason to travel and live in Australia for nearly 5 months. I began this study abroad experience alone without knowing anyone I was going to live with or meet along the way.
Because of TEAN’s incredible orientation, monthly events, and the social atmosphere of Brisbane I made lifelong friends with whom I still keep in touch with every day. Finally, I was a part of several events unique to Brisbane, Queensland, and Australia. Attending or celebrating distinctive events such as The State of Origin, the Melbourne Cup, the EKKA races, the Brisbane Festival, and the Great Barrier Reef made my study abroad experience special and one I will never forget.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Neal: After studying abroad in Australia I’ve realized that there is so much more to life than performing flawlessly in academics and entering the professional world with a high paying office job. Granted that is the life some want, and is not a bad lifestyle, and yes academics are still very important to me, but studying abroad opened my eyes up to the real world and what it has to offer. The real world offers new experiences and adventures. I volunteered at several events such as Tough Mudder, Glow Run and Neon Run in the Brisbane area. Capitalizing on these opportunities introduced to event planning as a potentially new career path. Regarding travels, before studying abroad in Australia, aside from small family vacations, I have spent my entire life in Maryland. The world is a culturally diverse environment and because of study abroad I know that I want to travel more and experience different cultures and lifestyles. After studying abroad I confidently live with less regrets or stress.
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering studying abroad in Australia?
Neal: Just do it. Living in Australia is an incredible experience. One of the biggest reasons I chose to study abroad in Australia instead of anywhere in Europe is because of how difficult it is to travel and/or live in Australia after college compared to Europe. A round-trip ticket to Australia alone is around $2,000 and a three-day traveling commitment. In reality, within the next 20 years, any student is more likely to travel to Europe than Australia due to financial and time restraints. Also, ignore all of the rumors that Australia is deadly and dangerous. That’s a stretch as long as you don’t act completely immaturely. In fact, in terms of “danger” at all, I never felt in danger while I was studying abroad, no matter the time of day or night.
Finally, don’t say “no.” A friend of mine gave me this advice when she came back from studying abroad and it definitely helped improve my overall experience. Whether it was volunteering at a Tough Mudder, taking day trips to the beach, or experiencing new nightlife opportunities, I was happy that I never backed out. You only have around 14 weekends while studying abroad for a semester, so I advise you to enjoy each and every day. Get out of your bed and leave your comfort zone!