Why did you study abroad with Globalinks at the University of Queensland?
Brianna: I decided to study abroad with Globalinks for two main reasons. Firstly, they offered a greater diversity of schools to attend than my own university, and the program itself was really appealing with me. I really liked that it included orientation in the Great Barrier Reef area, and that the staff would be more than willing to help along the process.
Once I chose Globalinks, I then chose the University of Queensland for a number of reasons. Because I am studying both Journalism and Environmental Science, they offered a range of classes and options to help fulfill my degree. Being a large research university and one of the Great Eight in Australia, I knew that they had a renown, diverse academic program.
Additionally, I really liked the location of UQ. It appealed to me that it was near but not directly in a city, and that it was also near the coast and easily accessible to other areas for travel such as Cairns, Byron Bay, and Sydney. Finally, the cost of UQ was right for me and my family as compared to other schools.
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Brianna: Everything about this study abroad experience was unique and special to me! My living situation at UQ made the experience so worthwhile. I was living in an off campus apartment complex with international students from around the world studying in Brisbane (that was set up by Globalinks). Because of that, I gained an appreciation for many other cultures and now have friends around the world.
Additionally, the diving I got to do when I was in Australia was the most amazing thing I have ever done. When I first arrived to Australia, I got to go diving on the Great Barrier Reef with my Globalinks program- that was absolutely amazing and made me fall in love with the country. Later in the semester, I travelled to the West Coast and went diving with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef on the Indian Ocean. Words cannot describe that experience and it is by far my favorite thing that I have ever done in my life.
Other travel too, really completed my experience, such as visiting the Outback, Coober Pedy, Melbourne, Perth, etc. At UQ, the friendliness of my instructors and the large campus feel really attracted me and left a lasting impression. I also was able to take Indonesian Language at UQ to fulfill my language requirements for my home university, and I plan to go to Indonesia one day to work or study and practice my language skills (and of course return to Australia while in I am there!). In summary, the travel, academic and social experience all complemented each other to make it a great experience.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Brianna: After studying abroad, I definitely am much more independent and confident in myself. That transition became more apparent throughout my time there and was really reflected in myself when I returned home. It also made me a better, more effective traveler, as well as really teaching me personal financial skills.
Living on the other side of the world on a tight budget really taught me how to save and how to manage my finances. Additionally, attending school in another country made me more thorough and creative in my approach to academia; I really had to adjust my learning style to work with the grading system in Australia, and this has helped me manage my time and more effectively complete assignments back at my home institution.
Finally, through several of my classes and a trip I attended to Fraser Island, I received several professional contacts for science field jobs after graduation in the Queensland area of Australia.