Why did you decide to study abroad with AustraLearn at USP in Fiji?
Jessica: I decided to study abroad at USP because I wanted a real cultural difference. I didn't know a lot about Fiji and its culture and wanted to increase my cultural awareness. I wanted to choose the place I knew the least about and it was the best decision I could have made!
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Jessica: What made this study abroad experience unique and special was the fact that you had to learn a new way of life. Their culture is so rich. You really need to take a step back and let it all soak in. You get to experience life in a village with all of their rituals, you get to see how they live, eat and work. You are also able to learn and understand their daily customs. From different clothing to different food. there were so many mind opening experiences that I think everyone needs to experience at least once in their life.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Jessica: This experience impacted my future in so many ways. I'm a nursing student and I was able to keep my mind open to different patients with different cultures and not have a biased standpoint like some people who only grew up with one way of life. I was also able to take more changes and have more opportunities because of the independence this experience gave to me. I've also been able to share my experience and hopefully enrich other peoples lives with the amazing stories from Fiji about their culture that is so different from ours here in the states.