MUST DO-SEE-EXPERIENCE

This study abroad program was amazing. Thanks to AustraLearn, Australia is my new love and three weeks was not long enough to enjoy everything. This experience will leaving you desperate for more :]

Academically, we had two short assignments pre-trip: research proposal and what-you-know about Australian sport. During and post-trip, each student gathered information for a research project they were conducting. I compared physical therapy in the US vs AUS. Also, a daily journal was turned in [through various media: pictures, film, written entry, etc]

Day to Day: Each of the three cities we visited involved different aspects of Australian Sport. In Melbourne, we did a sports tour and visited:
- Melbourne Cricket Ground where we went to an AFL game later in the week
- AFL training session
- Rod Laver Arena [Australian Open for tennis is held]
- Flemington Racecourse
- and much more..

In Canberra, we stayed at the Australian Institute of Sport where we lived, ate, and breathed with Australian Olympic athletes!! We were able to play volleyball with their team, learn about nutrition programs, biomechanics and exercise physio behind performing, etc. This was a once in a life time experience I will never forget.

In Cairns, we experienced the recreational side of Australian sport. We spent our days snorkeling, sky-diving, scuba diving, white water rafting, throwing boomerangs, etc. It was so much fun! I advise you to stay a week after and do a live-abroad scuba diving trip the GBR - you won't regret it.

There is minimal culture shock, I promise. The only difficulty or con was several Australians were on vacation during their winter/our summer and besides the professors and athletes you didn't get a chance to really meet natives - tons of backpackers though!