Still Dreaming About Oz...

This study abroad program, the University of Queensland, and Brisbane itself completely changed my life. I could not imagine my study abroad experience being any better than the one I had during Spring semester 2011. Everyone at AustraLearn, especially my advisor, Andria Lipkin, were flawless in supporting me in my study abroad endeavors. Bring someone that has a lot of questions about everything, they were patient, helpful, and efficient in every inquiry. I would travel with AustraLearn again and I definitely have and will continue to recommend this program to everyone that I know.
Everything about Australia is different than the USA, and AustraLearn and their one week orientation truly prepares you for that culture shock. The coordinators that are with you for that week help answer every question and give tips and suggestions regarding your entire experience in Australia. For example, my coordinator Jake, played rugby when he studied abroad in Australia. Being a rugby player in Washington, DC, I was interested in maybe joining a club in Brisbane. He showed me how the rugby clubs and programs were different and convinced me to play. And it was the best decision I made abroad! I played rugby for the University of Queensland Women's Rugby Club. I traveled to tournaments with them and met some amazing rugby players. I still talk to most of the team on a daily basis and am planning on playing with them again once I graduate!
The University of Queensland itself was incredible. The campus is stunning and the student body is thriving. The classes were challenging and it really tested my ability to adapt as a student. This taught me that I can overcome any kind of challenges, whether it was the different teaching techniques or the longer classes, I learned to grow and thrive at the University, joined the UQ Union and made some amazing friends along the way. Specifically, my experience in my International Business class has helped me have insight into global business strategy that has been a key asset in my interviews for internships and jobs in the DC area.
Along with my rugby team and Uni, Brisbane was beyond my wildest dreams. We had the ability to feel safe and secure at any hour throughout the city because of the helpful police force and kindness of the community of people. I lived in an apartment building on Tribune Street called Urbanest. It was about a mile outside of the heart of Brisbane but was secluded enough to enjoy the parks and lagoon on a quiet, sunny afternoon. I would not change one thing about my experience at Urbanest. I lived with the most incredible people, many of which I knew from the Australearn program but I also met many Australian students who took me under their wing and showed me the ropes. By the second month, I had made international friends! I had the most amazing time in South Bank, with their friday markets and booming night life, there was never a dull moment.
On terms of what I brought, I think I packed pretty reasonably. Maybe I could have left a few sweatshirts home, or maybe I could have brought more summer clothes. The weather was beautiful every single day, with maybe one or two rainy days in each month. Besides that, AustraLearn really helps guide you in each aspect of the trip, including packing.
I made some of my best friends while studying abroad in Australia. One of which, from England, is coming to live with me this summer in New Jersey before she studies abroad at UMass. Studying abroad was the most incredible decision I had ever made. My experience was extraordinary and every single day was an adventure, and I wouldn't have changed one minute of it.