My semester in Australia

I finally can really comprehend that the world isn’t limited to Chapel Hill, or North Carolina, or America—in fact, the world is without limits, and it is my hope that every student at UNC-Chapel Hill can realize these amazing but fleeting opportunities.

Wollongong, Australia. Sounds enchanting, doesn’t it? I had never even heard of this relatively large city in New South Wales until I met with my fabulous study abroad advisor, Danielle. Studying abroad didn’t seem like something within my capability until my three best girlfriends decided to head to Seville, Spain. I wondered if I could do it too, with my limited financial status (my parents had already lovingly informed me that they wouldn’t be contributing) and my close ties to home. I didn’t speak another language (nor did I really have the desire to enhance my knowledge of French), so I just wasn’t sure what I could do.

Being the fabulous tour guide that I am, I recalled the proud Carolina statistic of “230 programs in 64 different countries” and decided I would go talk to a study abroad advisor. I was told there were options for a loan (I’m already borrowing thousands, what’s five more?), and that more and more students are finding ways to make it happen and that I should be no exception.

My courses weren’t an issue since I had general majors, and, well, I didn’t really have an excuse not to go. So I looked at England (I’d already been there) and then Australia. I saw the picture of Wollongong: this seaside city, its tropical, beautiful campus and decided this was where I wanted to begin an adventure.

I went through the motion of applying (exhausting) and before I knew it, February 13 came, and I was getting on a plane—there was no turning back. I obviously can’t go into every detail because it would take forever, but if I had one new piece of advice for incoming freshman, it would be to plan for studying abroad. Attending class in a different country was a completely different experience in itself: the style of teaching, the grading scale, and the structure of the courses are all completely different. I had to alter the way I studied and to some extent the way that I wrote. I obviously did fine in school and got the credit that I needed, but it was so nice to have a change of pace and a chance of scenery when it came to campus.

The social and cultural aspects of the country were amazing to experience. Although traveling from America to Australia doesn’t offer a huge culture shock, it was still eye-opening to learn the viewpoint of another country, what they valued, and how they saw America. Contrary to popular belief, most countries don’t like America a whole lot, and I got to learn all the reasons why. It just felt refreshing to be the ‘foreigner’ for once; the one with the accent.

Studying abroad and traveling in Australia has definitely left me without a lot of money, but I wouldn’t have traded the experience for the world. It opened my eyes up to the importance of travel and understanding different countries and cultures. I know from now on that a good part of the money I earn will go to saving up for a six month European excursion I am planning. Not only did I make some unbelievable friends, and some of the best memories, but I finally can really comprehend that the world isn’t limited to Chapel Hill, or North Carolina, or America—in fact, the world is without limits, and it is my hope that every student at UNC-Chapel Hill can realize these amazing but fleeting opportunities, and make it work in their schedule and financial situation to take four or five months to experience a different world, a different life.