A great experience I had while in Australia was taking a behind the scenes tour of the Sydney Taronga Zoo. The zoo stresses conservation, education and preservation so as not to exploit the animals. They aim to provide a high level of care and enrichments to the animals. Taronga is also involved in many conservation and animal welfare programs. The zoo also includes a wildlife hospital, where they care for…
The culture in Australia is unique, yet very similar to America in some ways. The biggest challenge so far has been trying to learn the slang. Aussies abbreviate and shorten every word, to a point where it’s hard to understand what they are saying at times! It has been a fun challenge. Some of my favorite terms they use here are sunnies and bathers. Sunnies are short for sunglasses and…
*Written previously* I’ve been in Australia for about 3 weeks now. What I’ve learned in the short period of time being away is that I wish someone had more tips for me on how to pack, and tips for necessities you need while being abroad. For one pack as light as possible (yes this is coming from a girl who always overpacked) but seriously, you only need more summer-like clothes…
I am exceptionally fortunate to have studied abroad several times during my college career. I have completed four short term study abroad programs through CofC. These programs have varied in length and destination: from a one-week spring break trip in Cuba, to two two-week Maymesters in Ghana and Iceland respectively, to a three-week summer program in England and France. Now, I am halfway through my semester abroad in Greece. Other…
It is sad to say that my study abroad experience was cut short. Though I am grateful that I was still able to experience Australia as much as possible. I went to Australia not knowing anyone else that was going, which I was excited about, yet it may be scary for some people but this was not a first for me. In the past, I have had great experiences going…
As I enter my final week abroad, I can reflect on what I have learned and experienced. I did not know what to expect, so all I could do was jump in with a sense of curiosity and excitement. This period of life introduced me to new people, places, and things. I learned a lot about myself as well. One of the things studying abroad taught me was time management.…
After returning back to Connecticut a couple days ago, I have had the time to reflect on my time in Australia. What I gained out of this experience exceeded my expectations and I will miss my host university with my whole heart. During my time abroad, I made friends with students from several different states such as Wisconsin, Utah, Delaware, Texas, and more; these are people who I never would…
Studying abroad can be a daunting experience. For most of us, it is our first time leaving everything we know behind and heading into the unknown. Leading up to my departure, I remember there were days where I would be ecstatic about my adventure down under and other times where I questioned everything. What is important to know is that everyone goes through it whether they openly talk about it…
By now, I have set a good routine for my life in Australia. I am making sure to manage my time as well as possible to make sure that I get all my school work done and so that I can see what free time I have so that I can take advantage of that time and not let it go to waste. I have found that for me, I…
Everyone says that studying abroad really pushes you to figure out who you are as a person, and they weren’t kidding. Before traveling to Australia, I was fairly confident in myself as an individual, but just after being abroad for a couple of months already, I have grown even more as a person. I have learned how to manage my finances, how to travel by myself, and have become extremely…
