As I wait for my flight at the Los Angeles Airport, I want to take the time to reflect on, as well as give advice, on studying abroad. I have learned a lot about myself, about Australia, and about the way the world views the U.S. It has truly been the adventure of a lifetime, thanks to the people I have met, the places I have been, and the things I was able to do. While it is fresh in my mind, and I am thinking back over everything for myself, I want to pass on a few pieces of
Australia
CCI Global Scholars Attend Reception for US Ambassador in Sydney
Twenty-one students from the College of Communication and Information who are studying abroad and interning in Australia recently attended a reception honoring UT alumnus and US Ambassador Arthur “A.B.” Culvahouse Jr. at the Consul General’s residence in Sydney.
“When Consul General Sharon Hudson-Dean learned there was a class of UT students studying in Sydney, she worked with her staff to invite the students to the reception knowing both they and Ambassador Culvahouse would be pleased to make the connection,” said Noah Rost, director of the Programs Abroad Office and associate director of the Center for International Education.
Each spring, … Read more “CCI Global Scholars Attend Reception for US Ambassador in Sydney”
Back in the States
I didn’t miss a beat. I’m back in the states and the eeriness of the phrase “same old same old” numbs me to the core. Don’t get me wrong, I’m elated to be home and reunited with my incredible and loving family, friends and animals, but I miss Australia more than I anticipated. I left a new home behind so abruptly. I wasn’t ready to come back. Yes, I had been there for three and a half months, but I needed more time. I loved the Aussie lifestyle. I believe it loved me back.
I guess this blog post is … Read more “Back in the States”
Australia: The Greatest Hits.
That old saying, “time flies when you’re having fun,” has never been truer than today. After 96 days, my time studying abroad in Sydney, Australia, has come to an end. I have seen new sights, made new friends, gained new experiences, and learned a lot about myself. I am going to use this final blog post as a Greatest Hits of sorts to reflect on all the fun moments we have all shared in Straya.
January: On a day so hot that we all were smothering, we landed in Sydney. Many of us struggled to remember who was who and … Read more “Australia: The Greatest Hits.”
Like Nothing I Ever Expected.
I’m not going to lie, it has been a hectic last three weeks. Life as an intern has been nothing like I expected, however, I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into in the first place. Truth be told, my internship placement was not fully confirmed until less than a week before my first day.
My original placement with the Australian Baseball League fell through the cracks at the last minute (for reasons I’m still unaware of) before heading off to New Zealand. It took a toll on me. I had been gearing up for this experience for … Read more “Like Nothing I Ever Expected.”
Life Experience
I will be the first to admit how nervous I was about traveling to Australia, particularly regarding my internship placement. However, I can safely say after my first full week of work, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. I currently work as a studio intern for The HubStudio, which is a hub for professional actors to obtain more training.
I have been given an amazing opportunity to create an online masterclass from the ground up. The class is “The Kevin Jackson Technique” which is based on Kevin’s 10 step guide called “The Creative Habit”. From creating the website to … Read more “Life Experience”
I wish time would slow down.
We visited New Zealand over our spring break and I can honestly say it was the best trip I have ever taken. First, we went to Auckland and stayed there for one night and two days. Auckland was really cool because it was a big city but it had a very different feel to it than Sydney does. To me, Auckland really felt like we were in a different country. We walked around, shopped, and got to see the famous sky tower in person!! Not to mention I literally had the best Mexican food I’ve ever had in my life.… Read more “I wish time would slow down.”
Its the Little Things.
“You’ve hit the one month mark! So, what’s been your favorite part of Sydney so far?”
If I had a nickel for every time I’d been asked this in the past week, I’d have a handful of nickels. But, if I had a nickel for every time I had a definitive answer, I’d probably have a paperclip, a dust bunny, and just maybe a half-stick of chewing gum, if I’m lucky.
In all seriousness, I know what people are expecting me to say when I receive this question. They want to hear a big event, such as the beautiful beaches, … Read more “Its the Little Things.”
A Real Culture Shock
This past weekend, I ventured outside of Sydney for the first time since arriving and went surfing camp in Bendalong Point. Originally, it was never on my agenda to learn how to surf, but a lot of others were going, and I knew I would regret it later on if I didn’t take the opportunity. Even though I have been immersed in a new culture for a few weeks now, but this entire weekend was the first time I had felt true “culture shock.”
Around 70 people lined up near Central Station to check in and put their bags in … Read more “A Real Culture Shock”