Studying abroad is the pinnacle of college experiences that everyone talked about, either with vigor and nostalgia or dismay at the missed opportunity. I decided in high school that I would fall into the vigor group, and I began dreaming of where I would travel to. As I chose my university, the University of North Florida captured my eye because of its honors college and its connection to the study abroad program. The program provided multiple experiences abroad, including the 6-month independent program I participated in. After months of debate, I landed on my universities partner institution in Wollongong, Australia (University of Wollongong). Australia had always been a bucket list country and if I was going to do this, I may as well go all the way. 

This dream would require some TLC, which began with the planning steps. As part of the planning, I selected my own classes and prepared my living arrangements in coordination with my abroad institute. My choice in universities and participation in the honors college paid off, as I was able to obtain a scholarship that paid for most of my semester. But the organization of this semester was not the only hoop to jump through.

How to Prepare for a Semester Abroad

As you begin this process, you will feel overwhelmed at all the decisions. Reach out to everyone you can to answer questions and quell anxiety. Your home institute can provide many resources for classes and scholarships. And your abroad institute deals with several international students a year and are capable and eager to help.

If you are more familiar with your environment you will adjust quicker. Learn about places in your new area that interest you; beaches, museums, restaurants. If you have an idea of what you like there beforehand, you will have more places to explore in your first days and weeks there. 

Student Life at the University of Wollongong

This semester abroad required me to adjust to nearly every aspect of my lifestyle. I quickly learned that the university structure I was accustomed to was nonexistent, and I was woefully underprepared to adjust to my new environment. However, within this new climate, everyone was ready to help. After my second class there, I asked my professor to explain the assignment and grading policy to me. She turned out to be an American who had moved there over 20 years ago. In my time abroad, I found people to be helpful and kind, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask. Socializing can also seem daunting, starting from scratch with a cultural gap. But classes are an easy space to build connections quickly. One of these classes is where I met a good friend. And while it may sound crazy, the fascination with international students offers an opening for conversation. 

Beyond establishing a university and social life, establishing my day-to-day routine was crucial to adjusting. I learned the bus routine, established what day I would go to the grocery store, cooked dinners, and learned how to “adult”. Though I initially fought the idea, I highly recommend buying creature comforts to make these months easier. Small items like extra pillows and blankets or lamps make your environment more comfortable. I also found forcing a form of normalcy in my week also helped with adjusting. As someone who has always lived by the beach, I went to the shore every week to walk and see the waves. This was an opportunity to invite people to join me and do something else with my day. I had also, somehow, convinced my best friend, Kiley, to move to Wollongong with me, giving me someone to explore with. We sought out the adventures provided in the city, such as hiking—an activity I historically detest and only did once on this trip at the suggestion of Kiley—Mount Kierra, and exploring the nearby city of Sydney. On a quick train ride, we would go for day trips to explore the wonders of this historic city, adventuring from the Sydney Opera House to a Winter Wonderland restaurant.

Tips for Studying Abroad

• Learn Before You Move: Looking back, I wished I had learned about nuances such as the university system before moving. I somehow missed the conclusion that the university system would be different and learning it beforehand would have allowed me to focus more on my first week instead of the confusion I felt.
• Adventure, Alone and with Others: A goal I had when beginning this journey was to go out and do things, even if I was alone and scared. Thankfully, my best friend was there to travel with me. But, since this is a rare instance, I suggest finding friends, from university to clubs, and adventuring with them. It is always more fun to travel with others.
• Meeting People: It can be hard to find places to meet people in this new place, but there are social events everywhere. At universities, go to clubs, class meetings, school functions, and socialize with classmates. I met my good friend abroad because I sat next to her and struck up a conversation about the assignment. Outside of campus you can find other types of clubs and organizations.
• Get Comfy: 6 months may not seem like a long time, so you may want to skimp on creature comforts for cost. Don’t. When you are in a new environment, comforting items make life easier.
• Reach Out: Reach out to everyone, both at your home university and abroad institute. From the dorms to the professors to random clubs and groups. Go looking for advice and community, even if you don’t think you need it, you do and people are ready to be there.
• Traveling: My biggest suggestion is to travel within your study abroad city. I had a bucket list, but I also searched for new places. I looked for things I was interested in doing and found beautiful areas that matched these wants. Look at travel websites and tour groups for activity ideas.

Adventure of a Lifetime

My classes ended a month before I was set to leave, and, knowing that I wouldn’t be back here for a long time, I decided to explore everything I had ever dreamed of doing in the land down under. Obviously, the top two were the Great Barrier Reef and the Australia Zoo. However, I had a goal with this backpacking trip up the coast, and that was to see an Irwin. As a Crocodile Hunter and Irwin family fan, I knew this was my chance. So, I planned my trip around November 15, halfway through my month backpacking, and Steve Irwin day at the Australia Zoo. And as luck, and strategy, would have it, I saw both Bindi and Robert Irwin perform croc shows. 

Before this historic moment, I began with the Great Barrier Reef, as it sits at the top of the country. Cairns hosted a wealth of adventures for an ocean lover. I swam through one of the seven wonders of the natural world and crossed off a top item on my bucket list. I also journeyed to Fitzroy Island, a beautiful natural reserve with a turtle recuse rehabilitation center, where visitors can go for $25 and all proceeds go back to the turtles. After Cairns, I ventured to Beerwah, home to the Australia Zoo. Here I spent three days exploring the massive park and the wonders it had to offer. I spent the first two days exploring the park and watching animal shows. Come Steve Irwin Day, I arrived two hours early to secure my seat, and ended up sitting next to an American couple, who was also on a mission to spot an Irwin. We watched with bated breath as Robert Irwin appeared and ran together to see Bindi Irwin next. After these magical days, I journeyed down the coast, scratching more adventures off the list. I stopped in Noosa Heads next, where I hiked and saw “fairy pools”, and went to the only other Everglade in the world. I then journeyed on to Byron Bay, where I rode horses at sunrise, and ended the trip in Brisbane, adventuring the city and taking in its sights. 

At the end of these 6 months, I left with a new understanding of life and traveling. My lifelong dream came true and even now, two years later, I look back on every moment with a smile. From the hard and lonely times, to screaming my head off when seeing the Irwin’s, I treasure every moment. These six months were evolutionary for my life, and I carry every experience with me. So, to those in any form of university thinking about it, go.

Thank you so much for reading. In case you missed the last blog post, click here to read it!