STORY BY SARAH “ELIZABETH” WORRELL
When I chose to study abroad, I knew it would be life changing, and it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I chose to study in Australia because I have always wanted to see the wildlife, the beautiful landscapes and experience the laid-back Aussie lifestyle.
I could have not been more excited as I was counting down the days before my departure. The process of getting my passport, getting my visa and getting all of my paperwork was an easy process. The challenge was figuring out how to fit my life into two fifty-pound suitcases. Everyone I talked to said you don’t need as much as you think, but I assured them all my shoes weighed at least 50 of those pounds.
Now that I have lived in Australia for two months, I understand that I even packed more stuff than I need. But while I was in the States, I thought there was no way that would be enough.
After packing, I was off to start an adventure that I thought I would never get the opportunity to complete.
In my first two months in Australia, I got to see multiple famous landmarks such as seeing the breathtaking Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera house. I have had the chance to travel to Sydney twice so far, and the second time seeing these landmarks was just as beautiful as the first time. Along with famous landmarks, I have engaged with kangaroos, koalas, the ocean creatures and the many different birds. When I say engage, I mean fully engage! I had the chance to feed kangaroos by hand, hold a koala, swim throughout parts of the Great Barrier Reef with sea turtles by my side and stand in the Royal Botanic Garden with wild cockatoos perched on my should and head. Yet, as I fed the cockatoos perched on my shoulder, one got jealous and perched itself on my head.
The cultural experience is amazing, and I have learned so many new things and have had so many first times.
I am taking advantage of every opportunity I get because when else will I be able to move to Australia for five months? I would encourage every student that has the opportunity to study abroad to do so, even if it is for a J-term or in the summer for a few weeks.
I will never regret getting to spend five months in this beautiful foreign country. The memories I’ve made will never be forgotten, and I will still have many more to make in the next three months. I could not be happier with my time down under so far. Cheers mates.
