Studying abroad is one of the best experiences you could possibly have as a college student. I highly recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity if it is available to you. There are many ways you can accomplish it – whether it be a two week course, a summer course, a semester long course, Semester at sea, or even a year long study abroad trip.
It is one of the best ways to explore another country in a way that’s easy to find a place to live, things to do, and friends to have. Being on a college or university campus abroad lets you live like a local while still being able to do all the touristy things you’ll want to do with other people who are also studying abroad.
I chose to study abroad in Australia because I loved everything about the continent island – the temperature, the people, the culture, that they spoke English, that is was so far away, the beaches, the cute and strange animals, just everything. Babson College had a program at the University of New South Wales, 20 minutes outside of the city of Sydney. When I first landed in Sydney in February, it was their summer time which was strange for me, but awesome. I lived in an adorable three bedroom house with palm trees and clotheslines to hang our laundry in our back yard and 3 other housemates, 2 from the US and 1 from Canada. My roommate and I shared a bedroom with brick walls and grew to be great friends.
It was my only experience going to such a large university, getting lost trying to find my class, attending lecture halls with over a hundred students where my teacher would never learn my name, and not actually being able to live “on” campus. While I had chosen Babson for exactly all these opposite reasons, I loved being able to temporarily have the experience. I participated in many offerings the campus International Office offered and benefits of clubs like the scuba diving club and study abroad group.
I was smart and fortunate enough to be able to fit ALL my classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the occasional Friday class, so I was always able to travel from Thursday to Monday if I needed to. I took this opportunity of being at Sydney to travel to Melbourne, Tasmania, the Gold Coast, New Zealand, Cairnes, and many other beautiful locations around Sydney. I made friends at Uni that made my experience so enjoyable and memorable.
I was able to pet kangaroos and wallabies, run along the beach near my house for hours, eat all sorts of weird foods (including the said cute kangaroos), and go dancing and partying through the night in Sydney. The best part about Sydney really was the people. Australians are such chill people and are easy-going and friendly. The entire vibe is very different from New England/East Coast culture of America. Australians are very active and healthy, and the food is overall healthier with less sugar and fat in them. Sydney is lined with beautiful beaches, and I was glad to be able to spend so much time enjoying soaking in the sun.
I learned how to scuba dive in Australia, went skydiving for my first time, drove on the opposite side of the road, and traveled with strangers (who are simply just not friends yet) for my first time (of many). The friendships and experiences you have while studying abroad are unforgettable.