With so many places to study abroad
how do you know what program is the right one for you? I’ll give you a little
insight on how I made my decision. I was a freshman and I attended the
Education Abroad Fair where you can see and hear about amazing places to study
abroad. I walked into the fair not knowing what to expect and I left with a
passion to study abroad. While walking through out the fair I came across the
poster for Newcastle, Australia and became intrigued. It was so beautiful and
everything about it seemed so wonderful. I was sent more information on this
program and set up a meeting with one of the interns in the office. We talked
about Australia and I knew it was the place for me. My parents travel a lot and
a few years before I came to Platteville they took a cruise to Australia and
New Zealand. After returning they showed me pictures of their time and I fell
in love. I knew I had to go there someday and studying abroad was the perfect
chance.
I
decided to study abroad in Newcastle, Australia in the fall of 2013 (1st
semester of my junior year).
I was so excited! My dream of going to Australia
had finally come true. Leaving my friends and family for 4 and a half months
was hard, but I knew that the experience I would get in return would be the
time of my life! I was greeted in Newcastle by Rayna and Jason; our
coordinators (also known as my Australian parents). Upon arrival I also got to
meet the other 13 individuals I would be spending the semester with. Throughout
my time in Australia I had the opportunity to do so many amazing things. I
climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, went jet boating on the Sydney Harbour,
traveled to Melbourne, Cairns, New Zealand, and Whitsundays, and most
importantly I got a different view of the world. I met so many great people and
I now have friends all over the world. I loved learning about new languages and
cultures. My passion for travel was born in Australia and never left me even though I
came back to the states. It’s the little things that make your experience a
great one; like having your roommate become your best friend, spending every
weekend exploring new places and meeting new people, attending classes in a new
setting, and having the people that your study abroad with become your Aussie
family. I left my heart in Australia and I knew that when I left I would return
someday.
Upon returning from Australia I had the
opportunity to be a Global Amigo, be an International Orientation Leader, and
most importantly become the Marketing and Outreach Intern for the Education
Abroad Office. My last year and a half on campus has been great and I am so
glad that I have had the chance to be involved in so many great opportunities.
During my intern position I had the opportunity to talk with heaps of students
about studying abroad. Not just in Australia, but everywhere. It’s honestly one
of my favorite parts of the job. I got a chance to talk with people about my
amazing experience and my life changing time. Talking about my experience with
students made me realize how much I missed it and how much I really wanted to
go back. I graduate in May and I have decided to work/holiday in Newcastle
Australia. I have decided to go back because studying abroad changed my life and
I love the country.
My
heart is still in Australia and I can’t wait to make more memories. You have
the world in your
hands and you can do anything and go anywhere you want, why
not go discover what is out there. Do it while your young because you don’t
know where life to is going to take you. Studying abroad taught me to take
risks and to do things that are out of my comfort zone. Moving to Australia is
a big risk and is a little bit out of my comfort zone, but I see an opportunity
in it and I am going to go for it. I don’t want to go through life always
asking myself, what if? In the end we always regret the chances we never took.
If not now, when?
Your Fellow Adventurer,
Brittany
So as you can see from Brittany's time abroad she truly admired her time in Australia so much that she is moving back! It really is a beautiful experience to fall in love with a country. Once you get the travel bug it never goes away, but rather becomes a lifetime love affair. The University of Newcastle is one of UW-Platteville's main six Education Abroad Programs. Our office knows endless information about it and if it sounds like the right fit for you come into the office today to learn more! Every country, not just Australia, has so much to offer and it's own unique experiences. It doesn't matter what country you start your journey in, just as long as you do.
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