Program: University Study in Australia | Summer 2023

What made you decide to learn abroad, and what led you to do a summer abroad experience?

It was always my goal and hope to get the opportunity to study abroad. I wanted to experience a different culture, lifestyle, and environment. Australia was always at the top of my list just because it’s cool to think I studied on the other side of the world. Or how others know it as, “the land down under”. I thought summer would be a good enough time to gain a great experience. Looking back, time went by so fast so if I could do it again, I would do a whole semester instead! It was amazing. I learned a lot and had so much fun.

Highlight or favorite memory from your abroad experience.

I loved that I had the opportunity to build a lifestyle and routine during my time in Australia. Even if it was a short time I enjoyed exploring and experiencing life in Sydney. Not only that, the nature and landscapes were mind-blowing. I loved the fact that I got to meet many amazing people. They were a definite highlight of my experience since I got to make new friends and memories. I met so many students from around the world.

You engaged with a business consulting practicum during your time abroad. Can you tell us more about that experience?

The business consulting practicum was a group work revolving class. The whole five-week course consisted of making a proposal for an Aboriginal consulting firm in possible projects they can aid in. There were two sections for the course: a lecture and a discussion. The lecture was mainly about the steps to building a proposal and then the discussion was the group work focused on that specific step. I became great friends with my group members and they definitely made the class more interesting and enjoyable.

What were your classes like?

I only took two classes during my time there. One of my classes was only three weeks and the other was the whole five weeks. Since they were short courses, they were a bit heavier in work and expectations. Also, they both were three-hour long classes, which at times could be a lot but they always kept us busy so time went by quicker than one might think. Although this was the case, most of the tasks were easy to follow and work on. Each of them had students from different parts of the world so any conversation was interesting.

What advice would you provide other students who are considering learning abroad?

If you’re studying abroad, I urge you to experience as much as you can. This could be food, new locations, people, new experiences (snorkeling, hiking, skydiving), or even nature. You never know when you’ll go again so do as much as you can. Research lots before you go and make a list of things you want to do. I was the type of person that had a small list and figured more things out during my time there. I assure you there will be lazy days which is fine! Don’t feel like you’re wasting your time, you need a recharge once in a while. Also if you’re like me and like building routines, definitely do that! It is so much fun and cool to think you had your own little lifestyle in a different country/place from your home. And pictures! Take lots! You’ll love to look back afterward. You’ll maybe tear up a bit but all that matters is you gained that experience!