Final Blog Post

Now that I have returned safely to the United States, and have begun my junior year, back at Carlow University, I will take some time to reflect back on my study abroad experience by answering some questions.

1. How have you changed as a person after studying abroad?

From studying abroad, I have learned to embrace every moment and get to know and learn something every person that you can. While on my trip, I became close friendsw with so many new people that I originally did not see myself getting along with. Spending a month with new faces helped me to realize that making the best out of every situation with all you encounter is the best way to approach every situation. I found that by following this technique in every day life, it will pay off. You will create a more pleasant environment around you that will in turn affect how other people view you and treat you. This trip has changed how open I am to new people and different experiences. I am so grateful for this change.

2. What self-discovery surprised you?

While studying in Australia, I discovered that I am able to adapt very easily to new environments. Before going into this trip, I was nervous about living with a foreign family and having limited communication back home. What suprised me was that after about one week of studying in Adelaide, I had already adjusted to my home-stay family, the local Australians, and the basics of Adelaide living. This self-dsicovery inspired me to want to travel to other, more exotic places in the world because I trust that I will be able to manage other styles of living with ease.

3.       Single greatest benefit of studying abroad?

It is difficult to narrow all of the benefits of studying abroad down to just one. The best benefit of the trip would have to be the stories I was able to bring home and tell about my trip. The people I met, and the places I was able to see, along with the conversations that unfolded over the summer of 2012 are irreplaceable. The funny, goofy, serious, and even scary moments that happened to me are unforgettable and so valuable to me.

4. How did your life goals change?

From this trip, I have adjusted my life goals in that I will strive to "work to live", not to "live to work", as most Americans do. I found that Australians have a much different view on life in general from Americans. They typically put in 5 hour days at work, but spend the majority of their time enjoying themselves, whether that be with friends or family. The Australian ways of life taught me to be more relaxed and to enjoy the simple things in life. This has impacted how I view the next 20 years of my life. I will still be working toward my D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) degree, but will earn this degree while maintaining a joyful and rich life.

5. What was your favorite experience?

While abroad, I was able to experience many new and exciting things, but my favorite would have to be taking a trip to the outback and camping. On this trip, we were able to experience Australia's rare wildlife like kangaroos and koalas while sleeping under the stars and enjoying the company of other Aussies. This weekend trip allowed us as students to grow closer to one another while we got away from the city life and classes. Some fo the students even ate kangaroo burgers on this excursion!

6. Any advice for future participants?

I would advise future studiers to definitely stay at a home-stay family in whatever country you are staying. The bonds I made with my host family and the inside scoop they gave me on EVERYTHING Aussie was priceless! My program was fantastic with matching me with a vegetarian, very liberal, laid back family, with an 18 year old daughter. Even if you are shy and a bit scared of staying with someone you do not know, I still reccommend this accomodation to fully delve into the culture and customs of the country in which you stay. It is my hope that you also have such a fantastic experience as I had!

7. Would you study abroad again?   Why?

ABSOLUTELY! This study abroad trip was life changing in so many ways. It has instilled a drive within me to travel to other places around the world, opened up some of the best friendships I have ever made, and taught me about a differt country's culture, all while taking credits that would transfer home to Carlow. I already miss Australia and everyone I met on my trip and I have only been home for about a week! I am anxious to get travelling again as soon as possible.

CHEERS!