Australia Blog Post 2

Hello Mates!

I have been in Australia for exactly 2months, and I just returned from my mid-semester break in New Zealand. I struggle to put this experience into words, as I am still in sort of a shock at the things I experienced there. A good shock, but a shock nevertheless.

I arrived in New Zealand on March 30 and I had until April 8 to explore. I went with my study abroad organization group, TEAN’s. We took a bus around the south island and explored, staying in 5 hostels total, going to Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Mount Cook, Rangatata, and back to Christchurch.

I must say that New Zealand is probably the most beautiful country ever. I hiked 1700 meters (over a mile high!), ate at the famous Ferg Burger, explored the land, got to know the group of 40 that was on the trip, and just had the time of my life.

But anyways, about Australia:

Now I am back in Australia and I am swamped with schoolwork. I want to make a note of how difficult (but worth it) it is to graduate early and study abroad. I am in the 3/2 program and I am an international business major, so I am expected to study abroad at some time or another, but also graduate in 3 years, which means that I have to take 4 classes for my major while abroad. When you combine rigorous classes (at a uni you are unfamiliar with) with studying abroad it gets tough because you are trying to explore Australia, while doing well in classes, and everyone else in TEAN (from other colleges in US) are taking classes like “Learning in Sports Education” where the toughest assignment is to attend a Rugby Game. If I were to stay at Rollins for 4 years and not do the 3/2 Id be doing these classes, but when I step back and think about it, its worth it for me, because I would not trade this experience for the world. I am currently in the midst of three papers due in a week (that I’m extremely behind on), while my friends are at the beach (I am not there because I procrastinated). I wouldn’t trade this for the world though, because when I am done with the papers, I can head to Bondi Beach and work on my tan (its coming along very nicely) or to Frankie’s pizza to have the best drink ever (since I am legal here!). It is so worth it. Also, I would probably lose sight of my future goals if I were taking silly classes this semester.

I am so happy here and I am definitely going to find a way to come back after college. I have 2.5 months left and I am going to find a way to do as much as I can here!

I am going to Melbourne next week, and will update on that soon!

Anne-Marie Kildron