Out With The (C)old and In With The New
- Annie Miller
- Jan 4, 2017
- 2 min read
A major question that I feel like everyone is asking me is how did I choose where I was going to study abroad? Well, I was sitting in my apartment during fall semester. I was spinning the globe, grazing my figure across the world, patiently waiting until it slows to a still. As the globe crawls through the Indian Ocean, it stops while my finger delicately rests on an island: Tasmania, Australia. I wish it would have happened like that. Instead, I felt the need for a good ol' college adventure and turned to Iowa State's Study Abroad Center's website to explore my options. I was intrigued because of everything that Australia has to offer. I applied, got accepted into University of Tasmania’s program, and convinced my parents that everything is all set all within a few days.
People call this country “The Land Down Under.” But the island I’m at is south of Mainland. People (for what I know, it’s actually just me) call this island “Below Down Under” based on its location.
I've never traveled outside of North America. I’ve never been on a flight long enough to need a meal. I’ve never traveled long distances without some part of my family. These are all firsts for me and I’m excited to experience them.
I am leaving February 8th, a time when Minnesotans are thinking that winter should be done. For me, it will be over when I step onto the plane since Australia will be in the heart of summer. I am looking forward to the many national parks, their culture, living in a bay area, a new education platform, experience in my prospective career field, and the chance to meet people from all over the world. I can't wait to call Australia my home for four months and I am blessed to have this opportunity.
Another first: this blog post. I have no experience in blogging, but I'm willing to learn. Strong communication skills are a must in today's world and this internship would allow me to further this invaluable skill through frequent blogging. Another reason why this is important to me is because I get to showcase my semester by giving my pictures their 'one thousand words' and hopefully I'll influence other students to experience this world by studying abroad.
For now, I will say farewell to the icy snow, frigid temperatures, Minnesota, and Iowa State.
Hello to beaches, kangaroos, and the University of Tasmania.
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