Adventures

During my 2020 winter semester, I was fortunate enough to study abroad. I was greatly looking forward to this experience and even though it did not go quite as I planned it was still amazing. I started my journey to Perth, Australia on February 9th, 2020 as Orientation week started on February 17th. I wanted to give myself time to adjust to the time difference and explore campus and residence. I met lots of amazing people right away - my roommates, more study abroad students, and classmates. Unfortunately, my trip ended a lot earlier than expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I began my journey home on March 20th. From that point on, my courses were online and late at night while no longer being in beautiful, warm Perth, Australia.

However, this experience taught me many things and I enjoyed every minute I got to spend studying abroad at Murdoch University. It was not always perfect, but it was immersive and educational.

• I learned about the extensive amount of planning and preparation needed.

  • This included ensuring vaccinations were up to date, applying for a visa, organizing flights and airport pick up, arranging accommodation, organizing and planning courses that fit my program at MRU, etc.

• I was able to take courses that were not offered at MRU which gives me unique learning knowledge.

  • I took three courses at Murdoch University - Sport Education, Creating and Managing Effective Learning Environments and Teaching English and Literacy to Students with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities. These specific courses are not offered at MRU which made them valuable to me because I am able to share my knowledge with my peers/colleagues.

  • I was able to learn more about the Australian curriculum and their school systems. I was provided with knowledge about new resources and purchased two Australian textbooks that will be beneficial to look back on. I also was able to collaborate with my peers in physical education using the Sport Education model to learn how to play cricket - something I have never done before and was excited while anxious about it, but my teammates were great supporters.

• I learned to take risks.

  • Study abroad itself is a bit of a risk. But some of my best memories were times when I took risks. I decided to explore on my own at times when others were busy. I went to an Aussie Trivia night with my roommate and I ended up meeting new friends while learning lots about Australia.

• I am way more independent than I thought.

  • I quickly began to realize that I am more resourceful than I thought. I realized how much of a sense of independence I really had. I maneuvered through international airports and navigating through the cities of a foreign country. I learned the bus system, how to get around the city, and became dependent on myself in a country, which made me believe I can really do anything.