Alex Blancato

Alex's Education Abroad Experience

"It was really interesting to take higher level courses at a different university and compare the way in which they expected students to learn. It was also incredible to experience not only Australian culture in depth, but also the prominent Asian culture found in Sydney through the people and the food! One of the best memories of the trip though was seeing a concert at the Opera House with the Sydney orchestra and choir!!

I chose my program because I have family in Sydney and Australia has always been the place I wanted to visit more than anywhere else in the world! Steve Irwin is also a huge inspiration for me so I made sure to travel to Brisbane as well and visit the Australia Zoo and see his legacy come to life! 

How clean and well organized the city was actually surprised me! It was so easy to navigate the public transport and travel either with groups or alone to places over two hours outside of Sydney! I never really felt unsafe walking around or commuting to school even when I was alone! Adaptability and willingness is critical. You never know what you’re going to experience, any amazing discoveries you may find, or awesome people who you will meet when studying abroad! You need to be able to adapt and embrace other cultures and people and always be willing to try new things even if they may scare you cause you may just find a new favorite food, art, drink or hobby! 

I definitely became much more independent and willing to try a ton of new things! I was a semi picky eater when I went Australia and now I’m willing to try literally anything! I think it also just broadened my horizons to being willing to try just new experiences in my field and become a more well rounded student, employee, and person. Do some research on the school you’re going to and how classes are taught there as well as the grading! This way there are no surprises and you can feel prepared for whatever you may face! "