Dynasty studied abroad in Sydney in the Spring Semester, 2020. She answers questions and reflects on her experience traveling abroad, outside of US, for the first time in her life.
What was it like to get your passport and leave the country for the first time?
After I applied for my passport it took a long time for it to arrive, but once it did I was able to apply for my visa. That process was easy because the visa was an electronic visa, so I received it a couple hours after I applied. It was scary and exciting to be leaving the country for the first time. I didn’t know what to expect and knew that I would be living in a place I had never been to before. Once we arrived, I was thrilled to actually be in Sydney, Australia and to finally begin my adventure.
What were your expectations about the program/experience going in? Were they met? Were they exceeded or did they fall short?
I didn’t really have many expectations about the program going in, since I have never been outside the US before. I didn’t make any expectations or preconceived notions about what my time in Australia would be like. I just set myself up to have an open worldview and to learn new things.
Was there anything you learned about yourself?
I learned a lot about myself during my time in Australia. I learned that I’m capable of going to a new country I’ve never been to before, all on my own, and sightsee and explore without fear. I learned that I could live in a completely different place by myself, and visit different tourist sites, and meet new friends. I learned that I was able to come out of my comfort zone and try new things I’ve never done before. I learned that traveling to a different country is not as daunting as it had first seemed, and that I am so proud of myself and glad that I went.