Study abroad student shares her experiences from Australia
About 50% of Gettysburg College students choose to study abroad throughout their college career. Senior Rebecca Johnson visited Australia in her junior year.
By Rebecca Johnson, Contributing Writer
Like many Gettysburg students, I always assumed I would go abroad even if it was just because everyone else did. But as my junior year came closer and I completed my application to study with IFSA-Butler in Queensland, Australia, it finally became real: I was going to be alone for the first time…for nearly five whole months. I have always embraced challenges, but travelling alone to Australia was most definitely out of my comfort zone.
I found that schoolwork in Australia was not nearly as rigorous as in Gettysburg, and I wanted other ways to fill my time. I was not sure where to turn but knew I should take things into my own hands. I went to The University of Queensland’s law school to search for possible internship and volunteer experiences.
I applied to work in a local legal center, and after an interview process, was chosen, even though I was only going to be in the country for a limited time. I went to their office on Wednesday evenings, serving as a hybrid combination of secretary and public relations professional, and in the process, I gained experience which I hope will benefit me in law school and beyond.
I also sought opportunities to take my academic experiences outside of the classroom, so I applied to participate in a mentoring program for local students and spent two hours each Friday working with an Indigenous high school student named Lala. Through this experience I learned more about Australian history and culture, as it is actually relevant to Australians, while also helping others.
By this point, spring break was approaching, and I found one last way to break out of my comfort zone: skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef. I, the girl who hates heights more than almost anything, decided to jump out of an airplane 9,000 feet in the air.
The free fall was the most amazing experience of my life, and in the months since I have been home, I have recommended it to everyone. I do not care where they choose to go, but everyone needs to do it.
As a result of my abroad experience with IFSA-Butler, I am much more comfortable with trying new things which will definitely better my life going forward. Further, I am more confident in my ability to participate in a wide variety of activities with a wide variety of people.
No matter where they want to go, students absolutely should take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad, and know that it is absolutely possible to live, study, intern and volunteer in a foreign country and have an amazing experience.
