Annalise Kelleher, the Buckeyes Abroad marketing intern, writes:

Before I left for Australia, I knew the program’s general theme but didn’t know many details about the subject of “Sustaining Human Societies and the Natural Environment.” I had never considered myself an environmentalist, and I never thought much about my natural surroundings. I knew that I was going to learn the basics, but I ended up learning so much more about myself during my time abroad.

Australians are very conscious about their environment. Stressing the concept of interconnectivity, our field guides pointed out the environment is all connected and relies on its counterparts for survival. For example, water runoff from farms and agricultural work near the coast can bring additional sediment into the ocean, thus in turn potentially hurting wildlife and the Great Barrier Reef. This all made sense in my mind but seeing the damage in real life truly opened my eyes. I realized how seemingly daily actions can seriously hurt something else.

Ohio State students Ashley and Annalise snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef

I took these ideas back home with me post-program. Then, I began recycling at my apartment, convinced my friends to recycle and stop littering, and began using less water at home. These may seem like small environmental contributions, but I know each conservation method helps. By teaching others, I’ve learned that I can learn more environmentally friendly techniques.

In my reflection, I realized we seem to have worse problems with conservation and environmental protection in America than in Australia and many other countries. For students planning to study in Australia, keep an open mind and an open heart. You will learn several important lessons that, if approached correctly, could begin to change our home and protect the beautiful environment around all of us. So, take plenty of notes, because you’ll want to remember those changes to implement upon returning home.