Shana-Kay Hart, the Penn State School of Visual Arts Down Under student blogger, writes:
Ah, December. A time for ice-skating, warm beverages, and other holiday festivities as we draw closer to a new year. This last month is a time to prepare for 2017, spend time with family and friends, unwind before heading back to school, and in my case, prepare for my impending involvement in AUIP’s Penn State University’s School of Visual Arts study abroad program in Sydney, Australia.
Hi everyone! My name is Shana-Kay Hart and I am a junior at Penn State University. I am currently studying and pursuing degrees in both Communications and Spanish. I have a great passion for traveling and learning about different cultures, so it’s no surprise that upon discovering this program offered by AUIP through my university, I was immediately inclined to participate.
Over the course of this two-week program, I hope to accomplish as much as possible: I want to see, do, and eat everything Australia has to offer! Needless to say, I’ve bought many guidebooks and researched the top must-do activities and spots to visit in Sydney, Australia. If I’ve learned anything from my previous study abroad and travel experiences though, it is that time waits for no one, and with just twelve days to accomplish everything, I’ve decided to make a list of important lessons I have learned from traveling that I want to keep in mind while I am abroad — lessons to carry along that can’t necessarily be found in a guide book. It is my hope that by writing them down, I will be reminded of them, which will in turn help me to make the most of my short time in Australia.
Reminder #1: Be Present
As much as possible! Before I know it, I will be back at my university and Australia will be just a memory. I want to make it a mission to be present in every moment of every day I am abroad.
Reminder #2: Take Time To Reflect
From the moment I land in Sydney, my days will be packed with back-to-back activities and learning experiences. What is so great about this program is that my instructor encourages journaling as a way to keep track of and reflect on all that I’ve done during my time there!
Reminder #3: Say Yes
It is important that I say yes to all opportunities and adventures that come my way. Whether it is the matter of trying a new restaurant or going on a hike to the Blue Mountains, I will say yes and take advantage of everything I am presented with.
Reminder #4: Learn Something New
In a city like Sydney, this shouldn’t be hard to accomplish. After my time in Australia, I want to leave the country confident enough to answer the question, “What did you learn?” and to share with my peers something the average person who hasn’t traveled to Australia wouldn’t know.
Clearly, I am very much excited to get started! See you soon, Australia!
