Caroline Marion, 2013 South Queensland student blogger, writes:
Caroline and classmates hanging out with the roos at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Now that I’ve completed my study abroad experience and I’m finishing my blog series, I want to take time to sum up my journey in Australia. In short, it was more than I expected in so many ways. I used to get homesick fairly easy, so I knew that a whole semester exchange wasn’t exactly up my alley. One day I was walking through the halls of Jordan, a building on NC State’s campus, when I saw a poster for an information session on this program. Given I’m a Marine Science major, the giant sea turtle on the poster especially caught my eye. I decided then and there that I would go to the informational meeting and investigate more.
If the sea turtle wasn’t enough, I can’t stress this enough, the professors leading the program, Roger and Annette Moore, whom I met at this meeting, are sincerely two of the nicest people I have ever had the opportunity of meeting. They made me feel more than welcome to just come inquire about the program. Having professors take such personal interest in me was a unique and welcomed encounter. During the meeting, we talked about the program academics and activities, most of which involved the outdoors. This immediately made me even more attentive than I already was. Six credits received whilst studying in the field in Australia sounded like a good plan to me!
Scuba diving with manta rays at Lady Elliot Island
Once I decided to study on the program, I spent immense time searching and applying for funding, but I did in the end receive funding to go on this amazing adventure. I cannot summarize in one blog post how remarkable this study abroad experience is. I have never met a student who did not enjoy study abroad, but if you talk to anyone who has been on this specific AUIP South Queensland program, they’ll quickly tell you that we FELL IN LOVE with it.
Caroline and friends supporting the Brisbane Lions at an AFL game
I met countless individuals on this program with whom I will remain close friends for years to come. They became my best friends on the program, and we, as a group along with our professors, were able to embark together on such an exciting voyage. From the engaging local field guides to AUIP’s Eleanor Mitchell, who met us in-country, everyone made us feel welcome and at home. This program isn’t sitting in a classroom and learning about the world around you, it’s about going out and experiencing this world you’ve been taught so much about. It’s culturally, personally, and educationally enriching.
Wolfpack Abroad South Queensland, Australia 2013 group
What I am trying to say is go. Just go, step outside your comfort zone and do it. I can assure you, it is a decision you will not regret. Go swim with sea turtles, go experience the Outback, go hike the Australian rainforests, go make amazing friends, and go surprise yourself. You’ll be amazed at how much this experience positively adds to your life.
