Devan Crane, the Pirates Abroad marketing intern, writes:

G’day, mates!  My name is Devan Crane, and I am a junior majoring in biology at East Carolina University. I studied abroad in Australia during summer 2013 on the AUIP North Queensland program, and it was absolutely wonderful! My experience abroad changed my life, making me want to use this internship to express to fellow students how much they will love and get out of this valuable program.

A hiking we will go!

It feels like it was only yesterday that I was filling out my application paperwork so I could attend this amazing program. Reality of my attendance did not set in until I had groggily traveled 23 plus hours on planes, but once I set foot in Australia I was ready to go.

I saw some of the most amazing beaches with yellow sand, palm trees and rocky coastlines. I experienced the surreal nature of the unknown underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, where I would have given anything to grow gills just for a day. I gained an appreciation and understanding of the true importance of ecosystems. I became a thrill seeker and went skydiving on a free day. And I built relationships with college students, professors and the natives that I will never forget. But most importantly from this program, I gained a global perspective and the confidence to know the world is a big place and I intend to see more of it.

Clemson & ECU group out on the Great Barrier Reef

Looking back on the time, my only regret is that I did not stay longer and travel after my program finished! But my time abroad was spent with great students, professors and new Aussie friends. I am so grateful I had this experience and I am so happy that I get to share it with others!