Jamie Monahan
Bond University, Australia
My experience in Australia has been amazing so far.
I have only been here for a month, but I have already become close to so many people and have seen some incredible places.
Everyone here has such a different mindset than a lot of people back home.
Everyone just wants to create new experiences, see different places and learn from one another.
I love that everyone thinks like that because it makes it easy to plan my next trip.
Contributed Photo / Jamie Monahan
It’s also really interesting to connect with people from all over the world and see their perspectives on things.
In fact, I think the biggest culture shock I had was adjusting to how friendly everyone here is.
I am used to people putting their heads down to avoid conversation at home, whereas Australians are really outgoing and will go up to almost anyone and start a conversation.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely challenging being away from my friends and family, as well as my boyfriend. But I know that living here is only temporary, so I can’t be too homesick.
So far, I have adjusted to living accommodations and classes just fine.
I am in a dorm-style building, so it feels like freshman year all over again.
It’s such a fun, lively and exciting environment to be around.
So far I think the best thing I’ve done is go to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, which is Australia’s most photographed beach.
Now I understand why–it is beautiful.
I stayed on a boat with 20 people from all around the world for two nights.
We snorkeled and went scuba diving, which was pretty amazing, and I got to see plenty of vibrant fish and swim in the crystal-clear ocean.
Since summer is during Dec. through Feb. here, I am not missing the colder temperatures everyone is facing back home.
During my semester in Australia I am looking forward to skydiving in Byron Bay and traveling to New Zealand.
Skydiving has always been on my bucket list, so I’m very excited to finally be able to check that off (and hopefully get over my fear of heights).
Plus, I heard New Zealand is even more incredible than Australia, so I am extremely thrilled to travel there.
Overall, Australia has treated me very well so far and I couldn’t be happier studying abroad on the Gold Coast.
I can’t wait to see what is to come for me during my time here.
