So, it's now October 25. I leave December 15. Over half of my time abroad has passed now. Australia has been a really cool place. Every day I notice new differences in the country and the culture. I would characterize this as culture shock. If you're going abroad, pay attention in your pre-departure meetings to the culture shock parts of the info you're given. I'm glad I did, because at least I recognize why I am an emotional rollercoaster recently and have experienced homesickness for the very first time. I'm missing family and friends like crazy, and my hamster at home just died and I'm pretty bummed out about that as well.
I suppose I kind of believed a lot of the stereotypes I learned about Australia before I arrived here. Now though, after reevaluating since I've been living here for a bit, I realize Australia is really different from what a lot of Americans think. Some in good ways, some in not so good ways. But that's part of every new cultural experience, and you should expect that so you aren't surprised when it hits, because unless you're a superperson and really dislike where you come from, it will hit.
Anyways, that's just some advice for those of you that are jetting off in spring and in later semesters. Study abroad is a great experience and you should definitely consider it and make the most of your time while you're living in a different place.
So, the semester is coming to a close. I have a huge group project due Wednesday, a short reflection due friday, and a long, professional semester-long reflection report due on Nov. 4. Also two exams. But besides those things, the semester is pretty much over. Now here's the big question: What the heck do I do with all that time? I know what many of you would say, and what I was planning on doing: travel. However, don't know if everyone is aware of this, but the U.S. dollar is falling drastically and the AU dollar is almost exactly on par with it. Which is bad news. Because prices here are two or three times the amount they are in the U.S. So, I'm trying my best not to touch any of my U.S. dollars in my bank account, because if I did in just several weeks I'd be completely broke.
However, good news does exist. While I make $8 an hour in the States, here I make $18. By the way, call centres are boring. I ending up quitting that job. Mainly because I was required to work evenings, and going back alone on the train at night is a pretty bad idea, especially since I live in a western, not-so-safe-at-night suburb, and it takes 25 minutes to walk from the station back to the campus where I live. So, with my few connections, I got a job with the Wilderness Society. It's great and I love it, because I get to work in different areas of Sydney every shift and have conversations with all kinds of different people. However, my job is to recruit members to join the society, which requires a monetary monthly contribution. I'm great at getting people to stop and talk to me, but not so great at convincing them to contribute money! After 5 shifts of no sign ups, I was ready to be let go, but somehow today grace alone saw fit to give me a sign up, so at least for two more shifts I have a job. Fingers crossed that this either continues on well or I find something new!
In great news, the weather is getting WARM! Today was super cloudy and rained a bit, but I still got a sunburn. The no ozone layer stereotype- that is no lie. Pure truth. My slightly burned chest can account for that!
I suppose I kind of believed a lot of the stereotypes I learned about Australia before I arrived here. Now though, after reevaluating since I've been living here for a bit, I realize Australia is really different from what a lot of Americans think. Some in good ways, some in not so good ways. But that's part of every new cultural experience, and you should expect that so you aren't surprised when it hits, because unless you're a superperson and really dislike where you come from, it will hit.
Anyways, that's just some advice for those of you that are jetting off in spring and in later semesters. Study abroad is a great experience and you should definitely consider it and make the most of your time while you're living in a different place.
So, the semester is coming to a close. I have a huge group project due Wednesday, a short reflection due friday, and a long, professional semester-long reflection report due on Nov. 4. Also two exams. But besides those things, the semester is pretty much over. Now here's the big question: What the heck do I do with all that time? I know what many of you would say, and what I was planning on doing: travel. However, don't know if everyone is aware of this, but the U.S. dollar is falling drastically and the AU dollar is almost exactly on par with it. Which is bad news. Because prices here are two or three times the amount they are in the U.S. So, I'm trying my best not to touch any of my U.S. dollars in my bank account, because if I did in just several weeks I'd be completely broke.
However, good news does exist. While I make $8 an hour in the States, here I make $18. By the way, call centres are boring. I ending up quitting that job. Mainly because I was required to work evenings, and going back alone on the train at night is a pretty bad idea, especially since I live in a western, not-so-safe-at-night suburb, and it takes 25 minutes to walk from the station back to the campus where I live. So, with my few connections, I got a job with the Wilderness Society. It's great and I love it, because I get to work in different areas of Sydney every shift and have conversations with all kinds of different people. However, my job is to recruit members to join the society, which requires a monetary monthly contribution. I'm great at getting people to stop and talk to me, but not so great at convincing them to contribute money! After 5 shifts of no sign ups, I was ready to be let go, but somehow today grace alone saw fit to give me a sign up, so at least for two more shifts I have a job. Fingers crossed that this either continues on well or I find something new!
In great news, the weather is getting WARM! Today was super cloudy and rained a bit, but I still got a sunburn. The no ozone layer stereotype- that is no lie. Pure truth. My slightly burned chest can account for that!