Overcoming Challenges Abroad

The biggest challenges I’ve had to face during my exchange are being so far from my friends and family and having to make new friends. The first few weeks of a semester abroad are truthfully very overwhelming, especially if you’re the only person from your University in your study abroad location. I’ve had the comfort…

Exploring my Biggest Takeaways

To be perfectly honest, being abroad has rewired my brain in ways I didn’t even know were possible. Almost all that stems from being subjected to so much change in such a short amount of time. My most prominent and arguably most important takeaway would be that change is inevitable and necessary for growth, and…

Reflecting on my Expectations

I think studying abroad is the perfect example of “you can never predict the future.” I say this not in a discouraging or negative way, but in a way that emphasizes how much my expectations have changed from before I got here to now. As I’m in week 6 of being in Melbourne, I reflect…

Built-in Friends: Navigating University Accommodation

When the University of Melbourne first gave me options for on-campus housing three months ago, I closed my eyes, pressed random buttons, and hoped for the best. Overwhelmed with decisions, I decided that no matter where I ended up getting placed, I’d be able to figure it out. Fortunately, I was right, and I would…

Mapping Out my Goals

I’ve lived in Pennsylvania my entire life. From Philly suburbs growing up to Pittsburgh for college, I have route I-76 memorized like the palm of my hand. Though it has been convenient to always be 5 hours from home, having that privilege has sheltered me. Several people I went to middle and high school with…

No, I Will Not Box a Kangaroo

Upon hearing that my semester long study abroad is taking place in Melbourne, Australia, around 98% of people asked if I could box a kangaroo and send video footage (the other 2% asked for a selfie with a koala). Honestly, I don’t blame them. When I first applied in October, I didn’t really know what…