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…
Author: Rutuja Kulkarni
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…