Studying in the Gold Coast

In February of 2016, I boarded a plane and embarked on the adventure of my lifetime, to the Gold Coast, Australia. I lived there until June 26th, 2016 on the beautiful coast. During my stay I was surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean, and so many vast, astounding National Parks. During my travels I visited Sydney and Cains. My travels sent me to Bondi beach, the Great Barrier Reef, and Daintree Rainforest. While abroad I studied at Griffith University. I found myself immersed in the local culture at my hosting school. During my spring break I traveled to the South Island of New Zealand, where I road tripped and backpacked with four other close friends I made while on my travels. The end of my stay came with a final road trip down the Eastern Coast of Australia to the Great Ocean Road. Studying abroad changed my life and was such a positive influence on my academics. I have learned of different cultures, conquering the fear of the unknown, and how to live on my own internationally.

My own word of advice? Travel, as much and as often as possible. Live in another country where everything is unknown. Being so terrified of the unknown is what makes it that much more of an experience. It allows you to take risks, introduce yourself to new people, and presents the opportunity to travel and live somewhere amazing and foreign. Even if it's small, there’s something, always out there we don't know of, waiting for us to discover it.