A lot of people talk about how studying abroad will change your life and discuss travel experiences with very cliche rhetorics, and I can confirm that this is true. After diving into a different environment and interacting with international students, you discover not only more about yourself but the entire world. I think one of the most unique aspects of studying in Australia at the University of Sydney is that you recognize how large the world is. Traveling over 20 hours to the other side of the planet makes you notice how many countries you want to visit but never thought of before. It makes you notice that there are so many people from around the world that have the same goals as you and have the potential to become your closest friends. I went from being nervous about leaving to Australia to being heartbroken that my adventure is over because of my newfound determination to discover new places with the amazing friends that I made. But I also know that just because my time in Australia has come to an end, the friendships I have fostered and my curiosity about the world will continue to be with me, and for that I am extremely grateful.
From snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef to hiking in the mountains of New Zealand, I saw so many parts of the world that made me recognize how important it is to appreciate outdoor activities. Just as important as it was to study for my finals at the university library, it was also important for me to experience the unique environments around me. This is why I would recommend to those who plan to go abroad to find an important balance between university life and travel. Capitalizing on school breaks and long weekends to go travel is extremely important because it makes your experience feel fulfilling and exciting. But I advise those who plan their trips to do important research. I went to the Great Barrier Reef during jellyfish season, so we had to wear protective gear to prevent getting stung when in the ocean. Knowing this, I might have planned my trip earlier. It is also important to research when the wet seasons are in areas of Australia or typhoon seasons when visiting small islands. The environments you visit are very different from what you are accustomed to. I learned a lot about how strong the sun is in the Oceania region of the world and created a habit of wearing sunscreen in a way I never had before. I learned that New Zealand is actually way colder than I expected. This is why researching the place you are visiting is extremely important. Being prepared is always the best way to ensure that your trip is enjoyable.
My positive experience in Australia was also greatly shaped by my scholarship. The GW-USydney Housing Waiver Scholarship provided me with the ability to live in the Queen Mary Building, which is a student accommodation on campus. This scholarship provided me with secure housing and financial support that made me feel safe and secure in Australia. Throughout my stay in this accommodation I have met my best friends. The building was made up of all study abroad students. It had an extremely welcoming environment, filled with students who were determined to develop meaningful relationships and travel groups. From watching the sunsets on the rooftop and cooking in the kitchen to sitting on a beach in the Philippines, the student accommodation helped me form amazing friendships and memories. This would not have been possible without the help of GW. Additionally, I was invited to a dinner hosted by the University of Sydney for all recipients of the scholarship, where I met students from all over the world who were also lucky enough to receive this support. When discussing how helpful this scholarship was and how positively it contributed to our experience, I realized how unique it was that I shared this similar experience with international students. A lot of students discussed how, if it were not for the scholarship, they would have not considered coming to Australia. This sentiment made me extremely grateful for the opportunity to live in a dorm with amazing people while having financial support.
I will honestly admit coming home has been hard. I have created such amazing memories in Australia that it is hard to come to terms with the fact that it is over. But that also shows how grateful I am that my study abroad experience has been so amazing. I feel lucky to have seen such a unique part of the world. I feel gratitude to GW for helping me get there. Most importantly, I feel so happy to have friends from all over the world who share special memories from Australia with me. I can promise everyone enduring this journey in the future that they will feel the same.
Nicole Solich
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - University of Sydney
Columbian College of Arts and Science
Criminal Justice Major