Pre-Departure

So I figured I would start my journal once arrived in Melbourne and my program started, which isn't until around February 7th, but then I found some ideas from the OISP site about suggestions for a Pre-Departure journal that sparked my interest.

Here's the list they offer and my response:

1. What are your goals and objectives for studying abroad?

So far I would say my biggest goal for studying abroad is to see as much of Australia as financially possible. Over the past few months I've done some extensive research online to learn about all the parks and places to visit. If I can I would definitely like to do a trip at the end of my program (my visa extends until July 30th!) with Adventure Tours to see the outback, Darwin and Ayers Rock. 

I also want to meet new people and make friends in Australia and from other countries as well. I feel if I don't leave with some really good friendships that my trip will be almost a failure. Connecting with other people from different parts of the world is one of the main reasons why I chose to study abroad in the first place.

I also believe this experience will help me become more independent. Going so far away from home will mean less care packages from mom & dad, setting up my own internet and phone accounts, living on a more strict budget as my visa doesn't allow me to work and getting the necessities to live in a foreign place. The thought is rather intimidating, but exciting at the same time.

2.  What do you hope to gain from this experience (personal, academic, career)?

Well I think I pretty  much summed this question up above in my personal aspect. As for academic, I think it will be quite interesting to see how a foreign school system operates. I will be taking mostly electives that appeal to my personal love of the arts and travel, which I think will make me more satisfied with my academic path. Lately, I've felt rather stifled in my major because I haven't had the opportunity to take many classes outside of it and I have so many interests I wish to engulf myself in. I think this opportunity will refresh my enthusiasm that I had freshman year.

Career wise I think studying abroad will prove to employers that I am an open minded and determined individual. I would hope so at least! The application process alone is enough to deter those who aren't positive that they want to study abroad. I also have been thinking about working abroad after graduating in London for Polydor Records, so having experience abroad will also hopefully prove to them that I am able to relocate and mature enough to handle myself properly in another country.

3. Why did you select the program you are going on?

I selected this program mainly because, how many chances do you get to spend 6 months in Australia? The country is beautiful (from what I've seen from pictures), and financially, it just makes sense in comparison to all the other programs. I know one day I will be able to see Europe, but Australia might not be as easy an opportunity. What's even better is that I get to really experience it, by living there, instead of just vacationing and visiting tourist attractions, which of course I will still do!

4. How does it feel to leave friends, family, and NU behind?

Well to be honest, and I know this might sound cruel, but I am excited to leave and discover a new place with new people. I don't have many close friendships in NJ, or Boston, and my best friend moved to Florida after Senior year in High School, so I'm used to not being near my friends. I also made some amazing friends in Omaha who I won't get to see for quite some time that I would miss either way regardless of being in Australia or Boston. To me I guess, its not really different being 4 hours, 12 hours, or 18 hours away, if you're still away, so I might as well spend that time in a place that fascinates and excites me.  I'll always have my family, and will be on Co-Op for 6 months in NYC and living at home, so while I guess I might get homesick for my dad's cooking, I know it won't be permanent and won't let it affect my time in Melbourne. It doesn't feel bad at all really, the excitement currently masks any worries or fears I might have. And I know this might sound bad, but I haven't had a strong tie to NU yet. I transferred in the Fall of 2006, but was Co-Oping for the past six months, so while I love NU and the opportunities it has provided me, at the same time I feel somewhat disconnected from the Boston Campus Life. Also, while I may not be on campus, I'll still be able to be in contact with the school and friends via online and this journal, so no tears shed.

So now that that is finished..

I can continue on to talk more about my pre-departure!

I decided to opt out of the NU and ASA arranged flights and booked my own tickets. Now if you don't plan on staying in the country past your program dates then I wouldn't recommend doing this, but for me it was the best option. I will be flying from Newark, NJ (my home airport), to LAX (now I can say I've been to California even if for only an hour), and then from LAX to Sydney. Once in Sydney I have a 6 hour layover (eek, maybe I can leave the airport and visit my friend from there in the mean time/ snap a picture of the Opera House), and then I fly into Melbourne. When I leave, which is currently planned for July 29th, I will pretty much reverse that itinerary.  A lot of flights, and A lot of jet lag. And A lot of dry airplane food. 

I'm actually quite stoked about that though, I've never been on a flight longer than the one to Omaha, so I'll get to have my crummy airplane meal instead of a crummy airplane cracker. I'll update and give a nice Top Chef worthy review afterwards. Let's see how stoked I am after the flight from LA to Sydney. Ok enough of my flying itinerary, besides the fact that I saved about $100 from booking my own flights.. due in part to my ISIC card =).

Packing.  Packing intimidates me. Mostly because from checking weather reports, Melbourne seems to have quite a sporadic climate. It can be clear and sunny and warm, then in an hour be cold and rainy. And I don't get 10 suitcases..imagine trying to bring that much through customs?  And I will also be there from late summer - fall/early winter. I think most of my items will be purchased in Australia, bedding, towels, toiletries , electronics etc. My biggest concern is getting my cameras and laptop through customs and what not as I've heard from friends and family that it can be difficult at times. I've never been on an international flight so I'm not so sure..My plan is to bring one suitcase at most, as anymore would be just difficult and unnecessary. 

Spring Break. I know it might be a bit too early to be thinking about this, but Monash University offers a mid-semester break from March 21st - 28th, (my birthday is the 23rd woo), and I think this will be a great chance to visit another part of the country. I've been thinking sincerely about Cairns and going scuba diving on the great barrier reef and rafting in Cape Tribulation or taking a 7 day trip from Perth - Broome and getting to see Karijini National Park (it looks incredible and if I don't get to see it I will definitely have to go back some day). Hopefully my new friends at Monash will want to come with me.

So I guess this kind of wraps up my first blog, my hopes and anticipations for the next 6/7 months.