“Why Australia?”
I’ve heard that question a lot lately from concerned family, well-meaning co-workers and close friends.
The typical conversation goes something like this:
Me: “So, fun fact, I’m headed off to Australia here in [insert months/weeks/days/hours/seconds... yes, the anticipation was real].”
Other: [Expression of utter surprise + some congratulatory statement]
After a slight pause, then the inevitable question: “Why?”
---
What follows below is my formal answer to that very loaded question of “Why Australia”:
For official and informational purposes, I am spending my fall semester of my junior year studying abroad at the University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA), Fremantle campus. Despite enjoying a strong partnership between schools, UNDA is an entirely separate institution from the ND of the Fighting Irish/South Bend, Indiana variety. I will be enrolled in a full course load (5 classes) to earn a certificate in Asian Pacific Business as a supplement to my major, IT Management, in the Mendoza College of Business. This program includes 26 other Notre Dame students who will all live, study, and travel together for the next 5 months.
But that is the boring answer. My real answer includes much more breadth and depth:
1) Seize the day.
Seriously… when else in my life can I travel 13,000 miles form home to see a completely different part of the world for nearly half of a year with zero strings attached and zero responsibilities (besides school, of course, mom and dad!)?
2) Broaden my horizons.
Though I will spend most of my time soaking up the sun along the Western Australian coast, I will see so much more. Trips will include a week in the Outback living with Aborigines, a 5-day business trip to Singapore, an extended holiday in Bali, and with a grand, post-semester finale of Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and New Zealand. Whoa!
3) Escape the stress.
I associate the Land Down Under with relaxation, nature, and sunshine. Life under the Dome, on the other hand, often includes paralyzing stress, jam-packed schedules, and an endless to-do list. Australia is not just my escape, but also my instructor. I hope this journey will teach me how to live a more balanced lifestyle.
4) Experience nature.
After living in the suburbs my whole life, regularly struggling through the harsh Pittsburgh/South Bend winters, and spending my summer either in an office downtown or in a car commuting, I am anxious for a refreshing change of scenery. I think the local beaches, abundant wildlife, and idyllic sunsets will do me good.
5) Learn simplicity.
I hope that Australia will teach me how to strip away the excess in my life and go back to the basics. I want to learn how to cook simply and seasonally, how to appreciate the little things and those around me, etc. Even if that only means how to pack 5 months worth of clothes, toiletries, and life-essentials into two travel-friendly, lightweight bags….
These are the goals. The dream awaits.
Cheers mates!
Maggie
*UPDATE*
I have arrived Down Under and am in the process of settling into campus life at ND Australia and community life at our residence, Port Lodge. I wrote this post on a connecting flight from Melbourne to Perth on the final leg of my 28 hour long trip -- but more on that to come!
I’ve heard that question a lot lately from concerned family, well-meaning co-workers and close friends.
The typical conversation goes something like this:
Me: “So, fun fact, I’m headed off to Australia here in [insert months/weeks/days/hours/seconds... yes, the anticipation was real].”
Other: [Expression of utter surprise + some congratulatory statement]
After a slight pause, then the inevitable question: “Why?”
---
What follows below is my formal answer to that very loaded question of “Why Australia”:
For official and informational purposes, I am spending my fall semester of my junior year studying abroad at the University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA), Fremantle campus. Despite enjoying a strong partnership between schools, UNDA is an entirely separate institution from the ND of the Fighting Irish/South Bend, Indiana variety. I will be enrolled in a full course load (5 classes) to earn a certificate in Asian Pacific Business as a supplement to my major, IT Management, in the Mendoza College of Business. This program includes 26 other Notre Dame students who will all live, study, and travel together for the next 5 months.
But that is the boring answer. My real answer includes much more breadth and depth:
1) Seize the day.
Seriously… when else in my life can I travel 13,000 miles form home to see a completely different part of the world for nearly half of a year with zero strings attached and zero responsibilities (besides school, of course, mom and dad!)?
2) Broaden my horizons.
Though I will spend most of my time soaking up the sun along the Western Australian coast, I will see so much more. Trips will include a week in the Outback living with Aborigines, a 5-day business trip to Singapore, an extended holiday in Bali, and with a grand, post-semester finale of Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and New Zealand. Whoa!
3) Escape the stress.
I associate the Land Down Under with relaxation, nature, and sunshine. Life under the Dome, on the other hand, often includes paralyzing stress, jam-packed schedules, and an endless to-do list. Australia is not just my escape, but also my instructor. I hope this journey will teach me how to live a more balanced lifestyle.
4) Experience nature.
After living in the suburbs my whole life, regularly struggling through the harsh Pittsburgh/South Bend winters, and spending my summer either in an office downtown or in a car commuting, I am anxious for a refreshing change of scenery. I think the local beaches, abundant wildlife, and idyllic sunsets will do me good.
5) Learn simplicity.
I hope that Australia will teach me how to strip away the excess in my life and go back to the basics. I want to learn how to cook simply and seasonally, how to appreciate the little things and those around me, etc. Even if that only means how to pack 5 months worth of clothes, toiletries, and life-essentials into two travel-friendly, lightweight bags….
These are the goals. The dream awaits.
Cheers mates!
Maggie
*UPDATE*
I have arrived Down Under and am in the process of settling into campus life at ND Australia and community life at our residence, Port Lodge. I wrote this post on a connecting flight from Melbourne to Perth on the final leg of my 28 hour long trip -- but more on that to come!