As my semester abroad draws to a close, I find myself constantly reflecting on my experience and feeling grateful for the opportunity I’ve had. Coming home for Christmas is bittersweet. Saying goodbye to the friends I’ve made and not knowing if and when our paths will cross again is difficult to say the least. However, I am beyond excited to see my friends and family back in Canada. I’ve been in Australia for 5 months now and I can confidently say that this country has become my second home.
I spent my first 4 months studying in Melbourne and have been travelling up Australia’s east coast ever since writing my last exam in mid November. As I write this article from a park bench overlooking the Coral Sea, it’s surreal to think that I have merely one week left and will soon be in Cairns, my last stop before returning to Melbourne and flying home.
While exchange may not be in the cards for everyone, for anyone who finds themselves studying abroad, here are my top 10 tips to make the most of your experience.
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- Ditch your suticase!
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If you plan to travel, there’s nothing worse than lugging around a gigantic bag. While it may help you achieve those Popeye pipes, it’s not worth the struggle! So pack lightly, or even better, befriend a local and have them store your luggage while you explore.
- Make a weekly budget for your groceries and day to day expenses.
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You can’t get a refund on those weekly UberEats, so be thrifty and maximize your budget.
- Prioritize experiences over materialistic things.
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Your memories will last a lifetime, but those new sneakers won’t!
- Do something that scares you.
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For me, this was skydiving!
- Learn to say yes!
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Some of the greatest adventures stem from simple things like chatting with strangers.
- Learn to say no!
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Your time and money are precious so don’t waste it by going with the flow, if that’s not what you really want to do. Do what you want to do and what makes you happy!
- Study!
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School likely won’t be a priority while abroad, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. That being said, try to take care of your academics and make those credits count.
- Immerse yourself in the culture.
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Don’t just be a tourist in your new country. Explore and make time to mingle with locals, because trust me, they are your most valuable resource.
- Don’t be afraid to spend money!
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While it’s important to be mindful of your budget, allow yourself to splurge on worthy experiences! For me this was a camping trip to Fraser Island.
- Embrace the challenge!
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Your new country is meant to feel different, and there will be a lot to sort out upon your arrival. So, be prepared to tackle the unknown. It’s important to recognize that it’s okay to not have everything figured out in advance.
My time in Australia has been the longest and farthest I’ve ever been from home. While there are days when I feel homesick, I can confidently say that the sacrifices I’ve made have been well worth it. I’ve had and continue to have an unforgettable time here and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
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So, if you’re considering to study abroad, take the plunge and go for it! I hope my top 10 tips find you well and you milk your experience for all it’s worth.
Bon Voyage and all the best!