Alumni Interview with Garrett Tolbert

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

I knew that my heart for wanderlust was bound to make it somewhere around the world one of these days, as I have always had an adoration for the adventure that is wrapped up in traveling. I also knew that I wanted to make the most of my college experience and take the chance to shape my beliefs of how the world operated before I became a fully invested and contributing citizen amidst this so-called "grown-up world." 

Why did you choose IES Abroad Sydney DE – University of Sydney? 

I chose Sydney because of the sheer diversity. The city itself is a cultural epicentre of ethic values and customs. This includes both the food scene and the experiences that one can partake in. I wanted to be close to the beach, the mountains, and the city, of which, Sydney gave me all of this and more. As to why I chose the University of Sydney over the University of New South Wales, I additionally knew that I wanted to be closer to the city centre where I could be in the middle of all the action. The University of Sydney is located in Camperdown/Newtown, which is one of the artsiest and youth filled suburbs in Sydney, which is something that I knew that I wanted to be a part of. 

What was your favorite part about your host Sydney? 

My favorite part about Sydney was the ease of navigating where I wanted to be. As I mentioned earlier, I knew that I wanted to be somewhere with a variety of scenery, so being within a 45-minute bus ride to both the beach and the Central Business District made me a pretty happy dude. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

Hands down it was the people! Within my group, I had people who came from all over the United States, in addition to having some people from Latin American countries. It was those relationships that have shaped the person I have become today. We all bonded over having this readiness for something new within our hearts. So, when we got the opportunity to go out and explore, we all jumped at the chance to embrace new experiences with one another. 

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program? 

The IES Sydney Staff is absolutely incredible. With every step of the way, no matter the questions that I had, they were always there to lend a helping hand and aide me in the process of what I was going through. Nevertheless, they were my advocates; something that was so appreciated. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

I wish I had prepared myself for the amount of travel that I wanted to do both domestically within Australia and internationally from AU. Sadly to say, my finances were not ready for these endeavors, and even though it all ended up working out in my favor, I do wish that I had saved more money for the semester. 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

My school schedule was very abnormal as I only had class three days out of the week, yet that didn't lead me astray from having some type of routine that I built throughout the week. I attended class all day on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, which normally was from 9-3 each of those days. On Wednesdays and Fridays, I really got the chance to explore the things around me like going to the beach on one or both of those days, or simply spending the day in a coffee shop in Surry Hills soaking up a good flat white and just reading a book. There were also certain days a week that my friends and I would rally together for some nights out, something Sydney caters to quite well. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

The University of Sydney has a Mid-Semester break that is around the time of Easter where they give all students and faculty a week off, additionally, they also give a "Study Break" during the last week of May and the first week of June. During these breaks, I really took the chance to visit the countries and cities that were so close to me, being that this side of the world feels miles away from home. Nevertheless, on my weekends I was out and about in the city either hiking, at the beach, or taking the time to get some good quality friend time. 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

I lived in an apartment with two Americans from the same program, in addition to living with two international students who were studying abroad at the University of Sydney for four years. Our apartment was subpar and needed some renovations, but that was easily drowned out by the location. It was right in the heart of Newtown and minutes walk from all sorts of restaurants, grocery stores, bars, and shops. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins? 

If I am going to share one piece of advice or knowledge about the program it is this: embrace all of it. There is so much around you and there are so many memories that are going to be made, you simply just have to allow yourself to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and be ready for the unknown...and yes there probably is some more advice that could be given about the logistics of Sydney, but I honestly believe that those will fall into place as you get there, just live and learn. Don't be afraid of what's new, growth is bound in being unsure. 

Would you recommend IES Abroad Sydney DE – University of Sydney to others? Why? 

Truly, I recommend this program to any person who is slightly considering the thought of studying abroad. I specifically recommend the University of Sydney over any other programs because of the location and the level of connections that are made by attending such a flagship of a uni. Sydney has so much to offer, it never leaves you bored or wondering what you should do next. Nevertheless, the classes that you can enroll in at Syd Uni are different, held with a different perspective, and cater to the understanding of the level you enroll in. Everyone from professors to your fellow classmates and to the people that live in your same complex have your best interest at heart and want to see you succeed. 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

By far the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is having the chance to learn more about yourself. I remember writing about why it is so important to embrace your inner adventurousness and how not having a specific destination shouldn’t stop you from going. When you take the chance to travel abroad, you embrace a mindset that friends can be found all over. I am certain that there are so many blogs out there that encourage you to step out into this world and take it for what it is. I can wholeheartedly say that they are all right, the world has a lot to give so why not explore it. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

I look back at my time abroad and quite honestly it feels like it didn't happen, simply because there were so many endeavors and excursions that I once thought would never be possible and low and behold most of those wishes came true in a matter of a semester. By being home I have realized what a gift it is to hold this passion for travel, although at times it may be a burden because the means and time do not always line up. I’ve realized that by simply having the desire to travel means that discovery and adventure don't ever have to die. My abroad experience was one that taught me so much about the individual that I am, and about the place in the world that I hold. These are the only things that could have only been taught in that place and time. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

Meaningful travel to me is not necessarily about the exact place that you're in, or about the language barrier that may exist, or about the different cultural aspects that are present. The value of travel is found in the people that surround you and the attitudes that you invest in and the experiences you engage in. Making something meaningful is about allowing the journey to mold you and shape you into a person different from where you started, while sharing the experience with people that come along, or that you find along the way.