What inspired you to go abroad?
I've had the desire to visit new places since I was a kid, so I knew this was something I wanted to do. Once I got to college, I was determined to get away from my campus and my normal life and see a new place and a new way of life.
Why did you choose AIFS Study Abroad in Perth?
I had wanted to visit Australia for quite some time. I got some suggestions from friends, and I decided to go with AIFS after I researched. I loved AIFS because they were easily reached by phone and e-mail, all of the information was straight-forward and easy to find and I liked the services they offered. The fact that they had so many trips offered through them, and the abroad university sealed the deal.
What was your favorite part about Perth?
I had never heard of Perth prior to applying to AIFS. I am so glad I went to Perth and not the most-known Australian city of Sydney. Perth is small, but it is clean, walkable and has free Wi-Fi in the making shopping area. It is a cute city on the water with plenty of restaurants and nightlife. The public transportation is clean, reliable and easy to use. I also loved how I was a train and/or bus ride away from the city and the beach. I got the best of both worlds!
Street art in Perth, Western Australia
What made your experience abroad unique?
My experience abroad was different because unlike most people, I did not have an international phone plan, so I relied on Wi-Fi. This meant that whenever I was going somewhere, I pre-planned routes and information on my destinations because I could not look anything up while traveling. I loved having this disconnect because it allowed me to focus on the present. Of course, I was usually with people with data, but I still did not have it for myself. I visited Thailand with two friends and none of us had data, and on the last day of the trip, we did what I liked to call "modern day backpacking" and decided on our next activity each time we found a place with Wi-Fi.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
We had an AIFS representative living on campus and who was also a student. She was super knowledgeable and helpful throughout the whole trip, whether it was questions about classes or our debit cards provided by AIFS. She was always friendly, even when we bombarded her with questions all hours of the night. I could tell she just wanted us to have a good experience and never be without an answer. She planned three free events for us during the semester, which I really appreciated. Without the AIFS representative, I think my time in Australia would have been spent a bit more confusing.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
After coming back to America, I learned about Aboriginal Australian culture, so I wish I took more of an initiative to learn about while I was there. I also wish I volunteered more, but I was busy during most opportunities. I took advantage of every traveling and cultural opportunity I could while in Australia and I don't regret a single thing.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
A typical week day consisted of class, cooking for myself, working on homework and hanging out with my roommate or other friends. I also went to the beach as much as possible during the week. During the weekend, I was usually traveling, going into the city or going out with friends at night.
Snorkeling in Fiji
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I listened to a lot of new music while I was in Australia. I discovered two popular Australian musicians and one international musician that I listened to a lot. I actually got the chance to see them at a music festival while there, and that is one of my favorite memories. I also blogged a lot, so that took up a decent amount of time. Towards the end of the trip, I relaxed and saw so much awesome street art that was in Perth, and I took a few days and captured some of that, which was fun.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I lived in an off-campus apartment. However, it was basically like living in an American dorm because the complex was connected to campus via walkway and there were resident assistants. The Murdoch University Village held many events every night such as free dinner nights and movie nights. They tried helping people meet each other through these events. It was a supportive and fun community in which to live.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Know that not everything will run smoothly. We had drivers pick us up form the airport and deliver us to campus, but we were on our own once we got there and had no idea what to do, since we got there late after the day's informational meeting. We told AIFS about our concern and they said they will have someone be there when AIFS students arrive for the first time in the future. Also, you have to pay for Wi-Fi!
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
Honestly, while thinking back on my time abroad, it does not feel real. I feel like I was living in an alternate universe where my only responsibilities were school and to enjoy myself. I had a difficult time adjusting to my overwhelming schedule in America and there is not a day that goes by without me thinking about Australia. The main thing that has changed for me is my ability to "let loose" and not get so strung up on school like I used to. I now know that I can enjoy myself with friends and get my assignments done without having to compromise too much.
Would you recommend AIFS Study Abroad in Perth to others? Why?
YES! I loved AIFS because its support in and out of Australia was solid. I also appreciated the $900 debit card we received to help offset out-of-pocket costs while there as well as the three free events planned for us throughout the semester. I would even use AIFS again if I could study abroad again. However, I went on the extra Pacific Studies Program prior to my main Australia program and I would not recommend that because we sat in the hotel for two days doing nothing and there was not much planned during our time there.
