SIT Study Abroad: Australia: Sustainability & Enviro. Action

It's hard to convey just how much I learned on this program. From the field trips to the courses to the Independent Study Period, I have been exposed to the tools I need to make meaningful change in my own life and the world, with regard to both sustainability and personal growth. The program struck a good balance between academic support and independence-- I could not have chosen a better program to pursue my own ideas within. With Eshana and Sam, you truly learn from the best! I came to this program weary, burnt out, and cynical about our individual ability to make meaningful change in the face of climate change, rising threat of fascism, deepening social inequality, etc. This program reconnected me to just how good it feels to do something-- anything-- to improve your immediate environment and community, and the power we have together when we find likeminded collaborators (I found mine in my abroad cohort). I am reentering the US and my final year of college with greater trust in myself, and the courage needed to pursue ideas I have for social change and my vision of the "good life." Made some great lifelong friends in my program. Cherishing our beautiful memories of hanging out on the beach in Byron Bay and traveling all around together. It was totally worthwhile.

Going into this program, I was slightly worried because I had heard that people previously had issues with the academic director. I think these people were sorely mistaken. You get what you give from the administration, so give a lot and be open-minded and ready to learn. This program is not for the faint-hearted. Someone going on this program needs to be able to be adaptable and flexible. You are going to camp in uncomfortable conditions, sleep in hostiles, and be traveling with the same 23 people at all times, BUT IT WILL BE BEAUTIFUL. The experiences that I had there are ones that I will never ever forget and are completely unparalleled. If your semester is anything like mine, it will be a breath of fresh air. It is so amazing to be sharing beautiful experiences with people who actually care about real things that really matter. Lastly, take advantage of the internship opportunity. I worked at a Farm near Byron. It was so incredible and completely shaped my experience. This program is amazing. Do it do it do it!

I loved spending a weekend "WWOOFING" (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) on a garlic farm in northern New South Wales. With just one other good friend, we harvested garlic in the pouring rain, which was actually fantastic; learned more about biodynamic production methods; and met a fantastic middle aged couple that had true life lessons on sustainable lifestyles. I chose this because I am passionate about issues of environmental sustainability and I liked SIT's experiential learning approach to study abroad where we focused more on workshops, field trips, and practical applications for our knowledge building. I liked the idea of a 5 week independent study project where we could pursue a relevant topic of our choice and really engage with the local culture.