Adam Parks: Indiana University
Why did you apply to participate in the study abroad/exchange program and why did you choose UOW over other universities?
I applied to study abroad because I looked at it as a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was interested in experiencing not only another culture from the other side of the world, but was also interested in seeing how a country aside from the United States approached teaching in the college atmosphere. The reason I chose the University of Wollongong over other universities was because I wanted to go to a large school that was on the coast, and it had a reputation as being one of the best universities in Australia.
Tell me something about Australia that you didn’t know before you arrived…
I didn’t realize how big Australia actually is. It’s nearly the size of the United States but for some reason I thought it was much smaller.
What were you concerned about prior to leaving home for your upcoming semester/year abroad at UOW?
I was more excited and anxious than concerned about my upcoming semester abroad. But if I had to say something that concerned me I would have to say going to a country on the other side of the world without any friends or family, or any comfortable familiarity would have been my biggest concern.
Before I left home bound for UOW, I never imagined that I…
…would have grown as an individual so much from this experience. From this semester abroad I have both matured and developed as a person and have really learned a lot more about myself than I ever knew.
What were your favourite subjects at UOW?
I’m a sports marketing and management major at my home university, so my favourite subject at UOW was my consumer marketing class, because it pertained to what I will be doing in my post graduate professional life.
How will studying at UOW benefit your degree and/or your overall university experience?
Studying overseas at UOW will totally benefit my degree by being able to include in it that I spent a semester studying internationally. It will also benefit my overall college experience because this has been a life changing experience in the middle of a four-year college experience that will never be forgotten.
What was the best aspect of your time spent at UOW?
The best aspect of my time spent at UOW was all of the people I’ve met. I have made friends from people in all corners of the world, and have a much better outlook and understanding on the rest of the world outside of the United States.
Your greatest challenge was…
My greatest challenge was trying to approach this experience as studying abroad rather than simply just vacationing. The first couple of weeks were a very difficult time trying to focus on actual school work. When you are in a new place, with new people, and a new culture to explore, the last thing you want to do is go to class.
Do you think this experience will change your approach to life at home?
Totally! This experience has completely opened me up to myself, allowing me to search deep within who I really am and realize my individuality, along with discovering what it is that I want out of life.
Do you have any advice for future students?
My advice to future students would be this; travel and see as much of the country as possible but also embrace the local culture that your living in, open yourself up to meeting as many people as possible and open yourself up to appreciating other cultures and beliefs from around the world, and finally surf as much as possible, if you already do then you will be stoked to ride some of the best waves in the world and if you haven’t before then it’s a great place to start.
Any further comments you would like to add?
Overall, I had an unbelievable experience studying in Australia, and I strongly believe that it is something that every single college student should get to experience. It WILL change your life forever.
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