Auður Aðalsteinsdóttir: University of Iceland
Why did you apply to participate in the study abroad/exchange program and why did you choose UOW over other universities?
I had already gone once to France in a study abroad program, almost 10 years ago, so I knew this was an exciting option. I wanted to get new ideas for my studies but also to experience a different cultural environment and travel a bit. As Australia is so far away from Iceland, and so different, it has always been my dream to come here and see it for myself. The University of Wollongong offered the program that best suited my studies and my husband had already visited the place 5 years ago so he knew the place was nice.
Tell me something about Australia that you didn’t know before you arrived…
I really did not know what to expect! What maybe has surprised us the most is that the society here is not so different from that in Iceland. However, the nature is very different and the seasons. That is a thing we didn’t know but were quite happy to discover; people here don’t like whinging and generally try to keep a positive attitude. And they’re definitely not shy! It always amuses me that when I’m walking or cycling along the streets I can expect people to turn to me and comment on something I’m doing, they’re doing or maybe just the weather. Usually there is a pretty bad joke involved but it brightens the day. And although the bureaucracy can be as bad as anywhere else in the world, the people you have to deal with along the way are normally helpful and friendly.
We most enjoyed discovering Australia’s great beach culture, having the terrific North-Wollongong beach almost in our backyard, and our four-year-old son has become a dedicated surfer. I didn’t know Australians were so sporty, that they like to shorten words and end them with an “o”, I didn’t know about Christmas in July, the Boxing Day boat-race, the horse race, the love of cricket and how strong the bond with Britain still is. Neither did I know that kangaroo-meat tasted so good and that you could eat crocodiles. Or that a few people get struck by lightning each year and some get eaten by sharks or crocodiles. You might say it has been a year of surprises…
What were you concerned about prior to leaving home for your upcoming semester/year abroad at UOW?
Everything! As I got in at the last minute I was worried that I would not get my student’s visa in time, that we would have trouble finding accommodation, that my kid would find it difficult to be in a different country. It all worked out in the end.
Before I left home bound for UOW, I never imagined that I…
… would love Australia so much. Nor that I would be saying “no worries” in every other word and that I would be so active travelling around the area, on bike, on foot and by train. And never did I imagine that this year could go by so fast.
Having said that, I have found that Australia is a place where you very easily find yourself in strange situations and doing things you would never have imagined doing elsewhere – like watching out for snakes in a rainforest, battling waves on a surfboard, going on camping tours in the desert and petting mean-looking wombats.
What were your favourite subjects at UOW?
I was studying English literature and every subject was good. I was really amazed at how good the teachers were and how high the standards were. I also liked the down-to-earth attitude of the teachers, that were always ready to assist, and the relaxed atmosphere of the classes.
How will studying at UOW benefit your degree and/or your overall university experience?
Mostly, it reminded me of the fact that there is such a big society of academics “out there”, doing so many exciting things. It is easy, in a small society like Iceland, to forget the bigger picture. This experience also reassured me that I can participate in an academic discourse in English.
What was the best aspect of your time spent at UOW?
Getting stimulation from teachers and fellow students and a new perspective on my objects of interest.
Your greatest challenge was…
Fumbling around at the beginning, trying to figure out how the system worked, what kind of demands I was facing and what exactly was expected of the students. However, a few weeks of asking silly questions and observing what others were doing put me on the right track. I also had to overcome my fear of not being able to express myself adequately in English and the first presentations were dreaded. My teachers and fellow students were always supportive, though, and I never felt that I had any less to offer than anyone else.
Outside school I think the massive thunderstorms were the greatest challenge – I still haven’t mastered the art of facing them bravely.
Do you think this experience will change your approach to life at home?
I hope so! I would like to bring some of the Australian positive attitude home with me but I fear I will sorely miss the sun, the beach and all the rest. What I think I will take back home with me, though, is a willingness to do a thing like this again sometime. It is really refreshing to uproot yourself for a while and try to adjust to a different country, so I will keep my eyes open for any such possibilities in the future.
Do you have any advice for future students?
Applying for a visa and arranging for accommodation in good time can save you some stress. Regarding accommodation, it might be wise to look around a bit and see what is on offer (the accommodation office can get you started). I was surprised myself to find that renting an apartment near downtown Wollongong was not more expensive for my family than living on campus. If you are alone, though, campus might suit you better.
To get to know people you might try to join one of the many “societies” that are active on campus. If you have the opportunity you should also try to travel around the area and go to Sydney for a few days.
Any further comments you would like to add?
I just want to thank the people at the Study Abroad office for being really helpful!
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