I’ve been dreaming of going on an exchange ever since I was in first year and trying to plan out the next four years of my degree and my life. So, when I was finally able to apply for exchange, I was so excited. I’ve been lucky enough to have been accepted to my top choice: Australia. I still have about a year until I go, so I have some time before I have to really start planning and organizing everything. Even though it’s a while away, I’m too excited to think about anything else in my life right now. I’ve already started making a list of just a few things that I want to do and experience while I’m in Australia!
The Wildlife
The number one thing that people have been mentioning when I tell them that I’m going to Australia is all the dangerous and scary creatures that live there. It’s honestly a valid point, but I just don’t want to hear it because it’s not something that I want to worry about until I’m actually there. On the other hand, there’s a lot of wildlife that I’m looking forward to seeing such as kangaroos and koalas (obviously). Although it’s far from where I’ll be staying, hopefully at the end of my exchange I’ll be able to spend some time exploring Kangaroo Island.
Learn to Surf
I’ve attempted to learn how to surf before and I’m not ashamed to admit that it didn’t go well, but that’s not going to stop me from trying again. I just think that learning how to surf in Australia would be a really cool experience and I’m really looking forward to it. I just hope that I’ll actually be able to stay up on the board!
The Great Barrier Reef
I’ve wanted to experience the Great Barrier Reef ever since I figured out that was the place in Finding Nemo where Marlin and Nemo lived. The Great Barrier Reef is just huge, beautiful and has an insane amount of wildlife. I’d do anything to see it in person. Although I’m scared of snorkeling, I would gladly overcome this fear just for this experience.
The Outback
The majority of Australia is considered the Outback, so naturally I have to spend some time out there just exploring all that Australia has to offer. There are so many beautiful National Parks and conservation areas that would be interesting to experience firsthand. I have to do more research to figure out exactly where I’d want to visit in the Outback, but it’s most definitely on my list!
Sydney Opera House
I feel like this one is obvious because the Sydney Opera House is very well-known around the world. The architecture is just insanely beautiful, so I cannot wait to see it in person. If I’m able to, I’d love to see a show inside of it, but we’ll see if I’m lucky enough to pull that off.
In general, I’m just super excited to live in a new country and experience everything that goes along with that, including seeing new sights, experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. I know that there is so much more to Australia than what I’ve listed, but I’d say that this is a good start! If anyone has any more suggestions of things I should do in Australia, please let me know. Overall, I’m just really excited for this new adventure!