Tyler Stevenson ’13

Acceptance letters are pinned to the bulletin boards of collegiettes (TM), as they prepare to pack their bags and travel to the far corners of the world to study abroad. Campus Cutie Tyler Stevenson spent last winter in Australia, swapping out the cold Michigan campus for beaches, kangaroos, and the ladies of down under. Here are his tips on studying abroad.

What is the best way to connect with the opposite sex from other countries?

Over there, drinking. They tend to be a little more attached. Once they date you once, they think you are together. I had to end things the hard way a couple of times. I met people in classes and then we would go out. A lot of the discussions are partner based so that helped. Girls would find it easy to connect with guys in Australia. They love American girls.

What do Australian guys think about American girls?

In general they think they are pretty promiscuous. That’s just a cultural thing because Australian girls tend to cling and make nests, while American girls like to go out and have a good time. None of these stereotypes are all-encompassing. 

What did you like best about studying abroad in Australia?

There’s no language barrier or cultural difference, so there is not as much of a transition period. Don’t go to Australia if you are looking for a completely different culture. It’s summer there when it’s winter here, another pro. I loved getting to know people. I made some bonds that I know will last forever. I do not recommend going with friends. The point is to meet other people. I did know one person at another school. It was nice to see them, a familiar face from home, but it wasn’t required.

The worst part?

The homesickness was pretty hard. I just made it through. I am normally not home that often during the school year. You can call home, it’s just expensive. The exchange rate was terrible, it’s getting better now.

What is the nightlife like?

The bar scene there is very different from the US. When they say bar, they mean night club. In Brisbane there were eight bigger clubs but we found smaller ones that we liked more. The big ones just play top 40 music while the smaller ones have live bands and house music. There are events every night of the week, so you learn to do the rotation. 

Biggest cultural difference?

How laid back they are, which is really cool. But it is really frustrating at times. 

Was there any culture shock being back in the US?

It was hard to live back at home with parents and rules. And not being of age.