One of our writers here at Her Campus USC, Michaela Hewitt decided to fill us in on all the deets of what she’s been up to overseas on the Global Opportunities (GO) Program that is offered to all USC students. If you’re considering applying, read about Michaela’s experiences! It’ll make you want to pack your bags and leave right now!
Her Campus: What is your biggest passion?Â
Michaela: My greatest passion would have to be travel! I love learning about different cultures first-hand and making friends from around the world. I also love answering questions about Australia and telling people about my country! I strongly believe that you have to travel to truly appreciate your home.
HC: What is the official name of your degree?
Michaela: Bachelor of Communication with a Journalism major and a Public Relations minor
HC: What are you doing to work towards your goals?
Michaela: I want to work in journalism so at the moment I’m trying to get as much experience as possible while still keeping all options open! I haven’t made up my mind yet about which area I’d like to focus on. Television, radio, magazines and online all interest me!
HC: How long have you known what you’ve wanted to do? (Career wise)
Michaela: I’ve always loved writing, but it wasn’t until the end of grade 12 that I decided I would try and make a career of it! When it came time to applying for university I actually had education as my first choice, but I swapped to journalism the day before the deadline!
HC: Why did you join the GO program and what have you learnt so far?
Michaela: One of the main reasons I decided to do the GO Program was because I made really good friends with some American students when they were studying abroad at USC! So now I’m returning the visit!
HC: Where did you go on the GO program and what are you studying? Is it good/bad?
Michaela: I’m at North Dakota State University and I’m taking two television broadcast classes, and two electives that seemed interesting! The broadcast classes are awesome! The university has a television studio on campus which produces news updates every weekday and a half-hour news program once a week, completely run by students! There’s also a student-run newspaper and I’ve managed to get a part-time job there to earn extra pocket money!
HC: Would you recommend the GO Program to any USC student?
Michaela: Absolutely! It’s the perfect way to use up your electives taking courses that might not even be offered at USC! Travelling independently will teach you more than anything you can learn in a classroom. The GO Program is great because the exchange partnerships and scholarship save you thousands of dollars! We’re really lucky to have that opportunity!
HC: What’s your advice to other students in your field while studying overseas?
Michaela: Don’t always hang out with the other international students, make friends with locals to get the most of your time abroad! A girl I’ve become friends with took me and another friend camping at Itasca State Park for a whole long weekend! It was an amazing trip and we got to see and do so much more than a group of international students that went on the day trip organised by the university!
Enjoy the experience Michaela!