Guest Post: An Intern Down Under

This guest blog was written by Shayna Dunitz, a junior at Ithaca College, a fellow Intern Queen intern with me and a Spring 2011 study abroad student at the University of Sydney. She had an unique experience abroad when she interned for Emergency Architects Australia. Shayna shares her experiences interning in another country and how she was able to balance getting ahead and exploring Down Under.

When I first made the decision to study abroad in Sydney, Australia I was not thinking about an internship at all. I was barely even thinking about classes. All I had in mind was the beautiful beaches and amazing city. However, when given the option of an internship through the University of Sydney, I began to really consider it. As a sophomore, I still hadn’t had an internship and I knew I would be coming back to New York too late in the summer to get one. I wasn’t sure what I would be doing in the fall, and there were a couple of options that I was actually interested in. I decided to go ahead and send my resume and cover letter in for the event planning internships they offered and I haven’t regretted it once.

I was offered the event management internship with a non-profit called Emergency Architects Australia (EAA). Established in 2005, EAA provides architectural advice, planning, project management and building support in South East Asia and the Pacific Region to communities who have suffered natural disasters or the effects of conflict and who are seeking to reduce avoidable damage from foreseeable extreme events. Over the course of the semester, I planned 5 different events, the biggest of which was a cocktail party for our sponsors. This was also the most challenging because it had never been done before so I had no background, and I had no clue what vendors to contact in Australia!

I learned so much from this experience, both in the field of event planning and about living and working in a different country. I worked in a small, casual office where it was often just my supervisor and I and maybe another intern or volunteer. I interned one full day a week, which fit in perfectly with my school schedule and I was still able to travel and explore on the weekends. My internship was also in a different suburb than my apartment, so I was able to get familiar with another area and with using public transportation. With regards to event planning, I organized a couple of small workshops and meetings, and the large cocktail event. I was in charge of everything from contacting to vendors, securing venues, creating invitations and organizing RSVPs. As a result, I became very comfortable sending “cold emails” (and extremely family with navigating Google). My first internship experience with Emergency Architects Australia will always have a special place in my heart and I look forward to visiting Australia again and stopping in to say hello!

***

Thanks Shayna for sharing your internship!

  

Guest Post: Alayna's View from Down Under

This blog post was written by Alayna Dunkerly, a senior at the University of South Carolina. She studied abroad in the Gold Coast area of Queensland. Alayna is a friend and fellow Aussie enthusiast like me!

Studying abroad is a huge (and possibly scary) decision, but I PROMISE it is one you won’t regret. When deciding to study abroad, I was looking for a place and an experience that would introduce me new people, see new things and an opportunity to rediscover myself. I have been to Europe before and always enjoyed my stay but I chose Australia because, unlike Europe, there is no language barrier that would hinder me from becoming close with locals and their way of life. I also chose Australia because I heard so many good things about the laid-back culture, beautiful places and welcoming people.

Kelly Slater Catching a Wave 

12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road

Sydney Opera House

 Alayna, second from left, with Friends in the City

Up Close and Personal with the Local Wildlife

            Looking back, going to Australia was probably the best decision I have ever made. I met some of the most amazing people that, to this day, I still call my best friends. The Australian people were just as amazing as I expected. They were fun, outgoing, welcoming and having a “sweet as” accent didn’t hurt either. The experiences I had while at school and traveling were ones you can’t put a price tag on. Experiences like seeing Kelly Slater surf in the Roxy Quicksilver Pro to sailing around the Sydney harbor are ones that I will cherish forever. Studying abroad also allowed me to learn more about myself than I ever could staying here. Going to another country not knowing a soul and away from my friends and family pushed my outside my comfort zone, yes, but it also showed me how independent and adventurous I could be. I would advise everyone to study abroad not only for exploration of a different country but to be able to embark on a journey that will allow you to reconnect with yourself.

***

Thank Alayna for the guest post. I wish I had made it up to that part of Australia.

New Future Unlimited Video

Can you tell how the video producers filmed the students? I figured it out about halfway through. Very clever, but what else do you expect from those Aussies.

 

Australia Through Instagram

 After skimming the first few pages of the Lonely Planet Australia guide, I came across a "Top 25 Experiences" section. Although I didn't do nearly half of the 25, I scored an impressive six out of seven on the top things to do in Australia. I've enlisted the lovely Instagram to highlight these breathtaking places.

1. Sydney Opera House 

2. Great Barrier Reef

3. Melbourne

I'm desperately trying to get a job in this city.

  

 4. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

5. MONA- Muesum of Old and New Art in Hobart, Tasmania 

Unfortunately, I never made it to this Australian island.

6. Daintree Rainforest

7. Great Ocean Road

Which of the "Top 25" will you make it too?

 

Guest Post on StudyAbroad.com

Wow I cannot believe that a year ago to this date I was taking my first steps on Australian soil. To honor this one year anniversary of sorts, I was featured on StudyAbroad.com talking about my experiences in the Land Down Under. Take a look at the article for yourself here.

Why Studying Abroad is Worth the Expense

Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity about college, but it can be expensive depending on where you go. Studies, however, say that studying abroad can really pay off for your post-college career and employability.

This infographic from Course Hero breaks down the ROI of studying abroad, illustrating how it improves students' resumes, job interviews, and employee skills. An amazing 73% of employers, for example, said study abroad is important when evaluating job candidates for a junior-level position.

If you have the opportunity to study abroad, really consider it. It may be one of the best things you do in college and for your future career. If you have study abroad experience or tips to share with us, post 'em in the comments.

via

Cheers for now,

Kim

Australian Slang

I was asked by the University of South Carolina Study Abroad Office to participate in a "Language Speed Dating" event for International Education Week. What a great way to give students a glimpse of the similarities and differences between the U.S. and Australia. Students went around the room to different country stations, learning more about the language and culture. 

All smiles after an outstanding event!

At my table, I gave out language cards with some great Aussie terms on it. I'd asked my Australian roommates for some suggestions to include. They said to definitely include heaps and keen! Since most of these terms are abbreviations, I think they illustrate the laid-back nature of Australians perfectly. Take a look and see if you can incorporate any of these terms into your daily life. 

Australian-English

Arvo-Afternoon

Boot-Car trunk
College-Where you live on campus

Cheers-Hi and Goodbye
Devo-Disappointing

G’Day-Hello

Heaps-A lot, every

Jumper-Sweatshirt

Keen-interested, great, exciting
Maccas-McDonald's

Mate-friend

Mozzy-Mosquitoes
Singlets-Tank tops
Shoulder wars-Chicken fight
Sunners-Sunglasses

Swimmers-Swim suit
Ta-Thank you

Thongs-Flip flops
Uni-College

Fun Fact: One of the students who stopped by my table said that boot and singlet are also spoken in Nigeria.

Also, I showed pictures of all my travels and gave away prizes to students who liked my Facebook page. Overall, it was a great event and I enjoyed sharing some local lingo with USC students.

Cheers for now,

Kim

Gamecocks Down Under

Doesn't This Look Fun?

Student Ambassador Promotes Study Abroad

Via The Daily Gamecock

Cheers for now,

Kim

Coloring Newcastle: Blue

This is an excerpt from my creative writing portfolio Coloring Necastle. The premise behind my piece is that an instance at Newcastle reminds me of an adventure I've had studying abroad in Australia. Through the primary colors of green, red and blue, I aim to give Newcastle a little more color. Enjoy.

--

The chilly June breeze pushes my bangs across my forehead and into my eyes. My hands, freezing from the exposure, clumsily attempt to re-clip the loose strands of hair. I eventually give up. My walk along Nobbys Beach is almost over and soon I will be back in the protection of a warm car. I scan the horizon and locate a lonely boat, bobbing gently in the wake of each tiny wave. I wish I was on that boat, escaping from the shadow of a forsaken lighthouse that guards a desolate beach. As I continue walking through the cold sand, I decide to stick my toes in the surf one last time. I slip cautiously to the water’s edge and prepare myself for the ensuing numbness.

The day couldn’t be hotter as I lay on my sand-colored hotel towel, letting the sun’s rays cook my body before flipping over on my stomach, attempting to seek a cooler refuge. Raking my fingers through the sand, I accidentally brushed across his hand. It was so sweet of Brad to invite me down for a weekend at the beach, I thought. An instant smile spread across my face as I thought about yesterday’s festivities.  What I had thought would transpire as a casual weekend for four was instead invaded by a rowdy group of Evatt boys looking for a free place to stay after a crazy night in King’s Cross. It was an experience to say the least, trying to hide the fact that 15 people couldn’t comfortable fit in one double room. 

I absentmindedly rolled back over and sat up, adjusting my bikini top. I heard the lapping of the Coogee Beach waves mixed with the playful laughter of children. Talking to no one in particular, I informed the group that I was restless and headed toward the rocky coastline without waiting for a response. 

Maneuvering through the sea of sunbathers, I finally reached the water’s edge and didn’t care to stop walking till I was knee deep. Even on a perfect sunny day like today, the water was still a little cool for my liking. Growing up in the South, I’ve been spoiled by the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. I waded parallel to the beach, continuing toward the steep bluff on the far side of the beach. Eventually the sea weed caused me to resume my journey on land. At last, the fine sand turned to slick rock. The natural tide pool at the base of the cliffs was deserted in comparison to the main stretch of beach. I carefully crossed the threshold to the lookout point. The spray of the salt water filled the air and I licked my lips, soaking in the quintessential beach taste. 

From my vantage point atop one of the rock outcrops, I spotted a dozen white-wash bungalows reminiscence of Greece clinging to the steep cliffs, threatening to cascade into the water below at the slightest sign of foundation instability. How was it that this little Sydney beach town could remind me of the only other time I had been abroad? 

“The crazy connections you make,” I murmured as I sat overlooking the ocean, unaware of the pasting of time.

It was a bittersweet feeling leaving the solitude of my marine observation point, but I had once again grown restless of my surroundings. A seagull flew too close to my head, perhaps the final sign that it was indeed time to move on. I turned in the direction of my half-drunk friends wasting away a beautiful Sunday afternoon on the beach. No doubt I would find them exactly as I had left, passed out with their sunglasses on. A bad decision they would visibly carry around with them for a week or so. 

The high afternoon sun had caused the sand to be an unbearable temperature. It scorched my soles and forced me to jog back.

The bottoms of my feet are finally starting to regain feeling as I turn my back once again to the water; for what is the last time. Although I have a high threshold for pain, the icy water is an easy victor. The sand begins to encase my wet feet as they head toward the car park. With each step, the weight of my departure from the beach, from Newcastle, from Australia, soon manifests into a reality. 

In a few short hours, I will be on a train heading to the Sydney International Airport. I stoop to the ground and withdraw a small glass jar from my jumper pocket. One last souvenir of my time abroad I think as I scoop the fine sand.

--

Cheers for now,

Kim

Coloring Newcastle: Red

This is an excerpt from my creative writing portfolio Coloring Necastle. The premise behind my piece is that an instance at Newcastle reminds me of an adventure I've had studying abroad in Australia. Through the primary colors of green, red and blue, I aim to give Newcastle a little more color. Enjoy.

--

I catch a whiff of something familiar in the damp Newcastle air. The smell becomes more prominent as I continue in the direction of my exam room. The rich, earthy aroma of wood burning permeates the air. A small bonfire becomes visible as I turn the corner by the Aboriginal Learning building. Tendrils of smoke float toward me, beckoning me. I pause a moment and breathe in. The natural scent fills my lungs.

The evening sky opened up in front of me as my eyes adjusted from the harsh lighting of the bus. My night vision filtered in the stunning celestial display; the one perk of sleeping outside. For that night, I was roughing it more than this city girl had ever imagined. Setting up camp in the bush land of the Northern Territory with only the fire light to guide my way was a little more “Outback” than I was going for.

The tour group quickly unloaded the firewood we had collected from the side of the road. Within a few minutes, our Wonder Woman of a guide had a roaring blaze going and began to make preparations for dinner. The delicious meal of chili con carne and roasted vegetables was made over the ambers of our fire pit. I could barely see my plate and instead blindly shoveled the food into my mouth. The little sandwich I’d eaten for lunch seemed a distant memory.

After the rumblings of my stomach had been calmed, the next obstacle of the night appeared.  I’d never gone camping without a tent so the concept of sleeping in a swag was foreign to me. What I thought was supposed to be an individual-sized rustic shelter ended up being just a canvas “body bag” with a thin mattress for comfort and a head flap for protection. I was in the backwoods; there are wild animals out here. I didn’t feel too safe. Not to mention there were mice huddling on the outskirts of our camp, waiting to investigate these intruders.  

I layered on all the clothes I had packed and snuggled into my sleeping bag. Gazing upward, I located the Southern Cross constellation nestled next to the streak of stars that formed the Milky Way. What a sight! I took a deep breath of the cool air. A strong bonfire scent penetrated my nostrils, and I was asleep within moments.  

At one point in the night, I jolted awake, wide-eyed with terror. I told myself it was nothing, but my body was on high alert. I knew I hadn’t dreamt the small tug at the top of my head flap, a slight scurry near my left ear. I was petrified to roll over because I feared that I would come face-to-face with a mouse. I normally wouldn’t be afraid of little field mice but tonight was different. I was on their level; I was invading their home territory. My senses still prickled; I couldn’t sleep. Instead I attempted to think of something else, willing my mind back to the events of earlier that day and not of the impending attack of more mice.

It had been a long day of moving from one spot to another. The bus had picked me up at the ungodly hour of 6 a.m. I had hoped that I could catch some shut eye before the first hike but I knew that was futile. (I have very strict conditions in which I can go to sleep: it must be completely dark and completely quiet.)

So instead the early morning hours were spent staring out the window, watching the same salt bush pass me by every other kilometer as if the landscape was on one continuous loop. I switched my focus to my left and immediately envied my new travel partner’s bobbing head. I looked back at the road and waited to spot the annoying Outback shrub.

The hike through King’s Canyon was breathtaking. I had stood as close to the edge as I dared, just making out the little car park where I had begun my adventure two hours earlier. The red of the rocks was a sharp contrast to the blue sky above. A surprising dose of green was present as well in the form of a desert oasis termed the Garden of Eden. It was there, leaning against the trunk of a large tree, that I symbolically ate an apple. Although I wasn’t suddenly struck naked, I couldn’t help but wish that a past lover (the Adam to my Eve) could have experienced this trip with me. Looking up, I didn’t expect for that same cloudless covering to transform into the night time display that would catch my breath.

 

The sound of scampering feet had hushed but sleep still evaded me.

I smirk at how cranky I can get with little sleep. I wonder if the cramming for the three exams I have today will render the same attitude. I glance at my watch and continue walking to class only to be engulfed in another kind of smoke. The girl in front of me is anxiously smoking a cigarette as she shuffles down the sidewalk. I grudgingly fall in to step behind her until there is a break in the oncoming pedestrian traffic.   

--

Cheers for now,

Kim

Coloring Newcastle: Green

This is an excerpt from my creative writing portfolio Coloring Necastle. The premise behind my piece is that an instance at Newcastle reminds me of an adventure I've had studying abroad in Australia. Through the primary colors of green, red and blue, I aim to give Newcastle a little more color. Enjoy.

--

I spread my fleece blanket on the grass next to the field. The sun begins its descent in the west and the last rays filter through the trees, casting shadows over the rugby players as they stretch. The biggest college game of the series is between my beloved Evatt House and our archrivals at Ted’s. When I first moved on campus at the University of Newcastle, I wasn’t aware of the fierce rivalry between these two dorms. I was told that speaking to a Ted’s resident was an offense. Back in the States, there’s nothing that compares to this on-campus competition. 

 

The players line up for the opening play, a line of red versus a line of blue. I fidget on the hard ground, attempting to find a comfortable position to watch the game from. The boys battle on in front of me, unaware of my plight. 

The Melbourne Cricket Ground was grand. The rows and rows of seating stretched around the oval field and up to the high rafters. With the capacity to house about 100,000 cheering fans, the MCG is in the top ten largest sport stadiums in the world. My home college stadium in South Carolina, Williams-Brice is only ranked 46^th. The attendance for the game I attended (Richmond Tigers v. Essendon Bombers) was around 83,500 people, more occupants than a sold out game in Columbia could hold.

Since this was my first footy game, the rules were unclear. I quickly caught on to the scoring process: six points for getting the ball through the middle posts and one point for each side post. As AFL is such a physical game, the penalties were the most confusing part of the game. What I would have considered a blatant foul was loudly cheered for by the fans. 

The sweet elderly couple who sat next to me proved helpful for clarification. They had met at a local university in Melbourne and had been married for over 40 years. The couple was cheering against each other; the husband was a Bombers fan and the wife was a Tiger fan. The cute back and forth bickering reminded me of my parents and their sports loyalties. 

The wind blew through the stadium and I attempted to stifle a shiver. I would have loved to be wearing one of the team scarves that I saw frequently dotted across the rippling sea of fans. 

 The AFL teams seemed equally matched as the score seemed to rise proportionally for the first three quarters. It was only in the last minutes of the fourth quarter that the Essendon Bombers seemed to lose focus on the match. Taking full advantage of that, the Tigers swept through on to victory after scoring 16 unanswered points. 

I shifted in my seat and felt the tingle of numbness in my legs. A strange roar had come over the entire MCG. I strained to make out the words of the team cheer:

”Like the tigers of old
we’re strong and we’re bold.
Oh we’re from Tiger
-YELLOW AND BLACK-
oh we’re from Tigerland.”

I spotted the couple that I had sat next to walking out of the stadium, hand in hand. I smiled to myself. With the final echo of Tigerland, the match was over.

The footy game against is 1-1. Evatt has the ball and is making headway toward the goal line. A brutal tackle leaves the balance of momentum in grave danger of going against us. The time is under a minute now. With one final push, the players in red crash into the blue line. Victory! I find myself up on my feet, cheering with my comrades about the last minute goal. My spirits high, I push with the crowd back to college, knowing the celebration will go late into the night.  

--

Cheers for now,

Kim