Ava Casey

Overall Experience

Studying abroad in Sydney, Australia, for a semester was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my college career. While attending the University of Sydney, I challenged myself academically while also meeting and collaborating with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Outside the classroom, I traveled throughout Australia, exploring a variety of cities along the eastern coast, as well as other countries such as New Zealand and Indonesia. Learning to travel in a completely different part of the world pushed me to become more independent, adaptable, and confident in new environments and cultures. Living and traveling abroad really transformed my perspective on the world and the incredible people that inhabit it. This experience helped me grow in so many ways, and I truly feel like I came back home a more well-rounded and culturally immersed individual. I would absolutely recommend Australia to anyone who loves vibrant cultures and the outdoors!

Learning experience

The most valuable learning experience I had while studying abroad was learning how to become more independent and fully immersing myself in a completely new culture. Moving to Australia meant leaving behind everything familiar and learning how to navigate a new country thousands of miles away from home. From figuring out transportation, budget traveling, adjusting to a different academic system, and meeting people from all over the world, I was constantly challenged to step outside of my comfort zone. I learned that being open to new experiences and embracing the discomfort allowed me to truly appreciate the culture around me. Living like a local, rather than just visiting as a tourist, made me feel like a true Australian. This experience taught me confidence, adaptability, and the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone. I feel so much more confident in myself and have developed a strong love for traveling!

Memorable experience

My most memorable experience was sailing around the Whitsunday Islands and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef! Without a doubt, it was the most beautiful place I have ever been, and is a place you absolutely need to see if you ever get the chance. The crystal clear turquoise water, mountains, colorful reef, incredible wildlife, and living on a sailboat with 30 new friends from all around the world was truly an experience of a lifetime.

What did you not expect?

One thing that really surprised me was how much people relied on public transportation. Before, I was so used to driving everywhere that I had never really thought twice about it. In Sydney, I quickly realized that buses, trains, ferries, and light rail were the main ways people got around. At first, it was definitely overwhelming trying to figure out the different routes, schedules, and connections, and I got lost more times than I can count. Over time, though, I became much more comfortable navigating the city on my own and learned to be flexible when things didn't go exactly as planned. That experience taught me to be more patient with myself when learning something new and reminded me that feeling uncomfortable is just part of the learning process. I think this experience will help me better understand what it's like to face challenges and new situations and learn how to navigate the uncertainty of life.

What advice would you give?

My biggest advice for students interested in studying abroad is to start researching programs early and reach out to ISU study abroad advisors as soon as possible. Planning makes the entire process much less stressful and gives you more time to research your options, complete the necessary steps in order to study abroad, and find ways to minimize costs. There are so many different programs available, and talking with a study abroad and academic advisor can help you find the experience that best fits your academic goals, budget, and interests.

How has this experience impacted your life?

Studying abroad has had a huge impact on both my personal life and academics. Before leaving for Australia, I had never traveled that far from home or lived in another country, so the experience pushed me to become much more independent and confident in myself. I learned how to travel smart, communicate with those of different languages, meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, and appreciate different ways of life and societal norms. Academically, studying at the University of Sydney was quite challenging, but very rewarding, as the classes and exams are set up much differently than in the States. It taught me a new way of studying and the importance of connecting with professors and peers in my classes. As a kinesiology student hoping to become a physical therapist, I also realized how important it is to understand and connect with people of many different backgrounds. This experience has made me more open-minded and has gifted me skills that I know will help me build strong relationships with future patients and coworkers. More than anything, studying abroad showed me that some of the greatest growth happens when you're willing to step outside your comfort zone, and it's an experience that will have lasting impacts on your life.

How did you learn about this experience?

I first learned about this international opportunity when my brother studied abroad in Europe a few years back. He had the best time while he was abroad and described it as a “life-changing experience”. I quickly realized that studying abroad was something I was interested in and wanted to look into what ISU had to offer in terms of study abroad programs. After looking into my options, Australia especially stood out to me, and I knew this could be the place I could call home for an entire semester!

International Connections