Audrey in Australia

Six months later and I am now back home in California. It has been about a week since I’ve arrived back home in the U.S. after living and studying in Melbourne, Australia. Since I’ve been back, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my experience abroad. The quote by Miriam Adeney encapsulates my feelings at the moment – “You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” 

Let’s start with my last day in Australia. After a week of saying goodbye to friends, closing accounts, and packing my things, I finally left Melbourne for San Francisco Bay Area. When I landed in San Francisco, the first thing I noticed was everyone driving on the other side of the road. My first week was spent seeing friends and family after so many months, as well as noticing new things about home that I hadn’t noticed before leaving for Australia — standing and walking on the right side of the sidewalk, and the difference between greetings among strangers, humor, and TV commercials. Noticing these differences and realizing the change that’s occurred within me during my time abroad has placed me between the seventh and eighth stages of reverse culture shock. I miss my life in Australia but because of how similar the environments are I am quickly adjusting to life at home and getting back into my routines. Though I miss the amazing Melbourne coffee, easy public transportation (trams are fantastic!), and the friendliness that seems to be a part of Australian culture, I am happy to be back to my friends, family, and comforts that I have at home. 

The life I had in Australia for the past six months has influenced a change in my ideology and plans for the future. I have realized my love of travel, exchange of cultures, and desire to further my education. Living and studying abroad these past few months has made me realize how I thrive in such an environment, and has galvanized me to apply for graduate programs abroad. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to apply for the Gilman Scholarship to do so, as it has made this life-changing experience possible. Thank you to the Gilman Program, and all those who make this possible!

Departure & Initial Adjustments

Welcome to my account of adventures in Melbourne, Australia!

Before arriving in Melbourne, I was both nervous and excited about living in a new country. I was nervous because I didn’t know a lot about Australian culture, and I would be away from comfort, friends, and family for the longest I have ever been. I was excited by the potential for new adventures, learning experiences, and new connections. Despite my excitement, I knew there would be times I would miss home. Due to this, I made sure to bring some familiarity with me to Melbourne, such as photos of my family and friends and some of my favorite snacks.

After months of preparation — researching Australian culture, registering for classes, finding an apartment — I finally arrived in Melbourne!

I immediately noticed the differences between Melbourne and the Bay Area. When I left the Bay Area it was cold and raining, while in Melbourne it was very hot as it was the summertime. Besides the difference in season, the roads were also different. I was very confused when I noticed that Melbournians were driving on the opposite side of the road than I am used to in the U.S.

Besides these differences, I felt very welcomed in Australia. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, especially when I was lost, and my perceptions of Australia from television was changed when I spent my second week at the University of Melbourne’s orientation. I was able to learn about summer barbecues (particularly “sausage sizzlers” as they’re called), Australian slang terms (arvo = afternoon, bickies = biscuits (or cookies), breaky = breakfast), and the popular vegemite.

• 

• 

Immersing myself in Australian culture reminded me of the list of goals I made when I found out I would be studying abroad in Australia. These goals included meeting a koala, visiting big cities such as Sydney, and learning about Australian history and its people. I was able to accomplish some of these goals in the first couple of weeks before classes started. Here are some pictures!

• 

• 

• 

• 

Some goals I haven’t accomplished yet are visiting Tasmania, as it’s a state very close to Melbourne that is known for its spectacular nature, seeing Melbourne’s Pink Lake, trying ‘magic’ coffee (a Melbourne speciality), attending a festival (quite popular in Melbourne), learning more about the Indigenous people and culture, and visiting all of the different suburbs in Melbourne as each has a unique culture.

I am eager to accomplish these goals, and am very grateful to have the opportunity to study at the University of Melbourne, meet new people, and experience Australian culture!