Reflections

As I sit in this coffee shop 6 months after returning to the United States, in the dead of winter, I find myself drifting back to the warm and beautiful memories of Australia. More often than is healthy I browse my Facebook albums and tagged pictures from the beginning of this year. As 2014 comes to an end, I am glad to say that this has been a year for the books. But this post has a purpose: to show just how influential studying abroad was on my life, and to convince every single one of you to find a way to get out and see more of this beautiful world.

Studying abroad was one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to learn and see more of a country that I didn't really know much about. I had heard of the land down under, and expected it to be full of spiders and snakes and kangaroos everywhere. I knew there were beaches, and surfer dudes, and cute animals, but Australia is so much more than that. It is a place that has beautiful cities that are full of life and has beautiful vast natural landscapes, places that make you ponder how a place this gorgeous could even exist. Whatever you are looking for, you can find in Australia.

I not only enjoyed the places I went, but I loved the people I met. Australians have this air about them that is laid back and friendly. Everyone I met was never in a rush, and always took the time to have a conversation with you. They are so generous as well, welcoming us into their country, and they were willing to share their experiences with us, helping us form a better picture of the place we were living.  The relationships I made in Australia were so influential of my trip, and I hope to stay in touch with as many people I met as possible.

This trip helped me grow personally as well. For anyone who knew me before would say I was more introverted and nervous about meeting new people. But going to Australia and moving out of my comfort zone allowed me to face those fears and reach out to others. I knew a few fellow study abroaders that were going on this trip, but I was surrounded by new and interesting people and was able to grow within these relationships I made. I am no longer the introverted person I was, but am more comfortable in my own skin, and am able to make connections with others and build more meaningful relationships with the people around me.

I am also no longer afraid to try new things. While I was abroad my mindset was that I am only in this country for so long and I want to experience as much of it as possible, and I did just that. I took advantage of where I was, and accomplished almost everything I wanted to do, and said yes to some crazy adventures, some that are the best memories I have of my trip. Studying abroad showed me that I need to experience my home country even more. I need to have this mindset all the time. I've lived in Portland my whole life and there are still so many cool and adventurous things that I have just never done or seen. Studying abroad made me consider how I live my life, and what my priorities are. Obviously I have to still get work done, and be responsible, but I give myself more opportunities to explore and take advantage of the beautiful place I call home.

There are so many opportunities and programs out there to help you reach your goal destination, and study abroad. Specifically, one that helped me get to Australia was the Gilman International Scholarship. It helps students who need financial support to get where they want, because the people at Gilman recognize the importance studying abroad has on a person's education. It is a scholarship that is open to U.S. undergraduates that are receiving the Federal Pell Grant at a two or four year university. It is a great program, and provides you with many opportunities to expand your network when you return from studying abroad. I am so grateful for their support and want to help spread the word about their program. If you or someone you know is interested, their website is http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman-scholarship-program. Please look into and consider the Gilman Scholarship.

After reading and browsing my blog, I hope you have realized that studying abroad is a unique and once in a lifetime experience.  It had such a profound impact on me, and I think that all students can benefit from the experiences they will have in any country abroad. It opens your mind to just how big and beautiful the world is, and makes you more considerate to the diversity of the world. It makes you a better person, and I will forever cherish the memories and lessons I learned in my second home of Fremantle, Australia.

Thanks for being along for the ride, blogosphere.

Retreat: A Time for Exploring and Reflecting

My Cleo's family, aka the study abroad students from University of Portland headed North to Kalbarri National Park. My home University funds a retreat at the end of the semester, a chance to bond and reflect on the experiences we have shared in the past few months.

We got on the road as the sun was rising, with all 18 of us piled on a rented bus. We were armed with pillows, blankets, music, and friends.

We started the 7 hour drive.

We had many stops along the way, the first one being the Pinnacles. They are these crazy things formed from limestone that stick up out of the ground. No one really knows the cause of them, but they are pretty darn cool to be in the middle of.

Back on the road, we headed to a town called Geraldton. This town is home to the HMAS Sydney Memorial. It remembers the 645 people who died aboard the submarine after attacks from Germany during WWII. It was such a cool memorial and was of great significance to Australia and its history.  Plus it had an amazing view of the coast from the top of the hill.

We camped in Geraldton, spending the night playing many rounds of Corn Hole (you know, the game where you throw the little bean bags through the holes? It provided hours and hours of entertainment.) We also had some time to reflect- the question of tonight was how studying abroad had met our expectations.

The next day we drove the last few hours to Kalbarri National Park. We checked into our hotel and then spent the day wandering and exploring the town. We headed out to see some of the National Park- Nature's Window, probably the most famous attraction in the region, and the Z- Bend.

Z- Bend

Nature's Window

Family Photo <3

That night, we had reflection- we all sat in a circle on the beach (like what is real life, just casually hanging out on the beach...) and talked about how studying abroad has changed our outlook on life, and how it will affect our lives from here on out. Don't worry, I'll answer these questions in the next post. Answering here doesn't give me enough space to ramble and ramble about how it was the best thing to ever happen to me. We headed up to a look out and watched the sun as it set over the ocean- one of my favorite moments from the trip. All of the people I loved, in a magical place with a spectacular view.

This whole trip was planned for us by out Hall Supervisor- we didn't have any idea what we were doing, where we were going next and the next day was a really great surprise. She took us all canoeing with Kalbarri Wilderness Canoes. Our guides were these two older men who were some of the nicest and most fun loving people we had encountered. We canoed down the Murchison River, which runs right through the National Park. My canoe group decided to call ourselves the Z's because we were the last one in the long line of canoes, and we could not figure out how to keep our boat straight- so we zig zagged all the way down the river, laughing and laughing about how awful we were at canoeing... We made many stops as we moved up and then back down the river- and we able to get out and explore the area.

The Z's in action

Murchison River- Kalbarri National Park

We spent the rest of the day hanging out and enjoying the time we had together. We watched a classic Aussie movie "Red Dog" which is full of emotions, and we all ended up crying in the end.

The next day we packed up and headed back to Freo, the retreat coming to an end.

This trip was one of the best ones we had in our semester abroad. I was able to spend a few days with some of the best people I have ever met, and seeing a part of the country I hadn't gotten to experience yet. Australia is a country that has so many amazing places to see and things to do, and Kalbarri is definitely high on the priority list.

Cleo's Love

Fun with Footy

Australia, unique in so many ways, has created its own distinctive sport. Its called Aussie Rules Football, or footy for short. As a part of the cultural experience, the study abroad students have the opportunity to go and experience a professional game- Fremantle Dockers (home team!) vs. Geelong Cats.

Footy is played with two teams of eighteen players. The main way to score points is by kicking the rugby-like football through two tall goal posts. You can move the ball up and down the field by kicking, handballing, or running. A major feature of the game is the concept of a mark, where players who catch a ball from a kick are awarded possession.

It was so much fun being at this game, everyone was so hyped because it was the star player of the Dockers’ (Matthew Pavlich) 300^th game, and during the game he scored his 600^th goal. The crowd went crazy when he scored that goal. It was so much fun to cheer and scream along with the die-hard fans.

The first major difference I noticed between the AFL and NFL in America, besides the different sport, is the lack of showiness behind the game. There aren’t announcers, cheerleaders, or any type of half time show. It is a professional sport, yet the atmosphere surrounding it was so laidback, just like most things in Australia. It was refreshing- it leaves the focus on the actual game, and the performance of the athletes.

Besides going and seeing an actual game, we were also given the opportunity to learn and play the game. A group of 12 students signed up for 6 sessions with the local football club. We had an actual coach, had practices and everything. It was so awesome to learn more about the game, and get the opportunity to play it for ourselves. It’s such a fun and competitive sport, and I actually wasn’t half bad J

Margaret River- more than just some water

What every girl needs is a classy weekend getaway with some close friends. In the midst of essays on essays on essays we got the chance to go explore more of the beautiful Western Australia in the Margaret River Region. This area is known for pretty beaches, cool caves and some of the best wineries in the world. The town isn’t very grand, but the quaintness was a breath of fresh air after spending so much time in the city.

The 6 of us girls went on an organized wine tour, Bushtucker Tours, and we were able to taste wines from four different places- Margaret River Winemakers, The Grove, Sandalford, and Knee Deep. It was a great way to see the area, meet some of the locals, and try some wines. 

Margaret River Winemakers

the vineyards of the Grove

Beautiful gazebo at the Grove

 

 

tasting at the Grove

We had lunch at the Grove, where we tried Kangaroo and Crocodile meat. Surprisingly more chewy than expected, but apparently these are common in WA. The host of the Grove was a typical "Aussie Bloke." He was sarcastic, entertaining, loud, and all around Australian, we loved it.

We were able to go visit the Margaret River Cheese Factory and Chocolate Factory- all we ever needed- Cheese, Chocolate and Wine.

We ended our eventful day at the Bootleg Brewery, we enjoyed chips (fries for those who didnt know) and local brews. It gave us a chance to talk with our tour guide Bernard, and some fellow tour partcipants. We talked about the beauty of traveling- experiencing new things and meeting new people- its one of the best gifts the world has to offer.

This was such a great and fun experience, a way to break out of the routine we had found ourselves in the city. Exploring Margaret River was one of my favorite weekend trips.

The actual Margaret River

Groovin' the Moo

One weekend I wont ever forget was one spent listening to stellar music and hanging with some stellar friends. A group of us traveled down to Bunbury for the Groovin’ the Moo Music Festival. It was a day where we let our cares go, and got to enjoy the aussie sun while dancing and singing to our hearts desire.

It was my first real music festival- and I never want to see bands any other way. It was such a great atmosphere; everyone is so happy and full of life. The bands were great, the food was amazing (burgers on burgers on burgers), and the crowds were insane. For us foreigners- it was a great glimpse into the aussie music scene, with many of the bands being native to the land down under. 

the set up

my girls <3

                                

Vance Joy- beautiful aussie folk singer.

Architecture in Helsinki- never had so much fun at a show before! This band is so funky, seemed to be fresh out of the 80's.

Naked and Famous! Sounded perfect live.

Jezabels- Aussie rock royalty

Disclosure- ended the night with a bang. 

GTM was a fantastic time, and it allowed me to experience more of the Australian culture. It was a great day hanging with some awesome friends, bonding over some amazing music. 

Digging in Western Australia

One of my favorite parts of studying abroad was my Archaeology class. Its not offered at University of Portland, so I jumped at the opportunity to take it at Notre Dame. We spent the semester learning the basics of archaeology,  the process of excavation and learning about various discoveries throughout history. It was taught by Dr. Shane Burke, who is one of my favorite teachers I have ever had. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about his subject, and if you have ever taken an academic class, you know how important that is. He made it interesting and relevant, allowing me to fully enjoy and learn about Archaeology. As a part of the class, we took a field trip to Peel Town- an excavation site south of Fremantle. 

Sifter: second step in the excavation process

our site

Shane examining the hearth we found

I felt so legit, excavating a site that was dated to 1830. It was such a great first hand experience, that taught me more of the history of Australia. Peel Town was a British settlement during the time of British Colonization of Australia. We found glass bottles, ceramics, iron nails, bullets, and a hearth, and got a glimpse of how this community lived during this time, adapting to a new environment that is oh so different than England. I loved every minute of getting my hands dirty. Archaeology was definitely my favorite class, and I have Shane to thank for that.