The beginning of the end

As my last month in Australia begins, so does my grieving process. Though I will always look back on these last five months with only the fondest memories, it is impossible not to dwell on all the people and experiences I will be leaving behind. With classes ending, I have ample opportunity to look internally and figure out how I have changed and what has caused those changes - if only it were that simple.

I knew I wanted to study abroad from the moment I enrolled at University of Oregon. My determination to go abroad went past simply wanting to travel, and although words cannot adequately express my emotions, I will try my best.

Growing up in the same city, going to school with the same people, and having a twin sister by my side means I have always had companionship through my life and my struggles. A comforting thought, but it leaves little room to mature. Looking back, I knew I needed to get away and find out more about myself then what had been concocted by the same peer groups I have had since elementary school. This is not to say I didn’t have a strong sense of self, as I did and still do today, but it is easy to wonder what parts of you are muffed under others perceptions of you.

            This thought had never crossed my mind until I began settling in Townsville. The opportunity was finally available for me to be whoever I wanted. This didn’t change me, but instead lifted my stresses, allowing for freedom to express parts of myself that helped me see things differently. Pessimism turned to optimism and my carefree side became more and more prominent. Being able to escape my past environment and exploring all parts of my personality consequently allowed for me to become more of myself, a more complete self. The person I am now isn’t different from the one who left Oregon; I just now have found what I have been looking for within myself. This change can be attributed to every person I have met, who has challenged me to explore deeper and experience more.

This is where the grieving process comes into play. Will leaving everyone who has helped me find what was lost in me for so long mean it will again disappear? Will my home life seem mundane in comparison? Words can’t truly express how much I will miss everything I’ve experiences; however my fear lies not in stopping my journey in Australia, but in forgetting and losing what my experiences have done for me.

Merging Cultures

The hectic pace that I was moving at my first month in Australia has dramatically decreased and I have finally acclimated myself to my life here with a typical day-to-day routine. Two and a half months into my stay my life in America is beginning to merge into the life I have started here. I no longer register any accents anymore; Australian, American, European... they all sound the same to me and it will take me a second listen to distinguish where someone is from. I cannot remember which country I learned certain information, heard songs for the first time, what weird-ass animal I have seen etc. Even the beautiful scenery, never seen in a busy city like Portland OR, I often overlook. My two cultures are definitely merging.

Block away from my house

Kookaburra

My Americanness is still obvious to those around me, however, I am observing changes in my dialect, interests, and even attitude on a daily basis. My pessimism is more often than not replaced with optimism, my anxiety is reduced, and I can't help but say "eh" after most of my sentences. The Australian in me is coming out more and more.

These changes are relatively mundane, but their frequency makes my life in America seem like a distant memory. I suppose this just confirms that humans do tend to live in the moment, which brings to light the scariest thought, leaving.

Taking advantage of those extracurricular activities

Studying abroad is not for the introverts. Although I have always considered myself an outgoing person, there are always times when one will crave time alone. This need seems to completely disappear when living in a new country, with new people, and a new culture. Rather effortlessly I have been able to emerge myself in different groups and consistently socialize with those around me.

I think it is common for people to become more reserved when they grow up with the same friends and in the same environment. My time here has opened my eyes to how comfortable I was in Oregon’s familiarity. I love all my friends and each member of my family more than words can express, but there comes a time where I became less eager to explore and put myself out there in my own life. In order to achieve these things in Australia, I decided to explore the wonderful world of extracurricular activities.

Growing up, I perceived extracurricular activities as simply giving me something to do after school and adding some bulk to my resumes. Turns out, learning how to take advantage of clubs and sports is a crucial skill. Who would’ve thunk.

I am currently a part of the Ultimate Frisbee Team, a Social Soccer Team, and hopefully, I will find some media work around James Cook University. While each activity gives me something different to experience during my time in Australia, they have all helped keep me sane by allowing my playful, competitive, and social sides come out.

Although it seems obvious, I encourage anybody studying abroad or thinking about studying abroad to explore all clubs, sports, and social activities available to them. It is easy to get caught up in the huge move and the stress that comes with it, but once the stress subsides, you will have an urge to play Frisbee in the rain, get hit in the head with a soccer ball, and get drunk at the pubs. I will only live here once, so might as well try and meet every person possible.

Studying while Studying Abroad

Hitting the three week mark in Townsville and the dreadful realization has finally hit me; school is now in session. Although the past couple of week of socializing, partying, and relaxing has been amazing, I am more then ready for my Australian education to begin.

I spent most of my first week of classes analyzing the differences in the Australian university experience versus the American. Obvious changes, such as the grading scale, are simply technical and are in no way as interesting as the subtle differences in the student- teacher dynamic. Granted, the differences in each city/ university/ person in America are too vast to make grand generalizations that apply to everyone, but I can account for my own experiences.

Unlike my typical 300+ student lectures I attend at Oregon, I am enrolled in courses with no more than 50 students in each class. I am already reaping some benefits from the smaller environment such as being on a name-to-name basis with my professors and interacting with more students. However, I am most ecstatic by the way professors address students here. Australians are generally more honest than Americans… It is such a relief. This means that my professors are simply more real; there is no bullshit. If they think an aspect of their subject is boring they tell you. These characteristics make me feel in a much less formal educational environment and I can focus more on what I am learning, rather than what I have to learn.

American’s know that society expects its citizens to act in a certain way to fit the standard. And though teenagers rebel and join cliques to feel accepted, we generally learn to conform to succeed. In theory, this isn’t a problem. Everyone should want to succeed in his or her own fields in order to live a fulfilling life, however, I feel like we lose some of their authenticity in the process. Americans focus so much energy in appearing professional, positive, and hardworking that we put our real feelings and emotions aside in order to get what we want.

I know my abilities and I know I can be successful. But it is ludicrous to think that my strong opinions and pessimistic attitude makes me any less equipped to be a journalist. Nevertheless, I know that when I begin looking for work in The States I am most likely going to need to alter some of my personality to succeed in my field. This stress makes me all that more appreciative of the honesty and authenticity that Australians seem to hold.

I have another 12 weeks until the end of the semester, so I am sure my observations and opinions may change and grow, but as of now I feel right at home.

Partying... Bringing those of different cultures together

I am 21. I am in college. What the hell do you think my weekends consist of?

As life in Eugene is highly composed of heavy drinking and daily toking, I wondered how an Aussie student spent their time outside of the classroom... turns out, nightlife halfway around the globe is pretty damn similar.

Do not mistake my love of the party scene as a lack of seriousness about my schoolwork, as I take my studies in multimedia in high priority, however, I am at the age...

Me (Fourth from left) as I party Aussie style

Arriving in Australia 2 weeks before classes began gave me a prime opportunity the scope out clubs and learn common Aussie social life. Being in a hot and humid climate give women the opportunity to dress in barely attire, but unlike many men I have encountered in the states, guys are much more respectful of a women's space... in general (there are always the few who manage to creep out everyone at the bar.

Flinder St. is where all the man bars, clubs, and pubs take place. Having one strip of hundreds 18+ walking about in clothing generally covering only the necessary bits is very much a new experience, as Eugene is a bit more laid back.

I will keep up on posts about this aspect of my trip (including pictures). However, to describe it simply...it's fucking great.

Starting to adjust

I am approaching the two-week mark from arriving in Townsville and despite living halfway around the world, I feel completely at home, relaxed, and calm.  I can thank this peaceful transition to my wonderful roommates. But when looking back at my short period of time in Australia, half of my stay thus far was solely panic and stress.

During my long flights to the country my mind was flooded with contradictory emotions. I was scared but excited, anxious but ready to move forward, and unsure of the future but positive in my abilities to start a new adventure.

I arrived homeless and with no direction of where anything was or where to start. It is at this moment, where my negative emotions overtook any positive self-reinforcement I had previously held. With help from a roommate from Africa, Maggie, I was given at temporary living home at the Riverside Convention Center, a Seventh-Day Adventist Church, I learned where the campus was located, how the bus worked, and where to start looking for a place to live. Without Maggie’s help I do not think my transition would have been as easy. It amazes me how one person can change everything. Though I doubt I will ever see her again, I believe she changed the course of my trip here and therefore deserves my recognition and thanks.

With some guidance and direction I began calling dozens landlords and uni students, willing to see any place available. Lucky enough, my fourth day here I found my new home for the next 6 months.

A week has passed since moving in to my permanent home, and it seems as though I have been here for months, in only a good sense of course. It is dumbfounding how with the right people you begin to start living more in the moment and any past stresses seem to disappear.

And as I spend my days relaxing and appreciating this new life in the tropics, I now must await classes to start…and all the stresses that come with that.

The journey begins

As a journalism student at University of Oregon, one of the most accredited journalism schools in the U.S, I have been bombarded by questions by my family and friends why I have chosen to go to another country to continue my studies. I usually answer with, "It's complicated." However, this two word answer has simply evolved from my laziness and annoyance to the real answer, "I wanted to."
My name is Susan Latiolait. I am a junior studying abroad at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland in Australia. My hometown is in Portland, Oregon, an amazing city in which I am more than proud to be a resident. I love the eccentricity of the city and how, despite living there my entire 21 years of living, there is always something new to explore.

However, since choosing to study 2 hours away from home in Eugene, Oregon, I have felt too comfortable living within the same community. I have been thirsting to challenge my self and my dependency on all my family and friends.  Here enters my decision to live half-way around the world for six months at James Cook University.

During my time abroad I want to constantly confront past fears of change, and in the process meet amazing people and get a sense of living in a complete new culture. Follow me as this American city girl attempts to translate the Australian culture.