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.