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Jaclyn Machacek
Jaclyn Machacek is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Australia.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
As part of our Australian History class, we go to a northern city in Western Australia called Broome. We spent almost a week with an Aboriginal family. We learned so much about their culture. The family was so welcoming, open, and honest with us. They freely talked about their history and culture. It was also a great bonding time for the CSBSJU students and our professors as well. I learned so much and had an amazing time.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I have always wanted to study abroad and a good study abroad program was important in my search for college. I knew I needed to get out of my comfort zone and do something totally unlike me. I am very close to my family so I knew it would be tough to leave but I knew I needed to do it. I wanted to live somewhere else and meet new people. I wanted to learn about another culture and get a different perspective of life. I can't say why I chose Australia. I have always just had a feeling like that was where I should go. I wanted to go somewhere where they spoke English and the beach and weather were very appealing to me. After talking to other students at CSBSJU and after talking to family and friends about Australia, I knew it would be the place for me.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
Study abroad is the best thing I ever decided to do. I think about it every day and miss it SO much. It pushed me and tested me. It helped me grow. Saying goodbye to my family for five months was the hardest thing I've ever had to do but it was the best thing I ever did. I had my doubts and was really nervous but I fell in love with Australia. The people were wonderful. They are calm and relaxed and truly have the "no worries" attitude. They are welcoming and genuinely interested in us. Australia is the most beautiful place I've ever been. I woke up happy every morning because it was always sunny with a bright blue sky. The unique landscapes were amazing and I often couldn't believe I was actually there. I was able to get to know another culture that was similar to ours but also very different. I met friends from all over the world that I will never forget. The best part of my study abroad trip was experiencing everything with an amazing group of Bennies and Johnnies that I got to know so well over the semester.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
My study abroad experience will always be with me because of how it positively affected me. I am much more confident now. I am independent. I did things I never thought I would do. I jumped out of an airplane and climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef and at Ningaloo Reef. Two friends and I rented a van and went on a road trip up the coast of WA. I met many wonderful people and had amazing new experiences. These experiences tested me, challenged me, and made me that much stronger. It made me want to travel the world and meet new people. It also helped me to appreciate my family and friends at home more.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Do everything. No regrets. Bring as much extra spending money as you can and do not plan on returning home with any extra. Go to New Zealand. Spend time in Queenstown and eat a Fergburger. Go white water rafting. Jump out of an airplane. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Rent a Wicked van and take a road trip with your best friends over your first study week. Don't have a plan; let the road signs take you to your next stop. Fill up with gas at each station you see, it might be your last one for some time. Meet some locals in each town you stop in. Spend your second study week in Thailand with 30 other Americans. Learn a few Thai phrases before you go. Spend lots of time at Bathers Bay. Walk around Fremantle. Go to the markets. Try new restaurants. Ride a camel, feed a kangaroo, and hold a koala. Find somewhere to volunteer. Do your homework and study hard but make sure you have as much fun as possible too. Get to know your classmates and professors. Meet new people everywhere you go. Become friends with the Australian students in your classes and spend time outside of class with them. Enjoy every minute while you are abroad because it goes by incredibly fast. Before you know it, you will be saying some of your hardest goodbyes and will be on your way back home wishing you could start it all over again.
Do you have questions about studying abroad in Australia? Email Jaclyn at jmmachacek@csbsju.edu.