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Philip Lundberg
Philip Lundberg is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Australia.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
The most important cultural experience I participated in while abroad was the Broome week. We spent a few days with an Aboriginal family and they taught us about their culture. They taught us how to hunt crabs and spear fish. Not only did they teach us about their lifestyles, they also shared past stories about racism and the "Lost Generation" topic. It was really interesting to hear these kinds of stories from the people that have experienced them firsthand. As a white male, I don't really come in contact with much discrimination so it was really interesting to hear what these people had to say. It also opened my eyes up to what Native Americans may feel in regards to racial treatment in America. The excursion really taught me to not judge a book by its cover. Even though I've been told this countless times by others, it really didn't hit home until this trip.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to study abroad because I wanted to participate in something more than just the typical American college experience. I wanted to live with a new culture and do things that I would not be able to in Minnesota.
I chose to study abroad in Australia mostly because of its unique natural environment. It has been something that has intrigued me since I've been little so being able to live there for a few months was a great option for me. The Australia program also allowed me to be directly enrolled in the University of Notre Dame Australia. I had classes with native Australians and could learn more about their country just by talking to them in class.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
It was absolutely the best thing I have done in college. I learned so much about other cultures and met a lot of people I will be friends with for a very long time. I was able to live and go to class with native Australians which was a huge plus. Not to mention the fact that I lived just a few minutes from the ocean was a great bonus. There is just so many positive things about the Australian program it's hard to put them down on paper.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
I am much more independent since studying abroad. I had to live on my own for a few months so it makes since that it would happen. I've learned how to manage a budget better so I can do the things I want to do without spending too much money.
Also I've gotten much more relaxed since coming home. Not that I was uptight before travelling, I just think that the generally, easygoing customs of Australia rubbed off on me. Australia is such a melting pot of people and everyone seems to mold together. The people are really relaxed about other people's traditions and generally really accepting. Coming back to America I've noticed that people are little more wound up about random little things that aren't an issue in Australia. I think before the trip I may have joined in the hype but now it's not that big of deal to me.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Go into everything with an open mind. It sounds really cliché but the more open you are the more you will get out of the experience. A group leader we had would always say this and it always was true. You learn so much more and gain so much more personal intelligence about life just by being open to new things. After all, the goal of a study abroad program is to experience new things so why not actually practice that idea throughout the entire thing?