Abbey Brau

Abbey Brau is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Australia.

Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.

One of my favorite memories from the semester was taking a 5-day road trip with over 15 other people. We had a week off school, and had just returned from another one-of-a-kind experience, Broome, only to follow it with yet another. We had seen and experienced Broome and then we set out on our own adventure to see Australia. 4 cars packed up and drove up the west coast of Australia. We camped, stayed in hostles, and even on a farm one night. The trip really immersed us in the Australian culture and it is something I will never forget. Each and everyday led to new experiences and excitement. We met new people and learned new ways of life. We experienced passing road-trains, driving on the other side of the road, and swimming with whale-sharks. We learned more about ourselves and each other on that trip than so far in the semester. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated?

I chose to go to Australia because of three reasons. First, because of the location. Australia is on the completley otherside of the world. I wasn't sure I would have another opportunity to travel to Australia. I can see myself traveling Europe in the future, financially permitting, but Australia always seemed like a far distant place. I jumped at the chance to travel across Australia as a student just in case my future doesn't allow me the opportunity. Secondly, before I left for Australia, I knew very little about the country itself. I knew the basic stereotypes - kangaroos, surfers, and of course the outback - but I knew nothing of its history or how the country was run and how the people were. Of course, when I actually got there, it was actually quite different and ow find myself laughing that I would believe such stereotypes about a country. Lastly, it was one program I didn't know anyone that was applying. I really wanted to put myself in a situation that would allow me to grow and branch out as a person and meet new people from CSB-SJU.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

Australia was an unbelievable experience. I find myself trying to pick the very best words to describe my experience when someone asks about it, so that they too can feel the same feelings I feel about my trip. I'll just say that Australia was a learning experience that sometimes words fall too short to describe.

How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?

I think what I learned most on the trip is how to really be myself and be independent. People always say that they 'found themselves' on their study abroad trip. well, I'm pretty sure I already had a good idea of who I was, but I think the trip really helped me to be who I am, and be more comfortable on my own and independent. I have definitely become more confident on my own since the trip, and am very happy with personal self, and personal ambitions.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

As they say in Australia...No Worries! I would let future students know that they shouldnt worry about if they know someone going, where they are going to live, how it will affect their GPA, or if they can fit it into their schedule. The Study Abroad experience is not something I would put on the back-burner. If you have the opportunity, take it. When your abroad, same goes. Don't worry about money, or time. Embrace every moment and every experience. Don't worry what others will think of you, be yourself, go where you want to go and see the world you want to see.