Alastair Tulloch

Alastair Tulloch is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Australia.

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

We went and stayed on Aboriginal land for a week and were able to experience Aboriginal culture first-hand. It was amazing as we were able to here how resistant the native people were and still are as well as here stories of their culture. The most significant event during the trip was seeing footsteps that were 7000 years old in rock. It was unbelievable to see evidence of conscious human activity so long ago.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated? 

I had been to Australia and had loved it and wanted to go back. Also, I hadn't been to Western Australia and wanted to have complete independence half way across the world. Finally, it is the only program to accept biology credits for the major and benefited me to take biology classes in a foreign country.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

My experience provided for me a base in international interest as well as a different educational structure and experience. I learned how to live responsibly and get along and interact with my fellow classmates, none of who I knew before the trip. I was able to obtain invaluable and unforgettable memories and ideals that will aide me throughout the rest of my college and professional career.

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

I have become much more independent than before I left. I learned to be responsible with my budget and food supply. During our travels after the semester, I organized the travel arrangements for 18 people and realized that the trip taught me how to be a responsible leader as well as come to understand how much of an effect living in another culture has had on my perception and awareness of the global communities.

What Advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

My advice is to take advantage of every opportunity that arises, travel as much as money and time allows, and make as many friends as you can. One of the greatest things that I received from studying abroad was getting to know and having great times with Australians, but mostly fellow Johnnies and Bennies.