Taylor Howell Taylor explored the Australian outback for 6 days/7 nights. Semester Abroad: February 2010
Home University: University of Central Florida
Host University: Southern Cross University
Major: Biomedical Science and Environmental Science Activity: Adventure to the Outback
Please provide an outline of your trip in detail, including when and where you went.
Outback Trip
- To Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Kings Canyon, and Simpson's Gap!
- A 4x4 drive experience with loads of back-packing and primitive camping!
- This trip took place during our study break #1, which is the equivalent to our Spring Break.
- The trip lasted 6 nights and 7 days, from Saturday, April 3-10.
How did you find out about this opportunity? It was offered through Southern Cross University’s international office as one of the three trips they offer every semester.
What did you learn about yourself personally through this experience abroad?
One can live minimally and see so much each day. With the less materialistic items, and less people to distract you, you are able to appreciate the simple things, like how good the water feels or how many stars actually rest in the sky.
How will you use this experience in your future professional endeavors?
Indeed, I hope to pursue Outdoor Education so for me this trip has helped broaden my experience in the field and remind me why I enjoy the outdoors so much. Besides that, it is always great to take yourself back to the basics, and this lesson can speak for any occupation or lifestyle.
How did this experience help you adjust to life abroad?
The people on the trip were all international students so being reminded of how many people are experiencing the same emotions as you was a great feeling.
What advice can you give to future students who are interested in being an active participant in their study abroad experience?
Go out and do as much as you can. I'm sure money is a constraint as it is for most, so when an opportunity presents itself that is enticing, don't pass it up for monotonous university stuff! Go out and explore!
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