Cheers, Australia!

Jun 17, 2017
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

I can't believe my study abroad experience has come to an end after four incredible months. In just four months and three days, I traveled to three different countries (Australia, Bali, and New Zealand), flew on 10 planes with two more flights waiting to take me home, visited 56 cities and towns, and created 123 days' worth of unforgettable memories.

After spending 123 days living in Surfers Paradise, I can honestly say that it has become my second home.

On my final day, I spent my time walking around Surfers Paradise one last time, soaking in all the places that had become so familiar to me over the past four months. I walked from the beach to Cavill Avenue, enjoyed my last Tornado Potato, stopped by Harmony T for tea, picked up some final souvenirs for my family, and relaxed at Chameleon Salon. Afterward, I made my way back through Surfers Paradise Beach and took in the views that I know I'll miss so much.

When I got back to my apartment, I enjoyed one last meal from Salt Meats Cheese, finished packing my bags, and completed the final cleaning before checkout.

The next morning, I would wake up at 5:00 a.m. to begin the long journey home. My flight would depart at 10:00 a.m., taking me first to Vancouver and then finally back to Newark, New Jersey, after nearly 20 hours of travel.

As excited as I am to return home and reunite with my family and friends, leaving Australia is much harder than I ever expected. These past four months have been some of the most exciting, rewarding, and unforgettable months of my life.

I got to see places I had only dreamed about visiting, including Australia, Bali, and New Zealand. I stepped outside my comfort zone, traveled independently, experienced new cultures, met incredible people from around the world, and learned more about myself than I ever imagined possible.

Looking back, I truly couldn't have asked for a better study abroad experience. Every adventure, challenge, friendship, and memory helped make this journey the experience of a lifetime.

Australia will always hold a special place in my heart, and although this chapter is coming to an end, I know this is definitely not goodbye forever.

I'll be back, Australia.

Thank you to everyone who followed along on my journey over the last four months. Your support, encouragement, and interest in my adventures meant more than you know.

Cheers, Australia, and thank you for the memories!