Prior to coming to Australia, I imagined a semester filled with kangaroos, koalas, and pristine beaches. However, this experience has been so much more.

It almost seems like a crime to have to write about my semester abroad in just so few words. This has been the most amazing four months of my life, and I could go on and on about the places I’ve traveled and the people I’ve met. While studying abroad, I have been thoroughly immersed in a completely new society. As a result, I’ve noticed many cultural differences between Australia and the U.S.  Airport security is a prime example for demonstrating the differences between these two countries.

In the Los Angeles airport, it took nearly two hours to get to check in and through security. In contrast, at the Sydney airport, it took us 45 minutes to get from our hotel to the airport, checked in, through security, and to the gate. Security is quick and easy as there is a very low crime rate in the country. Security personnel don’t ask to check your identification, and they don’t require you to take your shoes off when going through metal detectors. This beautiful country is incredibly relaxed and easy-going. The people are friendly and always greet you with a smile. While Australia has pristine beaches, beautiful coastlines, and exotic animals, they truly embody the relaxed “Aussie” lifestyle.

Australian slang is another example of the relaxed nature of the Aussie’s. The language and accent casually roll off the tongue. Some examples are “arvo” for “afternoon”, “Maccas” for “McDonalds”, and “brekky” for “breakfast. I thoroughly love the Australian slang and accent because it represents the casual nature of the Australian people. I think Australians are very similar to their most famous animals: the koala and kangaroo. Koala’s sleep for 20 hours a day and eat for four. They relax in their tree from dawn to dusk to stay protected from the heat. Kangaroos are very different; they hop around causing chaos with a smile painted across their face. I believe the Australian people embody a combination of these two animals; they like to relax and eat, but at the time are always “keen” to have a great time.

One of the many highlights from my experience studying in Australia includes traveling to the Outback, also known as The Red Centre. Uluru (Ayers Rock) is a common destination spot for many Australians and tourists when traveling to the Outback. I was incredibly skeptical about this trip. I didn’t want to travel three hours to the middle of nowhere to look at a rock in the fly-infected, 100-degree desert. I was very wrong.

Uluru was breathtaking, magical and spiritual. The shear beauty of the rock moved me to tears. Many people say they “find themselves” in the Outback; I completely understand why. I was also able to meet with Aboriginal children while exploring the Australian desert. It was a humbling experience to speak with these wonderful kids. They were amazed with my long blonde hair and eager to learn about what it’s like in America. I was shocked when they asked for my opinion on Donald Trump. Going to the Outback made me realize how diverse the world is and how influential the U.S. is on the rest of the world. No matter where you’re from, we’re all just people living our lives. Travelling is a great way to escape our comfort zones to meet new people and explore new places. I’ve grown a lot as a person these past few months, and this abroad experience is something I will never forget.