Jaymes: Study Abroad

I chose to take part in a student exchange program in the USA for a semester, spending four months at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska; located in the Mid-West and the heart of America. I was able to meet some great people and made a lot of friends while I was there. For the month either side of my study commitments I used my Visa to the fullest, travelling around the rest of the States.

While overseas, I got to see many iconic monuments and landmarks that were awe-inspiring to see in person. Travelling around, and occasionally becoming lost, everyone was very friendly to me knowing that I live so far away. This of course, led to some very interesting questions which still make me laugh to this day.

Q. Why did you choose to go on exchange?
I chose to go on exchange because I wanted to experience a new culture and way of life. Prior to my exchange, I hadn’t had the opportunity to travel far or wide, so I decided that enough time had passed and to just go for it.

Q. Why did you choose to go to Lincoln, Nebraska?
I chose to travel to the heart of America specifically because of its location away from all the big cities and popular destinations. I wanted to live somewhere I wouldn’t otherwise have travelled to and experience the authentic American College life.

Q. What was the biggest obstacle you overcame on your trip?
The biggest obstacle I faced was figuring out how to get around. I was constantly adjusting to different ways of getting around; there would always be a new norm in each city. Also, remembering that a lot of the phrases I have become accustomed to in Australia are considered strange over there. I needed to remember this and use the right phrase when asking for directions. For example, when asking for the nearest ‘servo’ or petrol station, I would need to say “gas station”.

Q. Can you share one interesting memory or funny anecdote from your time overseas?
I was fortunate enough to travel all the way up to Alaska during my time abroad, and from my suspicions, they didn’t get many tourists during winter (which is when I was there). Nonetheless, when asking at the local Walmart for directions, one particular gentleman could not understand my accent, even after several attempts of me trying to sound as clear as possible. In the end, I had to fake an American accent just to communicate!