Four Days to Fly

I fly out on Friday February 6, 2009. My name is Mike and I'm doing a semester abroad at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. I've been planning, preparing, packing, and saying my good-byes for months now, but four days before I leave I can't help but feel overwhelmed. I leave behind all my friends, my family, my girlfriend, and everything I've come to call home, and land far away with no contacts and very few plans.

Really I'm interested in seeing how I respond to my situation. I'm a friendly guy, never had any trouble making friends, but I'm not sure I've ever really had to try. I love new experiences, thrive on them really, but what will I do when everything is new? For me, this semester abroad is not about academics, I'm not even studying in my field. It is about exploration. Of a new place, of a new culture, and of myself. I don't expect to change. In fact I'd be disappointed if this is a life-changing experience. I only want to gain a deeper understanding.

It's difficult for me to set tangible goals of what I'd like to accomplish. I tend to sit back and see where my daily decisions lead me. There has to be a plan in mind for me to be comfortable, but as far as I'm concerned that plan is no more complex than: enjoy yourself and hold dear the moments that stand out. Maybe I'll get a few good pictures on the way.

I feel that Australia is the perfect match for me. The people are friendly, the sun is bright, and they already speak my language. more or less. I hope to do some hiking, and see the outback a little. But I'm a city dweller at heart. Although I'll be based in Melbourne I'm sure there are many trips to Sydney in my future.

As for my experience with the study-abroad program so far. It seems like every little detail is a logistical nightmare until just before it works itself out. In the end, if you really want it, your ducks line themselves up.

Mike