Word to your Mom:STUDY ABROAD!!!

If you want to get be a big travel bug while still in college, I suggest you study abroad. You'll never, ever, ever, ever regret it.

Studying abroad is something you can’t experience once you’re out of college. My study abroad experience was like a long vacation with classes on the side. The only exam I took was an oral exam that occurred in the back seat of long bus trip. A lot of people have been asking me about where they should study abroad but I think it all depends on personal preference. My old roommates and I chose the “land of Oz” because of the summer weather, loaded activity list, and the comfort of knowing that Australia’s a neutral and developed country. Therefore, there were no bomb threats, possible kidnappings or exposure to infectious diseases. Within our five week trip, we went horse back riding, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, surfing, sky-diving, sailing, white water rafting, paragliding, and much, much more. The last time I checked, you couldn’t really bungee jump off the Eiffel Tower…

My trip included staying in Australia (Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns) and New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown).


Snorkeling in Cairns, Australia

Skydiving in New Zealand

Horse back riding in Australia

Para gliding in New Zealand

Being Britney Spears in Australia

Loving animals in Australia

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia

Right outside of Lake Gunn, New Zealand

Waiting for food

Down Unda Extravaganza

Let me suggest a few things that you must check out while Down Unndaaa if you ever visit Aussi or New Zealand.

Here's the list:

Sydney Opera House: This is a no-brainer. If it's possible, try to catch a show there too. We watched a musical similar to "Stomp."

Pet a Kangaroo : Not one from the wild though...They'll kill you. Go to a petting zoo where you'll be able to see and touch all sorts of animals. You can feed them too!


Snorkel/Scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef: AUS has the most beautiful coral reef. They are famous for it! This is best done while in Cairns. You can rent a boat or join a tour where they'll take you out to a separate island designed just for snorkeling. On our tour package, it included an All-You-Can-Eat seafood buffet. There's also a really fun bar in Cairns called "the Woolshed." You'll meet many other travel buddies from all over the country.


Visit Phillip's Island (Australia): Watch cute penguins nest while they exit the water and enter land. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen. Think "Happy Feet" but in real life.

Surf at Bondi Beach (AUS): The idea of lifeguarding was invented at this beach. That's right, Baywatch originated from Australia. This beach is always crowded, full of waves, and it's topless (optional). It was a crazy experience and I'm so glad we went. While there, check out the surfing. The instructors are basically professional. And hot. Like Baywatch.

Extreme Sports: New Zealand is known for extreme sports (I think I heard it referred to as "the extreme sport capital.") When the crew from LOTR filmed there, they all went skydiving and bungee jumping in Queenstown. Try atleast one...

Try the lamb in New Zealand: It's delicious! Have you heard that rumor about how there are more sheep in NZ than people? It's kinda true...But I don't mind.

Look for the scenes from LOTR: They do have an actual tour that goes around NZ but you can just ask the locals and they'll tell you some of the spots nearby. It's much cheaper that way.

Go Sailing in Aukland: Auckland is referred to as the city of sails. Once you see the city, you'll see why.

Get to know the history of AUS and NZ: You can do this by visiting museums, going on sight-seeing tours, and talking to locals. Try to visit Milford Sound and Mount Cook when in NZ. When in AUS, check out the Hunter Valley area where wine is made and do a wine tour. Remember to sip, not gulp (unless you feel the need to "water" the near by grape vines).

Keep in mind that the seasons are reversed. Our summer is their winter and vice versa. AND MAKE SURE YOU WEAR SUNSCREEN!!! The ozone layer there is waaaay thinner than normal. You can get sunburned in less than 15 mins.