I have always wanted to travel to Australia, and I found the best way to fulfill my dream was to do a study abroad program. Studying mining engineering in my 3 year, I did not have much of a choice but to study at the Kalgoorlie campus. The town is medium-small

sized with what most consider not much to do. However, I had the best time in this town. The people were so nice, most of the professors wanted you to succeed, and there were many opportunities to network and make connections with people in the industry. The Kalgoorlie campus has a lot of traditions behind it, and the time spent there is definitely what you make out of it. The only downside to studying on this campus is that all the activities Curtin University has for the students is at the Bentley campus. You can still participate in the activities on the Bentley campus and go on the trips planned for the international students; however, you have travel all the way to Perth in order to participate in the activities and trips.

My name is Christina. I am from Richmond, Virginia and I am currently on exchange at Curtin University. This is my third year studying Kinesiology, Psychology and Religious Studies. I just turned 21 and celebrated my birthday by flying to Australia;

which is something I have been dreaming about doing since the fifth grade. Ten months before I embarked on this journey I started meeting with the amazing study abroad advisor at my university. This was when I realized how easy the process was to actually move to another country and study there, sounds crazy I know. Well once I get excited about something there is no slowing me down. I went through a few headaches planning my semester but now I am here. From the moment I got here I have been so pleased with my choice to come here. In the first week alone I was able to pet wild Kangaroos, I went to a wildlife park and saw Koalas, I went for a drive through the vast vineyards of Swan Valley, and walked around the amazing city center of Perth complete with the beautiful scenery at Kings Park. Not only was I enjoying the area but the classes I chose to take were amazing as well. There are so many resources on campus to use that it makes the work that comes along with university a lot more manageable as well. Since I have been here I have had the chance to also play on social sports teams such as beach volleyball and ultimate Frisbee. I have also joined the Curtin Leadership Center which offers seminars and volunteer opportunities. I even learned how the art of Hula dancing and Tahitian dancing at the Curtin gym. Curtin always has amazing activities to join in on as well; with weekly events at the campus Tav and constant activities on campus such as free food, multicultural week, and live entertainment. I have had amazing experienced with my on campus accommodation as well. It feels like a tight knit community and I have made amazing friends through the activities that they host as well. There are almost weekly movie nights which is a great way to come together and unwind from school stress. Outside school activities I have been on camping trips. The most recent of which I attempted to learn how to waterski, which is harder than it looks. I have explored the amazing beaches that Perth has to offer. Also I have had the experience of visiting the renowned Perth Royal Show and attempted to understand Australian Football at the WAFL (Western Australian Football League) Grand Final. Once I started traveling I couldn’t stop. I traveled to Bali Indonesia for a school holiday and enjoyed discovering the beautiful island. This trip is actually really affordable from Perth, another reason I am very lucky to be here. I am also travelling to Nepal and Thailand; taking more advantage of the cheap travels! Once I got here I enjoyed Australia and Curtin so much that I decided to extend my study from a semester to a year. Over the next semester I get to enjoy here I am planning to travel Australia and just keep meeting more people and gaining more experiences. All in all the experience I am having here is shaping me into a more understanding person. I will always remember this year and the amazing times, and the amazing people I have met along the way.