Paul Kempen - University of South Wales - Sydney, Australia (Fall 2005)

The Trip

As I spoke with all of my friends, everyone seemed to be traveling or studying abroad while at Purdue. Feeling that I was missing something I decided to look into studying abroad and immediately knew that I wanted to spend a semester in Australia. Everyone I spoke with was in love with Australia and had nothing but praises for the University of New South Wales. On these recommendations and the best wishes of my friend and family I ventured off to the other side of the world.

The University

The University of New South Wales (pictured on the right) is a premier university in the heart of Sydney. The Materials engineering program at the university allowed me to take intriguing classes that furthered my understanding while providing me with plenty of free time to relax and explore Australia. The classes were challenging and focused strongly on outside learning and research, a skill that I developed while abroad. The University also provided a great place to meet new friends through the many clubs on campus.

Extracurricular Activities

While in Sydney I joined the underwater club at UNSW. Through this organization I was able to go on many weekend dive trips, meeting people and improving my dive skills at the same time. If there is one thing the Australian people love it is a good time and relaxing. Australians take everything at there own pace, schedules are more of a recommendation than a rule. Through this club I was able to experience this style of life first hand.

Traveling

While in Australia I was able to travel up and down the east coast of Australia from Wollongong to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef (see photos below). I was fortunate enough to travel to Fiji where I was able to dive and meet the incredibly friendly Fijians.

Conclusions

Over the course of my stay in Australia I made many good friends, had many unique experiences, was able to see some of the most beautiful places in the world, and all the while furthered my engineering education. It would be an understatement to say that I had the time of my life, but there is no better phrase to describe my trip. If the possibility is lurking in the back of your mind to travel abroad, seize that idea and make it a reality, you will only regret it if you don't.