Emily studied abroad on CGIS's University Study in Australia - University of New South Wales program in Winter 2024. She also applied for and received the Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship to support herself abroad. This content has been reposted from the International Center with permission.
This past semester, thanks to the generosity of the Mark & Myra Sorensen Scholarship, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, and this scholarship was the key to turning that dream into reality. During my time in Australia, I had the unique chance to travel to Vietnam and connect with relatives I had never met before. This was a deeply personal and enriching experience. Additionally, I visited New Zealand and was awe-struck by its stunning landmarks, including Roy’s Peak, Milford Sound, and Mount Cook.
From an academic standpoint, I immersed myself in a diverse community that offered me new and unfamiliar perspectives. I embraced all the opportunities on campus, made friends from around the globe, and found a second home in Sydney. One of the highlights of my experience was the amazing sense of community. The warmth and friendliness of everyone I met left a lasting impression on me. Coming from the USA, where it’s easy to feel isolated from the rest of the world, I valued the chance to delve into Australia's rich history and culture. I was particularly struck by how international Australia is and how welcoming Australians are to visitors. It was refreshing to see how much Australians prioritize learning about and traveling to other countries, despite their geographic isolation.
Without the support of the Mark & Myra Sorensen Scholarship, I would never have had the privilege to experience such profound personal growth and so many incredible adventures. Studying abroad had always been on my radar, but I was never sure I would be able to make it happen. This scholarship not only enhanced my educational experience but also offered me a unique, life-changing semester. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity and honored to apply what I have learned to my life in Ann Arbor. I am eager to share my newfound knowledge and experiences with my community. My semester abroad in Sydney was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I will always cherish the memories and lessons I gained.
