David Besnainou | Junior | International Business and Marketing | Surfers Paradise, Australia | Bond University
After enduring 25 punishing hours aboard an aircraft, I finally discovered The Land of Kangaroos and Emus. To my delight, I was greeted with a free upgrade to an executive spa suite at my hotel in Melbourne. Welcoming me was a nightlight-equipped hot tub that became my place of respite for the next eight hours.
After regaining some energy and attaining a renewed sense of anticipation, I ventured to the Melbourne airport the next morning to meet other travel-eager college students. Full of apprehension and sheer adrenaline, I waited to be welcomed by my study abroad host. To my surprise, an attractive woman approached me. I pictured Maz to be old and dull, but she is in fact young, welcoming and full of energy. She quickly proceeded to teach me Aussie slang, including terms like bogan (roughly, “hick”) and expressions like to root (you’ll have to look that one up yourself).
Once Maz gathered everyone, our group tossed its bags on a bus and headed to one of many national parks in Melbourne. Hiking through bushes, our group of 40-plus Americans spotted kangaroos about 10 minutes into our trek. We saw gigantic ones, tall ones and even baby kangaroos inside pouches. We were taught that these mighty marsupials—along with Emus—personify Australia’s focus on the future and determinism, as their range of motion is limited to advancing forward.
In the next few instruction-filled days, we learned Australian history and culture. Specifically, we were told that we are living through interesting historical times, as Australians are currently unable to elect their next prime minister because of a split parliament. Soon enough, we returned to Melbourne, a cultural hub that mixes baroque architecture and Vancouver-esque modern towers, all complemented by rowers traveling along the Yarra River and runners decorating the concrete parklands.
After briefly greeting the city of Melbourne, we embarked on a final journey to Bond University, where we were met with five-star dorms (most of which surround an outdoor pool) and sporting facilities. Located along the Gold Coast, the basin that is loosely linked to the ocean challenges daring students to dive in.
The next day, orientation week began. After the academic activities were complete, the themed and beach parties began. At a nearby club, Americans competed with Australians on the dance floor.
So far, this week has been astonishing and sleepless. I have glimpsed at Australia’s endless outback and have been exposed to its urban culture. I am now resolved to greet and experience the idiosyncrasies of this land with open arms and a sleeveless shirt.
