It is coming towards the end of the academic semester here at the University of Adelaide and I feel slightly embarrassed that only now I post my first blog entry. The truth is that every time I go to post I can’t help but cringe at the extreme cheesiness of my writing. However, I have finally embraced the idealistic, smiling poster image of exchange that I am living and so here goes blog attempt number five!
I’ve been in Adelaide for over three months now and I can honestly say that it feels like home. My time here has far exceeded all my expectations of exchange; there truly is no other feeling quite like it! In particular I love the infectious energy and excitement within the international community as everybody is far from home and adapting to this new environment. I already feel that being on exchange has been an unforgettable life experience and given me the sense of an adventurous gap year that I lacked the confidence to take.
My only complaint would have to be how unprepared I was for the initial cold weather. Taking a rather naïve approach to the Australian climate; believing that their winter would be comparable to our spring, I didn’t pack a coat or any really warm clothing. This was a bit of a punch in the face on Adelaide’s coldest August morning for 126 years with temperatures dropping to -3 degrees! Only now I can understand the face of my chauffeur on my airport pickup as I entered his sleek and rather unexpected Bentley in full summer holiday attire.
During my time in Adelaide I have learnt to truly appreciate the weekends. In Southampton I would often let them pass by with hung-over mornings in bed, token gym visits and days in with my pal Netflixs. However, here in Adelaide I spend my weekends in the sunshine, exploring the city’s beautiful beaches and nature trails, as well as having many back-garden BBQs with friends. Also the student exchange network in Adelaide have organised many great day trips to local attractions. In recent weeks I have been to the Barossa Valley wine region, kayaked with Dolphins in Port Adelaide and learnt how to (very badly) surf! Yet my favourite thing about Adelaide would have to be the mesmerising sunsets I see everyday, the beautiful colours the sky turns never fail to amaze me.
It is true that such an experience is made special by the people you share it with. Over my time in Adelaide I have met some marvellous humans from all corners of the world. Notably, everybody here is extremely friendly I even had the mayor of Adelaide personally welcome me to the city during his door to door campaigning. The multi-cultural experience you get from being an international student is what I treasure the most. Previously, I only really had British friends in which never really bothered me. Yet, being part of an international community and sharing each others cultures feels so special and rewarding. In particular I have become a huge fan of the lively Brazilian house parties that are thrown most weeks and despite my dodgy accent I have learnt many French phrases.
I have recently returned from mid-semester break in which I went on a 10 day road-trip to the outback this will feature heavily in my next entry so stay tuned!
