bethenders

One second everyday – video entry

January 23, 2018January 23, 2018 bethendersLeave a comment

By Beth Enderwick (University of Queensland, Australia)

I can’t quite believe the time has come to write my final blog. I had the time of my life living in Brisbane’s consistent 35°C heat with endless beaches nearby to lay on/surf at so returning to England in Winter was a shock to say the least. Having already completed my examinations in November, I’ve had a whole month at home to readjust before going back to Manchester. I would have loved to have spent this time back in Oz but unfortunately visas have an expiry date and spending time with friends and family has been a lot of fun anyway.

I decided to film one second of each day to document my exchange. This proved slightly harder than expected as a lot of days were spent in the library but UQ had the most stunning campus (and a lake full of turtles!!) to help with this – even the walk to uni was stunning. Creating this video reminded me how lucky I was to have this opportunity and how amazing it was. Even on days where I was homesick or feeling down with countless deadlines, there was always something worth capturing.

I hope it will encourage someone else to embark on their own journey abroad as it really is a chance of a lifetime.

Enjoy!!

There’s more to study abroad than studying

January 11, 2018 bethendersLeave a comment

By Beth Enderwick (University of Queensland, Australia)

Brisbane is an ideal place to live in Australia if you want to travel. Many will agree, the East Coast has the most beautiful places to visit and Bris is conveniently right in the middle.

Although my course was pretty full on (with at least two assignments each week, midterms and online quizzes) I worked to have most weekends free. Some of the places I visited were: Byron Bay, Sydney, Melbourne, Whitsundays, Fraser Island and New Zealand. My favorite place, however, was Heron Island.

Similar to my course in Manchester, I was able to take one module outside of Maths. After being informed that there was a module that brought you to the Great barrier reef, I soon enrolled onto Australia’s marine environment. This course is designed for exchange students and almost everyone I became friends with enrolled too.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef has always been on my bucket list and I couldn’t have experienced it in a better way. You may have seen Heron Island on Blue Planet II. It’s a small sand island surrounded by coral reef, away from tall buildings and the impact of modern civilization. The coral stretches for miles beyond the distance; there are few places in the world where you can literally walk on the reef but Heron Island is one of them. You can also walk around the whole island in less than 30 minutes. Rays swim right beside in the shallows of the pristine water and turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Continue reading “There’s more to study abroad than studying” →

Bucket list underway!

August 21, 2017August 21, 2017 bethendersLeave a comment

By Beth Enderwick (University of Queensland, Australia)

My weekend trip to Byron Bay is one I’ll never forget, largely because I conquered my first Skydive (I’m saying first because there will be more). I can honestly say it was one of the best things I’ve ever done; there’s no feeling that compares! Skydiving has been number one on my bucket list since I can remember but it had to be somewhere with amazing views. Where better than Australia!?

Continue reading “Bucket list underway!” →

Bris: Two weeks in

July 27, 2017July 27, 2017 bethendersLeave a comment

By Beth Enderwick (University of Queensland, Australia)

This may be slightly premature but Brisbane may be my favourite city ever. Admittedly, I’d never left Europe before now but that’s besides the point. In addition to daily sunshine (even in winter), super friendly locals and remarkable views wherever you go, there is such a relaxed atmosphere here. I must confess that I didn’t know much about Brisbane before deciding to study abroad; all I knew is that I wanted to go to Australia. I was under the impression that Sydney and Melbourne were the most popular choices so I chose Bris thinking I’d have a higher chance of getting a place. After spending the first two weeks exploring Brisbane and meeting the locals (and by locals I mean kangaroos and koalas), I’m so glad I chose this university and also somewhat guilty for not knowing more about it prior to arrival.