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The Exchange Comedown : Navigating Reverse Culture Shock
By Nina Vincent, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia Why Coming Home After Exchange Was Harder Than Leaving If you’ve found yourself on Manchester on the Road, I suspect you’re either deciding whether or not to do a year abroad, or maybe you’ve already been allocated your destination and are looking for more info before you leave. If this is you, I’m sure you’ve already come across loads of information preparing you for all the ways things will be different in your exchange country — culturally, academically, and socially. Living in a completely different place with a different history and culture… your way of life inevitably changes too. It’s great to be…
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A Wholesome Wine Tasting Day at Brindabella Hills
By Nina Vincent, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia If you’ve been in Canberra for more than a few months, you’ve probably had that feeling: you’ve been to the same brunch spots, walked around Lake Burley Griffin a few too many times, and you’re wondering what else there is to do that’s actually different. Cue: Brindabella Hills Winery. About a 30-minute drive from the city centre, this spot feels like a complete escape. Nestled in the foothills of the Brindabellas, the views alone are worth the trip — rolling vineyards, soft autumn light, and sweeping mountain ranges in every direction. It’s the perfect mix of peaceful, a little bit fancy, and still…
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A Month in the Philippines: The Ultimate Island-Hopping Escape 🌴🥥
By Nina Vincent, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia With over 7,000 islands, Incredible nature, and some of the clearest waters in Southeast Asia- If you’re an Aussie exchange student and staring down a generous four-month university break, you’ve gotta go to The Philippines. Out of everywhere I’ve travelled, this country completely blew me away. I genuinely believe the Philippines has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water is so blue it doesn’t feel real, and every island brings something different. From waterfalls and shipwreck dives to quiet coves and unforgettable sunsets. But it’s not just the landscapes. What made this trip unforgettable were the people: warm, helpful,…
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A love letter to Sydney 💌
By Nina Vincent, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia As my time in Australia comes to a close, one city stays with me more than any other: Sydney. It’s not just the harbour views or postcard-perfect beaches. It’s something harder to pin down a particular pace, a way of being. Sydney offers an ease that’s difficult to describe until you’ve lived inside it for a while.
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What It’s Really Like Going to a Festival in Australia ?
By Nina Vincent, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia If you’re a music lover, festival goer, or simply curious about what it’s like to party under the Aussie sun – this one’s for you. After spending nearly a year living in Australia as a UK exchange student, I’ve had the chance to experience a few festivals that honestly changed how I see live music events. Here’s what sets Aussie festivals apart, plus a few tips to help you make the most of the experience while you’re here. The Vibe: More Chilled, More Clean, More Respectful The first thing that struck me was the overall vibe. Australian festivals are much more chilled out.…
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What to expect from Canberra..
By Nina Vincent, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia If you’re lucky enough to have been offered a year abroad at the Australian National University (ANU), you’re probably wondering what to expect from Canberra. When I first got into ANU, I had no idea what Canberra would be like either. Even though Canberra is Australia’s capital, it doesn’t feel like a typical big city. It’s unique, with a design that feels straight out of a Lego set. Canberra was built from scratch in 1907, with everything meticulously planned. Instead of choosing between Sydney and Melbourne as the capital, Australia went for a fresh start and built Canberra right in between the…
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Affording Australia- Turing scheme and how to get a job….
By Nina Vincent, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia Getting offered Australia for an exchange program is such an amazing and exciting opportunity. While the country offers stunning nature, rich diversity, and plenty of incredible cities to explore, it’s definitely not the most budget-friendly destination. I was super worried about the costs before I came, but there are a lot of options to help make it affordable.
A study abroad journal by students, for students.
