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Being a Stranger at Home.
By Valentina, University of Sydney, Australia A Guide to Adjusting Back to Manchester After Your Experience Abroad Returning to reality after a year abroad has been an interesting experience. When leaving Australia, I initially thought that the transition would be difficult. I expected to feel foreign in a place that was once mine, and I worried that my friends would have moved on whilst I was left behind. But my experience of adjusting to life in the UK has not been what I anticipated in the slightest. It’s interesting our brains fears change, but when push comes to shove, it’s rarely as dramatic or drastic as expected. In reality, my…
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Souvenirs from Sydney: Lessons from a Year Abroad
By Valentina Calcagni, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia About a year ago, I was anxiously scrolling through this very blog page looking for advice on being in Australia for a year – or perhaps something to convince me that signing up to leaving the continent was in fact a good idea. I remember coming across one blog post in particular. It was written by a girl looking back on her time in Sydney, which was coming to an end. In every photo, she was smiling; every other sentence, a classic blog-post line— “it’s gone so fast,” “it’s been the best year of my life.” As I read through her adventures,…
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Our (mis)adventures in Western Australia
By Valentina Calcagni, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia At least we can change a tyre now? During my Easter break, two friends and I decided to take a road trip to the glorious outback—proper ‘Straya. No shower, no hot water, no service. All we had was each other and a fragile 4×4 that took personal offence at being driven on actual 4×4 roads. We called her Bertha. Instead of rattling on about our misfortunes (aka Bertha’s tantrums: a burst tyre, two cracks in the windscreen—the list goes on), I’ll outline our route through the south-west wedge of Australia. We began where all good stories begin: Perth. Many are quick to…
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New Zealand: Table for One?
By Valentina Calcagni, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia My honest review of solo travelling New Zealand. Solo traveling might seem daunting to some, but after spending 17 days exploring New Zealand on my own, I can confidently say it’s an experience for everyone. From the people you meet and the freedom of choosing your own schedule, to finding hidden gems, it’s a journey that offers something unique for every solo traveler. And honestly, what better place to do it than in the land of Middle Earth?
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10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling Australia’s East Coast
By Valentina Calcagni, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia I think everyone and their dog seems to travel the East Coast when they visit Australia. And, honestly? It’s worth all the hype. From snorkeling the magnificent Great Barrier Reef to soaking up the breathtaking views at Airlie Beach or spotting a koala (or two) on Magnetic Island, this coastline has something for everyone. Being a bit of an aggressive planner myself, here are some of the things I wish I knew before tackling this iconic trip…
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What I really want to say when they ask ‘How’s Australia?’
By Valentina Calcagni, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia When someone asks me ‘How’s Australia?’, I like to jump to one of my default responses: Option a) ‘Amazing, so amazing. I am having so much fun.’ Option b) ‘Brilliant. You should visit one day.’ Option c) ‘I saw a family of kangaroos.’ A fine set of options if you ask me, which always get the response you are hoping for. But upon reflection, there is so much more to say when I am asked that question.
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Things to do in Sydney!
By Valentina Calcagni, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia What a few months it’s been! Hi 🙂 My name is Valentina Calcagni, and I left the rainy UK for Sydney on July 15th. Three months later, I still feel like this gorgeous city has so much more to offer. Sydney is truly stunning, with its iconic skyline, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. There’s always something to do, whether it’s exploring the bustling markets (Glebe is my personal favorite), enjoying the nightlife, or soaking up the sun at the beach.
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Arrival and Initial Week in Sydney
Exploring the Aussie East Coast
The final trip!
A study abroad journal by students, for students.
