Ever considered traveling to study overseas? I had the privilege of visiting the Georgetown Campus in Washington DC and Stanford University in San Francisco last year. I thought the campuses were amazing! I randomly stumbled on this file buried in my old PC. 3 years ago when I was still a junior studying at the Ateneo, I wrote about my key take away from my Study Abroad Experience (aka Junior Term Abroad) in Australia. I remember writing this in the plane. I officially embarked and headed for Manila 9:55 PM Sydney Time. A mixture of emotions came upon me. At that point, I wasn’t sure about what I was feeling - Happiness because I finally get to go home after three entire months of being away or Sadness because I had to leave wonderful relatives and Aussie friends behind. Before the trip, several concerns emerged. Internships for prestigious companies waited for my confirmation and fast-paced classes with fourth year students just so I can make it on time were things I took into consideration. Regardless of how hectic it seemed, I decided to grab this once in a lifetime experience. My UTS ID My Sydney JTA experience is a decision I will never regret. The trip definitely taught me valuable things one can’t easily learn back in the Philippines. But I must admit, life back n Manila is definitely far more convenient. In order to address the demands of the challenging world, in 2007, the Ateneo Information Systems and Computer Science Department for the first time offered an exchange program where students were given the opportunity to study and live abroad during their penultimate year in the university. More than the souvenirs I got to bring home with me, sharing with you valuables I got from the trip: 1. Independence. Being able to commute, walk alone, do things on my own was a totally new experience for me. 2. Adaptability. Starting from scratch, considering no one knew who I was. Being able to adjust in a completely different environment was definitely a challenge. Crossing the city streets just to transfer from one class to another was necessary because I was in a city campus where the buildings were scattered all around the area. Living with a different family was not easy at the beginning since there were different practices and routines. Time zone differences although minor, I also dealt with given that I was never a morning person. =) 3. Pride. Being able to represent the Ateneo during International Exchange Fairs and to invite students to experience what life in the Philippines was like. 4. Strength. Being able to make decisions on my own and allocating the budget entrusted to me. Surviving without the presence of my family and friends from Manila. 5. Beauty. To travel and explore how beautiful the world was. Meet wonderful people across the globe. I was actually surprised to have classmates from Bangladesh, Israel, Fiji, Greece, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, India and the list simply goes on. Definitely learned to appreciate cultural diversity. 6. Fulfillment. I realized that I was in the right course. It was during that time when I realized the wonders my course can do. How programming systems can simplify the complex processes of companies and experiencing joy of creating new things. Making me realize how real Project Management was in one’s everyday life. University of Technology Sydney (UTS) gave me the opportunity to have a feel of what it was like to work for Australian companies through the assigned projects. 7. Joy. Being closer with my cousins. Studying together. Travelling to places together. Touching other people. Sometimes I wish I could turn back time and revisit those memories. I really plan to go back to Australia. Perhaps next year? For more information:
University of Technology Sydney - http://uts.edu.au/ GeorgeTown - http://www.georgetown.edu/ Stanford - http://www.stanford.edu/
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Welcome!All about the traveling Queen who wanted to share with the world the little and great discoveries that have brought her joy.
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