Written by Malia Mercado
Travelling to Australia and visiting a different continent for the first time was pretty daunting at first, but it quickly became one of the best experiences of my life!
My name is Malia Mercado, and I’m a Canadian from British Columbia (B.C.). I attend the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)! I’m a third-year mathematics major on an international exchange at Charles Sturt University this session!
Leaving North America for the first time!
One of the main reasons I wanted to study abroad was because I was born and raised in B.C. and had never left North America. I wanted the opportunity to see more of the world and experience life beyond what I was familiar with. Australia had been on my travel list for years, as I had heard so many great things about it. The journey itself was a bit challenging – about 22 hours of travel time including flights and layovers – but finally arriving in Port Macquarie (Port) made it all worthwhile. After spending time exploring and meeting new people, I’ve found that the beaches, scenery, and welcoming community have made the experience incredibly rewarding.
Experiencing new and exciting things!
Another reason I chose to study abroad was to try new things and grow personally. I had never lived on my own before, and I wanted to experience that independence during this stage of my life. So far, I’ve really enjoyed it. I live in a shared on-campus residence, which offers a great balance between having my own private space and socialising with others in common areas like the lounge and kitchen.
Back in B.C., I tended to stay home a lot, so I hoped that being in a new environment would encourage me to step outside my comfort zone – and it definitely has. Since arriving, I’ve explored local beaches and food spots in Port, and I even took a four-day trip to Sydney during mid-session break, which was an amazing experience. I know I wouldn’t have done nearly as much if I had stayed in B.C. this semester.
Why I chose Charles Sturt
As mentioned earlier, Australia has always been a place I’ve wanted to visit, so when I looked at UFV’s study abroad exchange partners, I focused on Australian schools. It was also a bonus to leave during the Canadian winter and arrive in the Australian summer! After researching Charles Sturt, I was drawn to its campuses in regional cities. Having grown up in a non-metropolitan area, I felt this would make the transition easier – and it has. I chose the Port campus because of its coastal location and proximity to beautiful beaches, not to mention its Koalas!
Before arriving, I expected life at Charles Sturt to be inclusive and engaging, and it has lived up to those expectations. Living on campus has made it easy to get involved, with plenty of events and activities always happening. It’s been a great way to meet people and feel connected to the community.
Final Thoughts
Depending on when this is published in June, I’ll likely be wrapping up my session and getting ready to head back to B.C. It’s honestly hard to believe how quickly the time has gone. If you’re ever given the opportunity to study abroad, or are even thinking about it, I can’t recommend it enough (and that’s coming from an introverted homebody!). Charles Sturt has been so welcoming and has made what could have been an overwhelming transition feel comfortable and exciting.
This experience has meant so much to me. From stepping outside my comfort zone to creating memories I never expected, it’s been unforgettable. I know I’ll carry these moments with me and talk about them for years to come.
For more information on studying aboard visit: https://study.csu.edu.au/international/study-with-us/study-abroad-and-exchange
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
