Light and concise—those are the words I used to convey my desired packing style to Mom. Light meant I couldn’t bring more than one medium-size suitcase. Concise rejected my hammock, paperback books and bulky sweater.
I’ve dedicated this past week to packing. Since everything can’t go with me abroad, I have had to think methodically, roll a lot of clothes and brainstorm possible flight necessities. Now the suitcase is packed and after a trip to Walmart, my backpack will also be ready to go.
Preparing for an internship in Sydney, Australia has required almost ten months of planning, meeting with various school officials and sending follow-up email after follow-up email. However, the time has finally come.
Tonight I leave the Unites States of America and begin my 20 plus hour trek to the “Land Down Under.”
For those of you interested in traveling abroad, I have several tips to help you prepare with precision and have a less-awful flight experience.
These methods are still in the theory phase since I’ve yet to test them. Tonight and tomorrow, I’ll know for sure whether or not they’re effective.
Studying and working in Australia will be life-changing experiences. I love not-knowing what the next six to seven weeks hold, the adventures I’ll have, the people I’ll meet. Personal transformation occurs in unfamiliar environments—I’m excited to grow and step into my post-Australia identity.
Caroline is a student at Belmont University and is blogging from her summer abroad on the Sydney Internship Program - Summer program, in Sydney, Australia.