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Jessica Burge had an opportunity to cross something off her bucket list when she decided to study abroad in Australia. Halfway through the semester, she realizes she’s living her dream, even if it has pushed her outside of her comfort zone.

A senior psychology major who’s completing a graduation requirement in her major by studying abroad, Jessica arrived in the Land Down Under at the end of August and will return three days after Christmas. While there, she’s studying at Bond University in Gold Coast Australia through the ISA program.

“Not many people my age get chances like this in their young adult life,” said Jessica via email. “Being on this journey by myself, taking in new life experiences” has been the best part of her experience so far.

In addition to taking two psychology classes and two electives, Jessica has enjoyed the opportunity to travel the continent. She has surfed in Bryon Bay (a new experience and a favorite place), fed kangaroos and parrots at Currumbin Zoo and just enjoyed the breath-taking scenery. 

The sum of the experience has made her a more open-minded person, she said. Additionally, she’s gained a new sense of gratitude for the smaller things in life.

“I have learned a lot so far about how to truly appreciate what you have back home even more. I’m so used to the country lifestyle, but here, I am in the city surrounded by many people. And it makes me appreciate the friends I have at home and at ����Թ�. They have pushed me to keep living my dream,” she said.

Next semester, she has two courses to complete before graduation and grad school after that. But until then, she’s still absorbing everything her study abroad experience offers. “There have been many times I have had to stop myself and think, ‘Jess, you’re in Australia! You’re only here for a couple of months so take in all of the energy while you can,” she said.

Traveling to Australia was Jessica’s first time traveling abroad. She’d highly recommend the experience to other students because she’s learned to be “comfortable being uncomfortable.”

“You don’t have your support system (such as family, friends, hometown) with you so you have to be open-minded and fulfill your experiences with confidence,” she said. “And always think positive.”