With only a week left before mid-semester break, I look back on my time here thus far and am truly amazed at how fast it has gone by. Since I haven’t been able to post much, here are a few things I’ve noticed about studying in Australia:

• Sometimes you really do think they’re speaking a different language.
• The course structure is so different from in the States: far less time in class, much more time on your own.
• If you don’t have a favorite AFL (Australian Rules Football) team than you better get one fast.
• Dinner is “Tea.”
• McDonald’s is “Macca’s.”

Honestly, the list could go on forever so I won’t bore you with the details. Nonetheless, I’m starting to get very used to everything here and expect some serious reverse culture shock when I return home.

I haven’t been able to travel much since Uni started but have gone on a few weekend trips to various towns around South Australia. Having friends that are willing to take me back home with them for the weekend has made for an amazing first half of the semester and some truly Australian experiences. Turns out if you live in the middle of nowhere it’s a requirement to have some sort of off-roading vehicle suitable for chasing wild animals around the desert. Wild goats, kangaroos, and emus — you name it, we’ve chased it. Apart from that, I’ve tried to get myself involved in everything I’m not able to do back home. For example, I tried out for a Netball team as well as a Footie team. Turns out, netball isn’t my thing (couldn’t get over my basketball instincts and kept trying to break all the rules). In regard to footie however, they say I’m not bad for an “American” and I choose to accept that as a compliment.

I’ve kept myself very busy but can’t help but think I’m not making the most of my time here. I have a very big mid-semester break planned and hope to continue with that sense of adventure when I return for the second half of my semester. My goal is to do something new each week; whether that be a simple evening at the beach or just making more out of my time here in Adelaide. It’s an absolutely wonderful city and I need to take advantage of it while I can. For now, my goal is to survive this upcoming week of deadlines so I can truly enjoy my break.