It's been quite some time since my last post, yet that was almost 2 months ago! A lot has occurred in my preparation for Australia since that time, more logistical than anything else:
1. Was formally accepted to the University of Western Australia (UWA for short). I had gotten into the study abroad program with Illinois, but we had to also be approved by our institutions abroad as well. It seemed to take forever, but I've been told that Australia does things more "last minute" in comparison to UIUC/American colleges. They don't have their academic calendars planned out for the next 50 years like I'm used to here...
2. Booked my flight for February 10, 2011. My classes don't actually begin until February 28, but students, both domestic and international, are advised to be on campus by February 15. I'll be traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles to Sydney to Perth. 29 hours in the air, not including layovers. Reading recommendations please?!
3. Was approved for housing. This was probably the most exciting news throughout this process, as living in university housing is really competitive in Australia. Back in September, I had to choose one of the five residential colleges that UWA offers. I needed letters of recommendation and actually recently had a phone interview with the principal of the residential college to be approved (residential college = very similar to dorms). They each have around 200 students, and for a university that has around 20,000 students total, let's just say I was extremely happy. The specific hall I will be staying in is called Currie Hall, and I have no idea who my roommate will be! Take a look! http://www.currie.uwa.edu.au/
4. Applied for and received my Australian visa. I've heard that some countries take quite some time for visa approval, but Australian turnover is really quick; less than 24 hours.
5. Signed up to get scuba diving certified! There is a place in Orland Park that gives lessons and in order to be PADI certified, you have to do classroom time (including lectures and quizzes), pool time dives, and open-water dives. I'll complete the first two at the Orland Park location, but the open-water dives is something I will actually do in Australia. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is international, so my certification will be official once I do a certain number of dives in Australia. Some girls pack cute sandals or heels in their suitcase when they study abroad; I will be bringing flippers. No joke. :]
53 days and counting! Until next time...
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