Emergency NumbersPhone Book (Must be on-campus or have a valid network account)
Eilise Rooney
Elise Rooney is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Australia.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
For a week we stayed with an Aboriginal family in Broome, and this experience was like no other. They took us crab hunting, swimming, fishing, taught us to make spears, and shared many of their stories. I learned so much about the aboriginal culture and way of life in this week and I will remember this experience for the rest of my life! It was definitely life changing.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to study abroad because I knew that there would be no other time in my life where it would be as convenient and cheap to live in another country for an entire semester! I wanted to experience another culture, another land, and another way of life. I chose Australia because of many reasons - the first being I am absolutely obsessed with the ocean and our campus was basically right on the water! I loved getting the chance to swim, snorkel, surf, and all the other fun things living by an ocean offered. It was nice being in a country where the majority of people spoke English and I was able to connect and make friends with many Australians easily because of this. One aspect I loved about school in Australia is that you have classes with not just CSB/SJU students, but with students from Australia and other parts of the world. This was an incredible way to get to know the culture!
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
Incredible. Life changing. Extraordinary. If you like nature and appreciate its beauty, this is a trip for you. If you study abroad in Australia, you will see some of the most beautiful places on earth and go on some of the most incredible excursions of your life. I am so glad I studied abroad in Australia and got to know the people that lived there. I have formed life long friendships and learned from so many diverse people that I never would have met if I didn't study abroad!
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
I am more of a global thinker now than I was before. Also, I am more aware of the way different cultures impact and shape how a person lives their life and views the world around them.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Put yourselves out there. Whichever program you choose to go on, go into it with an open mind and be willing to have a variety of experiences. Make friends with the locals, try foods you have never tried before, dance to different kinds of music. This will help you make the most out of your experience!
Do you have questions about studying abroad in Australia? Email Eilise at ekrooney@csbsju.edu.