So far life at Uni Adelaide (University of Adelaide) is great. There is a very large population of international students and many events catered to diversity of culture and to international students in general. I definitely didn't expect this but I am so glad they have these types of events. Back at A&M there is roughly I believe 3,000-6,000 International students depending on the semester. There is the main event of a 3 day orientation after that I don't believe there are many events catered to the international students. However, there are cultural clubs that students can join and participate in the events geared to their own culture or to another. Uni Adelaide has about 80 clubs compared to the 800 plus at A&M. But many are sports or kind of random clubs. I absolutely love that there is the International Student Center, the Language and Cultural Center, Experience Adelaide, Exchange Student Network and many more… (I am a member of all of these also haha). The International Student center hosted a one week orientation with lectures and helpful hints for new students. But the incredible things was everyday there was an event such as a meet and greet at a pub, beach volleyball, a beach day, trivia night, and a comedy night. I met the majority of my friends at Uni at these events so I really enjoyed that week. I was so busy and meeting 20 plus people every day probably. It was the neatest experience because I wasn't afraid to start conversations or be who I am. Everyone wants to make friends so it was so easy to talk to people and get to know others. The Language and Cultural Center hosts a cultural night every Friday (free food included). I really enjoy these nights because you get to try foods from other cultures, learn the practices, the stereotypes, the real people, and the language, and most of all the food! Experience Adelaide is getting matched with a local Aussie family. I meet my family next week at a BBQ at Uni so I'm really looking forward to this new experience! The exchange student network is really cool because they put together different events that the international students can join in on such as surf lessons, wine tour, kayaking with dolphins and a few others. There are so many opportunities for international students and I have tried to take advantage of all of the opportunities that I can.

Other than programs geared to international students there are also events for all students. Every other week there is a BBQ on the lawns (sausage and a slice of bread, or a veggie patty and slice of bread). But once again free food so it's pretty awesome! Then the engineering club (the biggest club on campus) puts on 2 BBQ's a semester. One was just two weeks ago and I had the best time. There is free alcohol, free food, free ice cream, free henna, music, friends, and free soft drinks. The lines may have been long but when there's free alcohol what can you expect. Also, super interesting because in the States basically all campuses are dry campus's (no alcohol allowed). Here there is a Uni bar on campus, where students can go after their lectures for an afternoon drink, and for events like the engineering BBQ. There is also free breakfast two days a week for all students. Just so many events so students can get involved and be a part of the University.

The big event of the entire year is this Friday, The Pub Crawl. This is when 6,000 plus Uni students from all the Adelaide University's get together in the same shirt (the hungover games, a tribute to the Hunger games). There are 30 bars participating where students can move from bar to bar in the city and enjoy drink specials while participating in interesting tasks like a picture scavenger hunt. I have by no means done anything like this but I'm looking forward to it. It will definitely be one of the days I remember most about studying abroad here.

Now on to my classes, I really enjoy my Australian Culture class where there is a 2 hour seminar of presentations and discussions every week. Normally, I would not speak and I would be terrified to share my thoughts. Even though I really don't know much about Australian Culture it's really great to compare/contrast the culture to America. Of course, the cultures are pretty similar in many ways but there are differences. This is probably my favorite class at the moment, such a big shock since there is so much discussion but it's just very enjoyable. Here everyone only takes 12 credit hours or 4 classes compared to back homes 5 plus classes and 15 plus credit hours. I have 2, 3, sometimes 4 assignments due every week but other than that I haven't' had as much to do for my classes. It's strange because back home since you have 3-4 exams in every class you study all the time and want to pull your hair out and stay up till really late in the morning to feel prepared. I do not feel as stressed about my classes because I feel that I can time manage here very well. Although, I do have 2 midterms in 2 weeks so I'm nervous for those mainly because I have no idea how the exams are in another school/country. Praying for the best and will be studying majorly over Easter.

I am officially going on the greatest road trip probably of my life so far! I will be going with other exchange students on the Great Ocean Road (similar to the Highway 1-San Fran to LA). This trip goes from Adelaide to Melbourne (pronounced Melben, I only found this out once I got here). It is filled with ocean and spectacular views. I will then be spending 2 days in Melbourne and seeing the city. I will then be flying to Tasmania! I will be renting a campervan with 2 other exchange students and we will spend one week living in this van and traveling the state. It's not too big and it's filled with spectacular views! Then I will spend 2 more days in Hobart, Tasmania and then fly back to Adelaide! I am so utterly excited I can't believe it's happening in just 2 weeks!

Finally, I actually HELD a koala! I found out that actually many local students have never done this so I thought it was pretty cool. It's been at the top of my list since I found out you could do it here. It was literally like a one minute holding but the koala was small but not lite (probably 30 pounds) and smelled so good! They eat tons of eucalyptus so she smelled exactly like it what a whiff! Such an incredible thing to do in Australia!

Until next time!