The Best Parts of Study Abroad Aren’t Just the Highlights

Many people say study abroad is the best time of your life, and it’s easy to believe this only refers to the exciting parts: traveling, making new friends, experiencing new cultures, and enjoying a fun night now and then. While these things do make up a great portion of your semester abroad, it’s the emotional rollercoaster that truly defines this experience.  

The process of adjustment is not linear—and that’s the key. Navigating a new environment and finding your footing can be scary, but the personal growth that comes with it is outstanding. You come out feeling like a shiny new car, ready to hit the big roads.  

Shedding my identity as an athlete 

I’m a third-year health sciences student at Gettysburg College. Deciding to study abroad at University of Wollongong in Australia through IFSA was a big step for me, especially as an NCAA Division III volleyball player.  

Going abroad meant leaving my team for good and stepping away from the lifestyle that had been the biggest part of my identity since I was 14. When I stepped on that plane, it felt like I was saying goodbye to an older version of myself.  

But I knew this experience had the potential to be incredible. Immersing myself in a new country, at a new school, surrounded by new people and opportunities would give me the chance to discover who I was outside of being a volleyball player.  

Early days adjustments 

Saying goodbye to my mom at the airport involved some tears. On top of that, I had never flown by myself.  

When I first touched down in Australia, one of the first things I did with my IFSA coordinator and fellow students was go shopping for our lifeline, groceries. I remember walking out of the store with a massive shopping bag stuffed with groceries, clothes hangers, and meal prep containers. I was convinced that either the weight of the bag would dislocate my shoulder, or the bag would rip and send its contents flying. 

Instead, my toes went numb because I had worn flip-flops (thongs, as the Aussies call them) in the middle of Australia’s winter. (Pro tip: If you’re coming in July, bring a puffer jacket.)  

Looking back, silly moments like these were the beginning of my growing independence and confidence.  

Finding my place 

In a new country and without a team, I realized that if I wanted to find my people, I had to take the initiative to join communities that interested me. I started with the university volleyball club. At first I was shy, but as time went on, I began looking forward to carpooling to the courts with my new Aussie friends.  

Opportunities to play at social volleyball competitions began popping up, and it was great to be invited. One memory I will treasure forever is when two Aussie guys, another female exchange student, and I entered a grass volleyball tournament in Sydney, just for fun. We played our hearts out, laughed the entire time, and won the tournament!  

Launching new habits  

Having the freedom to cook for myself opened the door to an entirely new hobby. I’ve always been passionate about fitness, and experimenting with creative, healthy meals quickly became one of my favorite parts of the week. I got ridiculously excited telling my mom and friends what I planned to meal prep each week. Putting on my headphones and getting to work in the kitchen became one of my favorite ways to shed stress.  

I also discovered the little joys of daily walks, especially along the beautiful Wollongong coastline. There’s something about walking by the water, alone or with friends, that makes time move slower and allows you to appreciate every second.  

Growing by exploring  

My friends and I had the most outstanding time exploring different parts of Australia and even venturing to other countries. Navigating airports, booking flights and accommodation, and figuring out our way around unfamiliar places gave me a whole new sense of independence and maturity.  

If you plan to study abroad here, add these to your must-see list: the Blue Mountains and Sydney Opera House (both included in your IFSA program!), the Gold Coast, Tasmania, and New Zealand. 

The emotional rollercoaster  

As I near the end of my time here, I’ve had the chance to reflect on this experience more deeply. There have been many highs, but not every day has been perfect, and that is okay. You’re allowed to have bad days, miss home, or feel a little out of place. It’s important to give yourself grace, especially in the beginning. Adjusting takes time, and you don’t have to have everything figured out right away.  

Thankfully, IFSA provided an incredible support team to help me navigate the transition and the emotions that came with it. And your parents and friends are always just a phone call away (once you get your SIM card).  

The hardest part: saying goodbye  

As my final month comes to a close, I’m sad that it’s almost over. I’ve built routines, made incredible friends, and finally feel like everything has fallen into place. Somehow, the more comfortable I become, the more I feel like I’m running out of time. And as much as I wish this could last forever, it’s time to go home and carry everything I’ve learned into the next chapter of my life.  

Through this IFSA opportunity, I’ve made lifelong memories and friendships with people who see me for who I truly am, without college athletics. I’ve learned to embrace unfamiliar situations, find joy in small things, build a life for myself from scratch, and gain a clearer sense of what I want my future to look like. Most importantly, I’ve found myself. 

Emilie J. | Gettysburg College | University of Wollongong Partnership, Australia | Fall 2026