“I believe it is incredibly beneficial to travel, see the world and learn about new cultures. Experiences like this help shape me into a more well-rounded person, both personally and academically. Studying abroad also gave me the opportunity to explore a part of the world I had never experienced before, while continuing to pursue my degree at Ohio State,” said political science major Abbe Newman, who is currently studying abroad in Australia on the Arcadia Abroad - University of New South Wales program.
Newman is spending the semester in Sydney taking courses at the University of New South Wales and immersing herself in both the classroom and culture of Australia.
“This experience has strengthened my adaptability and independence while also giving me a broader global perspective. Simply interacting every day with people from all over the world and from vastly different backgrounds has been incredibly valuable. Learning how to communicate and build relationships across cultures is beneficial in any career, and it’s something I will carry with me moving forward,” noted Newman.
Some of Newman’s most memorable moments have come through being open to new experiences and making an effort to try new activities with new people.
“Some of the most memorable moments so far have been seeing iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House for the first time, going to the Sydney Run Club at Bondi Beach during sunrise and attending the Australian Open. Each of these experiences has felt surreal and reminded me how unique this opportunity truly is.”
Through these new ventures, Newman reflects on how much she’s grown as a person since being abroad, and what she’s learned about herself.
“I’ve learned how to truly put myself out there. I didn’t know anyone on my program before arriving, so I had to step outside my comfort zone and be intentional about building friendships in a new environment. I’ve also realized that I’m more adaptable and independent than I thought,” noted Newman.