Return to Global Tiger Tales Index List

Lindsey Harris, Australia: Univ. of the Sunshine Coast
Spring 2003 Internship (Self-Directed): Australia Zoo, Spring 2003
Antarctica: Expedition Trips, Spring 2005

I was fortunate enough in my college career to get to study abroad twice. My first adventure took me to Australia. I was a sophomore and was just getting comfortable in my “away from home” surroundings. I suddenly felt the urge to challenge myself with a new environment once again. I was going to summer classes and on a feeling of spontaneity stopped by the Auburn Abroad Office. The staff was extremely helpful and took into account my major, the classes I needed, and the expectations I had. Within just a few days, I had my paperwork filled out. I chose a school called The University of the Sunshine Coast nestled just north of Brisbane and 3 minutes from the beach. With a major in Zoology, I was hoping to do an internship at a zoo. As it turned out, Australia Zoo (home of The Crocodile Hunter) was just a 30 minute bus ride from my apartment in Maroochydore. I contacted the college in Australia and asked if it was possible for me to intern at the zoo through their internship program. They contacted the zoo, which said they did not accept interns. I was quite upset but not defeated. After many phone calls and letters and sending my qualifications to Australia Zoo, they finally agreed to take me on as the first intern at Australia Zoo. I was ecstatic!

I arrived in Australia a month early and traveled around the continent with my mother. It was an amazing experience that I was glad to share with my mom! Classes began and I found the Australian life laid back and awesome! Between classes, my internship, and hanging out at the beach… I found my days passed too quickly to be homesick. My study abroad experience allowed me to open doors I never thought possible! I got to work face to face with the crocodile hunter, meet life-long friends, and learn about a different culture. I found out I could do anything once I separated myself from the comforts I depended on so much back home. When I returned home, my family was amazed at how mature I had become… not to mention how excited they were to have watched me on an episode of the Crocodile Hunter during Animal Planet’s Croc Week. My resume had beefed up and getting a job in my field became so much easier since most employers love to hire people who have had international and hands-on experiences. After this, I knew I wanted to study abroad another time!

Choosing a second program to go on was very exciting.  I looked up programs in Africa and South America.  I decided to do something different.  I found a program in Antarctica and decided it would be great to study the wildlife there.   Unfortunately, the program ended up not being able to take students outside their university.   But I had my hopes set on Antarctica at this point.  I decided to find a professor who would sponsor me in a trip to the White Continent.  The professor agreed to give me research and books to read and a grade at the end of the trip.  This study abroad trip was very different from the previous one I had done and offered new learning experiences.  I went to Antarctica for 2 weeks on an expedition.  They were the most amazing two weeks of my life.  The sites I saw consisted of more penguins than you could ever imagine, seals lounging around like giant boulders, whales, albatross, and icebergs larger than a 10-story building.  During the expedition, I sat through very knowledgeable lectures on conservation and Antarctic wildlife while drinking hot tea to keep warm.   After this amazing journey, I spent a month traveling in Argentina and Chile.  I also spent a week kayaking and camping through the Chilean fjords.  This study abroad trip confirmed to me my passion for conservation and zoology along with my passion of travel.  

If I could tell someone the one thing I think is most important to do during their college life, it would be to study abroad and travel.  Nothing strengthens you as much as experiencing a new culture and place.  That spontaneous trip to the Auburn Study Abroad Office during the summer of my freshmen year changed me forever.  I would not be the woman I am today without the experiences I had while studying abroad during college.  I feel passionately that every student should spend at least one semester in another country to experience adventures of their own.