Well...I know my study abroad insurance works! Today's blog is all about my crazy hospital visits and injuries this semester. Safe to say I definitely got my money's worth out of my study abroad insurance. Number One: I Stepped on Glass in Australia and Had It Surgically Removed in Singapore Here's the story. Before flying to Singapore to start my semester abroad, I spent a week in Australia visiting one of my friends. One morning, I walked to Surfers Paradise Beach to watch

I’ve successfully finished my semester abroad and have returned to the United States. I cannot believe I can say I have actually traveled around the entire world (and am the first in my family to ever do it)! Quick recap: From my hometown, Charleston, West Virginia, I headed west to Sydney, Australia for my first six-week block. Next, I continued west to Rome and Paris for my last two blocks. After making a quick stop in London to visit my family there, I made my way back acr

Hello again! It’s been three months since I first arrived in Sydney and in that time, I’ve explored all over the city, met so many people, and embraced some amazing solo adventures. I wanted to share my top 5 favorite memories from my time here so far. Some are more intimate moments while others are absolute must-dos for your bucket list. The Phantom of the Opera Under the Stars This is probably my favorite memory from Sydney so far. The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favo

Before flying to Singapore for my next semester abroad, I decided to visit my friend who is studying abroad in Australia. This semester I am focusing on fewer but higher quality trips. From my semester abroad in Germany, I learned that while I can travel to dozens of cities, the experience is not always the best when I am trying to save as much money as possible. I still have to be mindful of what I am spending and I am completely okay with backpacking, staying in hostels, an

Hi there! My name is Ashley Chittum and I am studying abroad this semester in Sydney, Australia. My first steps in Australia took place in Cairns during orientation. As part of my study abroad program, WorldStrides, we spent five days in Cairns learning about the culture, lifestyle, and atmosphere of Australia all while fighting the jet lag of a 16-hour flight. Here is my experience from my first days in Australia. Flying Alone Despite being twenty years old, I’d never flown

Hello Gamecocks! I am finally just a few days out from my departure for Sydney, Australia! Leaving home on January 3rd means my winter break is a bit shorter than normal, so I have been lucky to be able to visit my friend in New Jersey and have a trip into NYC with my best friends from USC! I am trying to soak everything up before leaving home. I am so excited about leaving, but I expect some nervous feeling to hit me closer to departure. I am preparing by making many packing

It’s finally happening. After nearly a year of planning, booking flights, and trying to explain to my friends why I’ll be missing the...