TEAN - Australia - Internship

I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The first week in Australia really set the tone for the entire trip. The orientation week was located in Cairns, Australia and we got to know the other interns in our home city and other cities as well. We also learned about aboriginal culture and the pride Australians take in it, and we were given an insight on Australian culture and how to decipher the slang used. I stayed in Brisbane, Australia and as a Zoology major I was placed at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. I had a very open learning environment and had hands-on experience with animals I didn't even know existed before going to Australia. I had an insane moment when I saw a baby koala come out of the mothers pouch when I was cleaning the enclosure. The layout of my internship allowed me the time to explore and travel to other cities and even see the North Island of New Zealand. However, before I started traveling I really got to find my way around Brisbane with my Residential Directors help and recommendations. Trivia Tuesdays at Stockies Exchange Hotel never failed us.

This trip was the best experience of my entire life so far! The memories that I have gained from going to Australia are unmatched. If you are debating on if you should go, just go!! I grew so much in my confidence, made amazing friends from all over the world, learned from the best of those in my aspired career, and took part in Australian culture. I also had the opportunity to attend fun sporting events, travel to other areas of Australia, and work alongside well-known athletes!

​​I had the time of my life. I feel like the two months I spent in Australia were a movie. So much happened, and I learned a lot about myself and my future profession. I made friends with people that I never would have even known had I not gone. At my gym, I learned new skills like how to coach children and how to properly execute and teach different lifts. I also go to discover some cultural differences in coaching styles in Australia vs the USA. I made friends with and met some professional athletes and even sat front row of my new favorite sports AFL and Rugby. I definitely recommend it.