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Student Highlight: Anna Benson - Exchange Down Under
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Anna Benson's Study Abroad Experience at James Cook University
Anna Benson, a student majoring in Marine Biology and International Studies at Oregon State, studied abroad last fall at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. While she was there she had the opportunity to take a variety of coursework pertaining to her interests in marine biology and indigenous peoples studies.
Academic Experience
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Anna snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef.
During my study-abroad program at JCU, I was provided with more than just learning opportunities. I had the opportunity to build connections with professors, researchers, scientists, and friends all across several fields of study.
I selected an exchange program at JCU because of its ideal geographical location close to the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the countless hands-on learning experiences offered to JCU students in marine disciplines.
My marine-based classes allowed me the chance to learn from leading researchers in marine sciences and allowed me to venture out of the classroom for field trips to different aquaculture facilities. Visiting these facilities and seeing firsthand how they operate was very eye-opening for me since I have never seen how this industry works before. It was also one of the best experiences I have had because I had the opportunity to ask questions to people working in the aquaculture industry and learn from them just how important aquaculture is to people's livelihoods.
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I enrolled in indigenous peoples coursework while at JCU in order to educate myself on the sociopolitical lens through which Australia looks. Indigenous peoples are everywhere and a part of everyone, so it was very important to me to learn how history is perceived from a non-US perspective. Not only did I learn about these indigenous communities in my coursework, but also my day to day life. The history of Australia is still very much reflected in the modern societal and political landscapes, and just like the US, Australia has a lot of work to do in order to honor and integrate all cultures, indigenous and foreign.
Travel Experience
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Anna posing with a shark above her at the Cairns Aquarium.
Whilst in Australia, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit several different cities and sites.
During my studies in Townsville, I made it a point to explore as much of the city as I could. I walked all over the city and took the bus to places like the Botanic Garden, Flinders St. Sunday Market, The Strand, and Castle Hill. One of the best sites to visit in Townsville was Magnetic Island. I took the ferry several times during my stay there, and enjoyed the hikes, the beach, and the market on the island.
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One weekend, a few friends of mine and I took a bus from Townsville to Cairns and explored the city there. In Cairns, the city began at the beach and backed up to fields of crops before the rainforest took over. The vast contrast in terrain was stunning, and we were so lucky to be able to visit the village of Kuranda by taking the cable cars over the rainforest and returning to Cairns via the Kuranda railway. The view of the sun over the ocean, the ocean transitioning to land, and open land turning into rainforest will be a scene forever etched in my mind and a memory, forever cherished.
Once again, travelling with friends from JCU, I explored the sites of Sydney! I feel so lucky to have seen the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, with my own eyes. Although my time in Sydney was short, I am grateful to have gone and experienced it, and the memories I made with my friends will be cherished for the rest of my life.
This feature was written by Anna Benson in conjunction with OSU Global Opportunities.
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