A Change of Pace for Three Australian Students

Studying abroad to a place one may be unfamiliar with is a challenge. Not only is it a change in scenery but also can be a change in lifestyle.

(Interview with subject 1: Ben Gering — pending/transcribing)

In Australia, things are much different than they are here in the U.S. For instance, the food in Australia is based off its quality, not the quantity. In the U.S, it’s so ordinary to get a mass amount of food and think what you’re eating is good when in reality, the quality aspect just isn’t there. According to a study, Australia is filled with foodies; they eat well, drink well, and enjoy the good life.

(Interview with subject 2: Phil Gerhmann — pending/transcribing)

Being someone who is only twenty years old, Phil Gerhmann was used to going out and partying whenever he wanted when he turned 18 in Australia. But given the drinking age is 21 in the U.S, this was not something he was necessarily prepared for. While this may not be a huge deal for some, it is for others.

“After being in Flagstaff for about a year, it was difficult to adjust back to my lifestyle here in Australia,” said Alex Preston. “I got so accustomed to the American way of doing things that originally I thought was pretty weird and now that I’m back, I have to readjust to this lifestyle.”

(Paragraph on lifestyle differences — pending)

Although it may be a hassle to study abroad and live in another country for a year, it’s said to be an experience of a lifetime. Gering, Gerhmann and Preston did their fair share of traveling while in the states. From visiting to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and even the beaches off the coast of California, they made their experience worth it.

“One night our buddy Sean out here asked us if we wanted to go to Vegas,” said Gering. “So we all got in the car and just went. It was a blast!” Gering met Sean Ritchie in one of his screenwriting courses and Ritchie took it upon himself to show the guys around.

The time the three Aussie’s spent in Flagstaff was short but certainly sweet. The guys plan on visiting Flagstaff over summer and also for the annual homecoming Tequila Sunrise event in October.

(I’ll be adding more throughout the week)