Alastair, a Biological Systems Engineering major, had always wanted to travel. He choose to go to Australia because it had wide open spaces with unique geographic and animal features, was less expensive, and he would be able to speak the language. He spent the spring semester of 1999, from February to August, studying abroad at the University of Wollongong, or the Uni, in New South Wales.

An easy hour by train, Wollongong is about 60 kilometers south of Sydney on the coast. The weather was very mild during his stay, with temperatures in the 50 degree F range being about the coldest, but more hot and humid was the norm.

Alastair lived in a residential college, modeled on the British education system, composed primarily of international students from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Uni students take three or four classes for a full load, and are expected to do more self-directed work. There were not a lot of tests or short-term assignments throughout the term, but students are required to participate in class discussions. There were only two reports due for the lab class he was in, but the lab took half a semester to complete and generated a 25 page report. Discussions and readings led up to a 3 to 4 hour comprehensive exam at the end of the term.

Tuition, books, and residential college expenses were financed through scholarships Alastair had in Nebraska at UNL. To meet the stipulations of his scholarships, he took classes that would transfer: Australian history, communications, and bio technology for a total of 12 credits.

Classes were held during the first three days of the week, allowing travel on four-day weekends. Alastair was able to travel north to Cairns for a diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef, to an oasis at Birdsville, and south to Melbourne. He also went camping in the outback for three weeks when school was over. His American driver's license was good for 6 months, and he adjusted to driving on the opposite side of the road.

Engineers in Australia are completely removed from the prevalent nerd stereotype in America. They are seen as educated construction workers: loud, boisterous, and hard drinking. Alastair found Australians to be very relaxed, on the whole. Playing sports, enjoying the beach and having a pint at the pub (legal age 18) were typical leisure activities.

"After three years of engineering classes, studying abroad was the perfect change of pace. I think every undergrad should study abroad--it doesn't matter where. The things you learn traveling are just as worthwhile as the things you learn in school, and often more fun." After graduation, Alastair continued his professional studies to become a doctor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.