AUSTRALIA - ADELAIDE

In terms of architecture, I learned a lot about the culture and the differences in building styles between Australia and Austria. It has helped me to get involved internationally, to expand my knowledge and I have also been able to make valuable contacts and friendships that may one day help me in my career.

The buildings in Australia are built differently to Austria. It was very unfamiliar at the beginning because they have very small windows with only one layer of glass. The structures and isolations are a lot thinner, because obviously it is a warmer country, and therefore it is not as much needed as in Austria. A new typical building in Adelaide is made of brick and other than that, they have old existing buildings which are very beautiful and make the city interesting. Between any high tower or modern constructions is a smaller old building or even a little church. I would say this is not typical for a bigger city and it makes Adelaide very special. I got used to the types of buildings and how they are built. In my architectural classes I got to learn a lot about the dos and dont's, meaning I have learned how they build in Australia and what aspects I must consider. Because of that process it is easier for me to understand why they build the way they do..

The university in Australia where I did my semester had exciting and new approaches to learning and delivery methods compared to my home university. There were many new techniques which are now valuable insights that I have brought home and I will be able to use my experience in this regard for my final bachelor's semester.

Due to the foreign language, the stay had brought with it a certain challenge, but one that I felt I had successfully mastered. Exciting discussions were held with the teachers by using a combination of my "Basic English" and pantomime to explain my plans. This kept the lectures and presentations exciting and dynamic. As time went on, my English improved more and more, so the pantomime efforts slowly decreased.

Another point that was new to me at the beginning was having my own flat. I had to deal with various tasks that I had not had to deal with before. For one thing, I was paying the rent and other bills, also going grocery shopping and I even had to call the technician once when I moved in. Nevertheless, I quickly got used to my own independence and the freedom that comes with it, so I was able to manage these things well every month. Not only with the flat, but the entire daily routine was completely different from what I was used to at home.

During my stay in Australia, I became more and more open and receptive to new social gatherings. By this I mean that I already have my fixed circle of friends at home in Austria and therefore I am not always looking for new friends. In Australia, however, I didn't have a circle of friends at the beginning, so I was open to getting to know the different cultures and communicating with them. Towards the end of my stay, I really got to know the cultures and I felt very comfortable around them.

Last but not least I have travelled a lot through Australia and I did many hikes in their forests and rainforests. Of course I was aware of all the spiders and other dangerous and venomous animals that live there, but I still wanted to experience those hikes even when I was really scared. From time to time, I was told some survival tips to got more comfortable walking through the hiking paths and stopped being nervous or frightened when I accidentally touched a leaf.