Studying abroad has so many academic and personal benefits. For me, my Tulane experience would not be complete without my time spent abroad. Let me introduce myself—I’m Maddie McGee currently a Junior at Tulane studying English and Digital Media Production with a minor in Economics. I have been lucky enough to participate in Tulane’s summer Dublin program as well as a semester long program in Sydney, Australia at the University of Sydney where I am right now! Both have really given me a great international perspective through my learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom.
 |
| Me at the Cliffs of Moher! |
My summer in Dublin was incredible and taught entirely by Tulane professors. In 4 weeks I completed two courses, Irish Culture & History and Irish Film from the 1980s & 1990s, gaining a total 6 credits. What made the trip so special was the dozens of field trips we went on with our professors throughout Dublin, as well as Ireland. Getting to learn about the culture while living in it makes for the best learning environment. Summer programs are a great option for anyone who cannot bear to leave Tulane’s campus for an entire semester (it’s hard I know). You still get an awesome abroad experience and a deeper international perspective.
My semester so far in Sydney has been equally as rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to stay at a residential college at the University, St. John’s College, where I live with 250 Australians. Even though we don’t necessarily have a language barrier (although they do love to make fun of my accent) it’s been really interesting to learn about Australian culture from my "mates". As far as classes I’ve been taking an Australian history course, an Australian art & film course, and an English course called “Imagining America”. This has been particularly fun as it is taught by an Australian lecturer and I’m the only American in the class. Learning about my home country from a completely international perspective has been enlightening to say the least. The best class so far had to be when we were discussing Kate Chopin's
The Awakening, which is set in NOLA, and everyone just kept asking me what the city is really like. Additionally, I also have an internship in Sydney for course credit with a high end jewelry company where I assist their marketing team with different media projects. Working in Sydney has even further added to my cultural understanding of Australia and will only benefit me in my future career goals as I have gained an international workplace perspective.
The Awakening, which is set in NOLA, and everyone just kept asking me what the city is really like. Additionally, I also have an internship in Sydney for course credit with a high end jewelry company where I assist their marketing team with different media projects. Working in Sydney has even further added to my cultural understanding of Australia and will only benefit me in my future career goals as I have gained an international workplace perspective.
 |
| In Tasmania, Australia -- I wouldn't wallaby anywhere else! |
Anyways, enough about my experiences abroad! We’re giving the chance for anyone who has participated in a study abroad program through Tulane to show off their experience through their pictures in our study abroad photo contest! I’ve included some of the past entires in this blog so you can get some inspiration for your own submission. To be entered just share your photo on Instagram, tag @onlyattulane, and make sure to hashtag #tulanetravels. We will upload all of the submissions into a Facebook album on the Tulane Admissions page where then everyone can like their favorite. The contest will go until October 16th. The photo with the most likes wins! The winner will receive a $250 gift card to Superior Grill!
Happy snapping!
