My first two weeks in Australia have been fun and eye-opening. I have found Australians to be very kind with a relaxed attitude about life.

Blue Mountains, Australia

Traveling to the Jenolan Caves, in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, I discovered the natural beauty of Australia’s Southeast coast. Rather than hot, flat and dry like the famous central deserts, the Blue Mountains offer a magnificent landscape of lush forest, jutting cliffs, and pastoral towns.

My tour of the Jenolan Caves was an other-worldly experience. For around $20 USD per person, we took a guided group tour deep into the earth where the forces of time and water have created magnificent caverns.

I am now living in the “International House” University residence in Wollongong. It is so interesting to be surrounded by students from every corner of the world, who are all here to learn and further their experiences. If the whole world worked like this it would be a far more peaceful place.

The nightlife in Wollongong is like nothing I’ve experienced in the States. The party usually begins by getting together with friends in the dorms, everyone very excited and friendly. Later, the University provides free bus rides from the residences into central Wollongong where we can choose from any number of nightclubs, bars, or restaurants to be entertained in.

I am excited for classes to begin tomorrow, the campus is beautiful and a short distance from our residence. I am eager to learn from a different perspective and to meet other students who share my academic interests.

Calvin LeSuer received a travel scholarship from the Foundation for Asia Pacific Education and is traveling to Australia this summer.

Photo Credit: lawmurray on Flickr