Student GOes to US twice
Wed 25 July 2007
Byron Lawrie, Communication
Australian communications student Julian Groneberg loved the campus life at Washington State University so much he spent $A16,000 to ‘GO’ and study there twice.
He was able study at Washington State University twice thanks to the Global Opportunities program run by the USC. Affectionately known as the GO program, the global opportunities program allows USC students to travel and study at overseas universities as part of their degree. Countries on offer include China, the US, Japan and South Korea.
Julian chose to go and study at Washington State University in the US. Because of Julian’s academic achievements he was able to receive a scholarship from USC. This scholarship paid for his airfares.
Travelling is not cheap as Julian soon discovered. He was forced to borrow money from his parents to survive. Two semesters of study at Washington State University co
st Julian about $A16,000.
Before Julian could leave Australia he was forced to undertake a lengthy application process. Julian was required to obtain USC staff references, faculty approval for the courses, organise a place to live overseas and get a US visa.
Julian was travelled from the Sunshine Coast to Sydney, a journey of over 1000km to obtain his visa. After being interviewed by US consulate officials and receiving visa approval Julian hopped on the next plane.
Julian began to notice the differences as soon as he landed in the US. Everything was bigger and bolder. There was more emphasis on looking good and the people there were more religious. Holidays and sporting events were taken very seriously. Even having fun was considered a serious event.
Julian was impressed by how life at Washington State University had a great sense of unity.
“People live on campus and interact on campus - not just go to uni for their classes. Over there, there was more of a sense of college life,” Julian said.
This aspect of university life was so enjoyable for Julian that he missed it greatly when he returned to study at USC. When offered another chance to travel to Washington he accepted without delay.
Now one year later and much poorer Julian believes it was money well spent.
”I would totally recommend it to anyone, even if they think they can’t afford it,” he said.
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