AIMing Overseas
My name is Megan, and I'm a travel-a-holic.
I'm currently studying a double degree at the University of Canberra in Journalism and Law and I've taken to jumping on an international flight at the end of each semester, and twice now have done so to attend a short-term international course through AIM Overseas.
I first became addicted when I flew to the Czech Republic to attend the International Law and Human Rights course in Brno. I bonded with the 20 other Australian students on the course over the cheapest beer in the world, trekked through the snow to attend classes, made a tonne of international connections, and headed to Vienna, Budapest and Prague on the weekends visiting different NGOs around Europe. The worst part was coming home.
Therefore when I saw that AIM Overseas was offering the International Relations and Politics in the EU program in the Netherlands, I jumped at the chance to go again! This time, instead of bonding over beer, we bonded in the coffee shops (although, as a true student city, Maastricht has more bars than days in the year!); we instantly became friends with the faculty who were exceptionally welcoming; we sat in on War Crimes trials in the Hague at the International Criminal Tribunal of the former Yugoslavia (which was mind-blowing!); and of course we didn't miss the opportunity to head to Amsterdam! We partook in site visits during the day, and had our weekend evenings free to explore Europe.
I'm often asked how I can constantly afford my travel addiction. The answer is: no, I'm not selling drugs; I managed to get an OS-HELP government loan through my student exchange office for each of my courses. Because I was receiving credit for each course as an elective unit, I was given a $5,500 cheque for each trip and it went straight onto my HECS debt. The new flat-screen TV in my bedroom is amazing...just kidding!! Because the program fees already included so much, the only things I really spent money on during the 4 weeks were beer and souvenirs!
I've recently started a legal internship in Canberra and I was told that the reason I was picked above everyone else was because I had international study experience, which apparently translates into life experience. Now, with one year left of my degree, I'm psyched to go to Oxford next year and study creative writing.
I've been talking to a lot of people who have already graduated and one of the things they've mentioned is how they would have loved to have gone on an exchange. If you're scared or apprehensive about travelling, AIM Overseas is fantastic for supporting you 100% of the way, and just remember...in life you generally only regret the things you didn't do!
See you overseas!
Megan Donoghue
It's not all just about the studying! Megan and fellow participants enjoy a (leopard-print-themed) night out during the program
Winter in Europe and a bunch of excited Australians
AIM Overseas IR and Politics in the EU participants (and future diplomats of Australia perhaps?)
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