USA – Georgia

Student: Georgia
Program: Trimester exchange T2 2023 

How did you spend your weekends?

Saturdays in South Carolina are a big deal during the football season especially when there is a home game. Before the game there are pre game shows, tail gating, BBQs and the frat lots (basically a car park party with all the fraternity houses) and it’s not just college students, the whole town gets involved. The games themselves are hectic, with all the cheerleaders, mascots and the student section is cheering and chanting the whole time. When there are away games, everyone gets together to watch the game, or all the pubs and bars will have them live.

Did you go on any memorable trips to explore your host country or maybe a nearby country?

There was lots of opportunity to take short trips during my exchange semester. We did a road trip to Charleston and Savannah, a vacation to Puerto Rico, a weekend in Chicago and a trip to Washington DC and New York City. We also did a trip to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee and another to a nearby lake. If you can, try to make your timetable so you don’t have classes on Monday or Friday to make it easier to take weekend trips.

How did you make friends and what sort of things did you do together?

I lived in a shared dorm, so it was really easy to meet people and make friends. We also had a WhatsApp group with all of the other exchange students from other unis and countries and we organised parties and catch ups with all of us. I made friends with the exchange students in my dorm and some of the American students. We would hang out, go to parties, explore the city and do other fun activities together. I am still friends with the people that I met, and we’ve already visited each other in Aus and Europe.

How did you finance your trip? How much did your trip cost?

Food, accommodation worked out to be $14,000AUD and then there was flight and visas on top of that (around $2000). I had savings which I relied on, and I was also able to get my youth allowance while I was overseas.

What's your one piece of advice for a student who is preparing to study abroad? How should they prepare?

This exchange was my first overseas trip ever and I learnt that I simply could not plan for everything, and things would work themselves out as I went along. I would say just make sure you do some research and use the resources available – Student Connect, Deakin Abroad, past students etc. Also, if you’re wanting to go to the USA during football season, go trimester 2 (fall).

What is the one big thing you will always remember from your experience?

My exchange was the best time of my life. I really learnt a lot about myself, and it was a huge step outside of my comfort zone. I met some really fun and amazing people and made really good friends.

Learn more about studying at the University of South Carolina