After a long day of traveling back in to the U.S. I must admit that this is a bitter sweet day. While we are all happy to head home to our family and friends it is sad to say goodbye to Australia and all that this country has to offer, although it is sad to say goodbye to our group I am very happy that we get to part ways having gotten to know each other a little better. During this trip we have not just experienced the Australian culture but we have had a chance to learn the background and culture of everyone on this trip.

As our plan departs today I find myself reflecting on all the we have experienced and it is hard to say which experience will be the most memorable, The TAFE college and it’s staff, our host family and their Australian hospitality, the mountains and the beautiful scenery, the ocean views and calming waves, or the unique animal encounters we were so fortunate to experience.

During this trip we have had some once in a lifetime experiences, we’ve learned a lot, we saw even more, had cultural aboriginal experiences and we have met some of the kindest people in Australia, and as our flight departs I must say this has been an amazing, fun, and educational trip for everyone and as we return to our family’s I am glad to say that we return with more knowledge on Australia it’s landscape and its Aboriginal people that we can share with all of our friends, family, co-workers, and class mates.

The morning dawned with a glorious sunrise that sparkled and danced on the waters of Darling Harbour.  The day was a bit warmer than it had been and the wind was moderate so it was a joy to take off my coat for a short time and enjoy the sun on my skin.  I must confess, this morning I woke with a twinge of sadness despite the sunshine; the fact that this would be our last day in Australia was certainly on my mind.

It has been a spectacular “study tour” (as our Australian counterparts call these study abroad experiences) and it will take a long time for me to process all that I have learned and experienced.  What I know for certain is that the time here has changed me forever, and I will always be grateful I was chosen to take part in this program.  I know absolutely that I leave a part of my heart here in this place, with these people.

Today’s agenda included a walk across the Harbour Bridge, an optional trip to Paddy’s Market and Chinatown, and some students even chose to get tickets for a show at the Sydney Opera House on their last night in country. I sipped my coffee during our first morning meeting where we planned our day and discussed our periodic “rally points”.  Then we were off and running for one last wonderful day in Sydney.

We did a lot of walking, as is usually the case, but many of us also took the train, the light rail, a ferry and one or two even used a taxi.  The transportation infrastructure here in Australia (at least in Wollongong and Sydney) is absolutely fantastic!  It didn’t take much time to figure out how to get around, and it was quite affordable.  If I lived here, I don’t think I’d feel a need to own a vehicle.

The Harbour Bridge is a sight to behold, and I enjoyed the many different views of it.  I saw it (and photographed it!) from our hotel rooftop, from the ferry, from many different places along the Harbour walk and then there was the view FROM the bridge!

Those of us who went to the world-famous Paddy’s Market were pleased at the variety of items and deals to be discovered; the market was a riot of colors and sounds and an absolute delight!

It was fun talking to the vendors and other shoppers and discovering the veritable melting pot of countries and ethnicities represented there.  Theresa Michaelis and I also wandered over to the shopping mall right next door to Paddy’s and had a lovely lunch.  (And the quickly returned to our treasure-hunting!)

I was so impressed by the farmer’s market at Paddy’s, too.  Photos cannot do justice to the incredible amount of fresh produce offered there.  (Speaking of produce, my host “mom” fed me my very first passion fruit while I was in Wollongong; it was delicious!)  As a horticulture student, I’m always very intrigued by the variety of produce-and food in general-offered in the various places I visit.  I was delighted to find that citrus fruit was in season at this time-the end of winter-and kumquats were a special treat to discover!

I cannot find adequate words to express my gratitude to the tireless efforts of all the people who spent so much time planning this program, and to all those who support the International Education program at Gateway Technical College.  Both teams did an amazing job-the Gateway team, and the TAFE team here in Australia.  I cannot fathom how a program of this caliber could be planned logistically; there were so many facets and variables!  This has been an educationally diverse and incredibly rich program; I know every student feels exactly the same way I do.  Having a Home Stay host family experience added an additional depth to the program and experience that we wouldn’t have had otherwise; being immersed in the culture in such a way is priceless.

I am also beyond thrilled with the group of people in this program that I now call “friends”.  Everyone worked together and had a team mentality; we were really in sync from the moment we started classes together.  That kind of synchronicity doesn’t just happen; it takes willingness from every single member of a team.  I’m so grateful that we had it.  What an incredible gift.

Speaking of gifts–this country, its rich history, people, architecture, the incredible natural beauty—all these things and more have changed my world view forever.  I think one of the things that touched me the most is the fact that at every single gathering, the leaders paid respect to the original people.  I saw this plaque during our Blue Mountain tour, and thought it a fitting way to end my blog, on this last day of a most excellent experience.

With deepest respect and gratitude,

Rae Punzel

Our wonderful Australia trip is coming close to an end. Each day we have had the opportunity to experience something new. Starting with learning new “slang” to learning a city bus route to viewing beautiful sights that we don’t have back in Wisconsin. Today, our group was able to take a tour to the Blue Mountains.

Once at the first lookout point of the tour, we got to walk around and see the “Three Sisters.” These were fascinating mountain rocks that formed an usual form side-by-side. We then drove a few minutes away and our group then split in two.

Half of the group was fortunate to take the cable car to Scenic World where I’m sure they had wonderful views! The other half were able to hike all the way there. Our twenty minute walk turned into over an hour due to the breathtaking sights. We experienced part of a temperate rain forest, saw stunning waterfalls trickle down and looked out over the whole mountain range.

The middle of the day consisted of lunch in the small city of Leura and a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, which was home to a number of animals native to Australia. From Kangaroos to Koalas, Dingoes to Crocodiles, Emus to Wombats and Platypuses,  all native Australian wildlife were represented and we all got a chance to see all.

At the end of the day, we had the chance to ride a ferry back to Sydney Harbour. The best part was that our boat trip was during the sunset. The city of Sydney was glowing as the sun went down and building lights shined in the dark. Though it was cold, it was absolutely breathtaking.

Andi Rossow

Today was our departure day from beautiful Wollongong, as we were off to spend our last 3 days in Sydney Australia. This morning I spent my last breakfast with my host family. I then said my farewell to them and we parted ways. They could not had been any better to me. When I arrived at TAFE for the final day, we all took a group photo. The picture really shows all the special people I have met and have been able to spend so much time with. The TAFE staff were incredible to us Americans. We all took the vans over to Sydney. Right when we got out we started exploring the lovely city. We went through the Royal Botanical Gardens. I really enjoyed the trees and all the pretty nature. I was able to get another picture in front of the castle with the group. There were so many flowers surrounding it. Later we left the gardens and took another beautiful photo in front of Sydney. We were all smiling and loving the moment. The last photo I shared was some of the group and I chilling with four statues that look to be old mobsters. It almost felt like they were real people. The day finally ended with a visit to Sydney’s iconic opera house. It was a sight to behold. The Sydney Bridge, Opera House, and Royal Botanical Gardens were all locations we had to research and present on in class. Seeing them all in person was almost a surreal experience.  I will never  be able to forget the day I went to Sydney with my peers and many new friends. Everyday has been a phenomenal learning experience for me.

Paul Stich

Sunday was our official last full in the city of  Wollongong. As we did not have classes or events lined up by the TAFE school, all the students decided to do several activities together. My sweet home-stay Mom, Kate gave me a ride to the train station as several of us decided to to visit Sydney. Now we were going to Sydney the next day, but we all wanted to go to the Aquarium, which was not in our schedule.

The aquarium was super amazing! I was like a kid again. I love fish. My father had over 30 tanks and raised fish to sell so I am an addict in a good sense. Walking the corridors with water-filled tanks over our head filled me with awe. Such beauty, creatures that I only have seen on TV now were in front on me.

Next, Rae and I walked to the Chinese Friendship Garden.  We then walked through the garden taking pictures and building a friendship. I asked her questions about this and that. She kindly answered and shared her gift of photography. We had much to cover, but it was difficult to leave. There were Chinese structures, waterfalls, rocks that told stories. One could spend a day just there. However, we had our plan, so on we went. We now backtracked past the Aquarium around about getting lost a few times. We made it to the Circular Quay, yeah! There was a market called The Rocks that is only on the weekends and we could not miss it. They offer items made by Australian artists. We were two peas in a pod. We wove back and forth through the market place. I would think I had lost Rae in the hustle and bustle, only to hear her call my name. Rae was a trooper. She took many more fabulous pictures. I kept to the inside, coward that I was.

On the way back to Wollongong from Sydney, I messaged Kate my home-stay Mom to ask where the best place to have pizza was and to see if she had eaten or was hungry. She told me she was MAKING pizza! She even was coming to pick me up, bless her heart. I missed my train stop on the way back and had spent some extra time circling back to the right station, but oh man, Kate was understanding and joked with me about it on the way home. Do not worry, she said, her friend was at the house to have dinner with us and he would take out the pizza, ummm, no. He was deep in thought, reading a book, and the pizzas were burning! They still good tasted after such a long day.

This trip has been one I never even dream I would be able to go on, and yet I was was not only able to see how my field of study worked on this side of the world, experience an amazing culture, and see two wonderful cities in Wollongong and Sydney Australia. Thank you all for making it one for the ages.

Theresa Michaelis

After a week of hectic schedules and sitting in on classes pertaining to our individual program areas, we were rewarded with free time to explore the region in ways that appealed to us individually.

One group of students headed to Otford to horseback ride through the rain forest, others arranged to meet up with TAFE students in their program area to spend the day sight seeing together, while yet another spent the day recharging herself in the peaceful setting of the Nan Tien Buddhist temple.

Beatrice Stitch and I decided to spend the day together going where the wind blew us. After spending time basking in the glory of a beautiful 300 + tree (which Beth and I identified as a Magnolia), our first stop was a local florist shop. It was a lovely store full of wonderful displays and friendly employees. I asked one of them by the name of Ash where a good place was to visit along the train line and she suggested a heritage town by the name of Berry, so we agreed to make that our destination for the day. After a few pit stops to a local Op Shop (thrift store), a Hallmark store and a souvenir shop, we found ourselves navigating the train line on our way to Berry.

The beautiful rural town of Berry is famous for its gardens, trees, arts and crafts, antiques and markets and was as cute as a button and full of history. Berry is named after the explorer Alexander Berry who took up land grants becoming the first white settler in the Shoalhaven area. Sadly, the historical museum was already closed by the time we had arrived.

As we walked from the train station towards the town center, we happened to run into William Shakespeare! After taking advantage of the photo opportunity, we made our way to town to power shop! We only had two hours to browse as many shops as we could before everything shut down at 4:00. We did manage to see the entire town center, learn some of the local history, and get back on the train to Wollongong with sacks full of treasures to put smiles on the faces of our loved ones back home and precious memories in our hearts.

Sheri Talaga

The GTC students do not have formal classes at TAFE today, but that does not we will not be busy.  The day started with the morning trip to the campus canteen. We are going to miss their excellent coffee and breakfast items.   The bus loaded at 9AM for a day of adventures at Shellharbour which is south of Wollongong.  The first destination was the Farm Beach.  Seven people from our group were going surfing at the Pines Surf Academy.  Being from Wisconsin, it appears they practiced their moves on solid ground first.  Then it was off to the waves in this little cove beach.  These waves move pretty fast, but GTC students can do just about anything, and Chinedu did not do bad either.  There were many smiles and stories to tell after this adventure. Our on site photographer (Beatrice) captured it all.

There were activities for the non surfers also.  SHOPPING at the Shellharbour Mall.  Since the seasons were changing it was a good time snag some bargains.  Then it was back to the  beach to pick up our surfers and return to the TAFE Shellharbour Campus for lunch.   The TAFE food service students once again provided a delightful lunch.  Then GTC students video conferenced with our new friends; the students and teachers that will be visiting GTC in October….yes, just 5 weeks away.  Questions were answered about WI and GTC.  Everyone is excited about this visit!

A farewell ceremony awarded participation certificates to the GTC students.  It was not a dry eye event, as many friendships were made and such knowledge gained in such a short period of time.

But the day was not over yet.  The program listed an Aboriginal Cultural Experience with Glenn Duffield who is an artist; in both painting and music.  We expected a lecture but it was to be a hands on experience. Duff as he is known passed around some of his art work.  It was beautiful.  Then he passed around some smaller paintings and explained that it only takes him 10 minutes to make them and he was going to help us create our own.  It took us more than 10 minutes; an hour was allowed.  Everyone did great with their own personal creations which were dingos or kangaroos in the bush.

Thank you was extended to the main program organizers, Catherine and Allison.  We returned to TAFE main campus after an exhausting but productive day.

Cathy Brnak, Horticulture student

Our journey began with five enthusiastic horticulture students being dropped off early at TAFE’s Yallah campus. We were greeted by our new friend “Cliff”. He is a beautiful Australian cattle dog and mascot of the Horticulture dept. It was a beautiful winter day here around 60 degrees. The smell of eucalyptus oil in the air adorned with lavender filled the air.

We had quite the exciting day today.  This morning we went to our respective classes, and returned to Wollongong campus for lunch.  I am not going to say what was done during our classes, as I do not know the details of what other program areas did, but I hear they had a great day.

After lunch, we went to Symbio Wildlife park.  It was a bit of a drive north (but not bad).  During the drive, we drove across the curvy bridge next to a cliff that we see in a lot of car commercials.  At Symbio we saw so many animals (most of which are native to Australia).  We were able to get pretty close to some Koala and kangaroos.   These are the two animals most people were interested in seeing.  The kangaroos were very calm around us, I think it’s because we had food for them.  So many kangaroos were gathered together in one area, making for great photo opportunities.

After leaving Symbio, we drove back toward Wollongong and made a stop at Bald Hill.  We were able to take fantastic pictures with the beach and mountain in the background.

It is so great to see the excitement that everyone has about all of the activities that have been planned for us.  There are so many more experiences to come.  It just great to see.

I’m thankful and glad that we had to opportunity to go out for dinner with Catherine tonight. It was wonderful food (even though there were a few mishaps).

Jessica VanNess

I headed out early in the morning from my host family’s house, making my way for the free bus that would take me to TAFE. The air was still cool and crisp, the sun rising slowly bringing with it all of the activities that were planned for the day. It was going to be a long, but exciting day.

We all met at the school, but would quickly disperse to our respective academic areas of study: business, engineering, horticulture and nursing. This was the first day we would begin our program studies at the college and we were all eager to get started. I traveled by bus with my fellow classmates to the agricultural Yallah Campus that sits on 72 hectares. We attended class with the students in the arboriculture program where we learned about tree risk assessment. After class we went into the field to use our new knowledge to perform our own assessments.

After a lovely lunch that was prepared for us by the school, we then made our way to Port Kembla for our industry visit with BlueScope Steel. In business since 1915, they produce steel plates and rolled coil for building and construction. Safety is a high priority and taken very seriously, so we were all given personal protective gear to wear, including helmets, eyeglasses and gloves. Traveling through the plant on the bus, we all became fully aware of the enormity of the plant. It is so large that it has its own power plant on site, providing 25 percent of its power. Once we arrived at the building housing multiple Basic Oxygen Steelmaking furnaces, we climbed up four stories to get a glimpse of the vessel that would melt iron and scrap steel down into what looked like lava. The massive cauldron spit out sparks as giant imposing flames battled to escape. Once melted down, the vessel is tipped over and the liquid steel is molded into slabs. The heat from it penetrates right through you as you stand in awe at the magnitude of the whole production. It is a sight to be seen.

After all the excitement from our days activities, we were in for a real treat as we all arrived back at TAFE’s Twenty Twenty Restaurant for our welcome dinner and fundraiser. The dinner was a recognition of the three year partnership between TAFE and Gateway Technical College’s exchange program, and the dinner was produced by the TAFE culinary and hospitality management students. At the dinner we met and dined with the Australian exchange students that would be arriving at Gateway in the fall. The gourmet food that was prepared by the students was exquisite with an Australian theme which included raw kangaroo and barramundi, a freshwater fish found in New South Wales. The evening was an absolute delight.

Tracy Bell