What Australia taught me today...

Australian uni students, at least the majority of the ones I have encountered so far, are both incredibly brilliant and fabulously analytical. The Australian academic system is quite different from the one in the States. Instead of waiting until you get to college (or maybe even into your second year in college...ahem, me...) before having a clue as to what you want to study, Australians start deciding this in high school. That way, they've already had a year or two of somewhat specialized study in their field by the time they even arrive at uni, allowing them to complete their degrees in three years instead of the four it takes in the US (for example, even though I'm techincally a junior, I'm taking all second-year classes here becuase they are more advanced than in the States). As far as I've seen, this system results in students who are passionate and serious about their courses of study. Every day I talk to students here and am amazed at how much they know.

But this inquisitive attitude definitely isn't restricted to the classroom. Many of the students I've spoken with are quite politically-minded, and they are exceedingly aware of both their county's history and what's going on in its government today. Perhaps this makes sense as right now Australia is gearing up to elect a new Prime Minister (Julia Gillard is currently serving as the nation's first female Prime Minister, a position she secured after former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd lost the support of his party and stepped down in June; her main competition in this month's election is Tony Abbott of the Liberal Party of Australia). It seems that I hear conversations about political stances and the election pretty much on a daily basis, and by "conversations" I don't mean mere mentions of the candidates' names but actual discussion of policies and what they will mean for Australia. Maybe I just didn't notice, but I don't remember hearing so many intelligent debates while Obama was running for president not too long ago. They are also extremely informed about American politics and history, and I have been asked a few questions that I admittedly was not sure how to answer. Earlier today as a girl talked with me about one of her favorite bands, she explained that they named themselves after the only Australian Prime Minister to be dismissed from office. As I listened to her knowledeable description of a man I've never even heard of, I realized I have a lot to learn from the people that surround me at this college, not only in terms of facts but in their obvious dedication to knowledge and a well-rounded awareness of the world.

While we're on the subject of knowledge, classes started for real this week. Instead of only attending lectures like last week, this week was also filled with tutes (tutorials, small(er)-group discussions) and film screenings for my Australian popular culture class. I am slowly but surely getting myself back into school mode, meaning I've been trying to work at chipping away at the heaps of reading I have. Although, since I only have to attend class Tuesday through Thursday, I suppose I can't complain! Plus, in my media and religion class this week, our discussion centered around Twilight and Harry Potter...it seems I picked the right school!

I'm not yet sure what this weekend will have in store, but I have to admit I'm getting a little antsy to travel. I'm loving Brisbane, but I feel like there is so much more Australia to experience! Thankfully, tonight I am booking my plane tickets to go to the Whitsundays (a group of spectacular islands further north in Queensland) where we will take a multi-day sailing trip! And, at the risk of jinxing them, there are some really epic plans in the works for mid-semester break...more details on those when they are more solidified! I hope all is well in the States, or in whatever fabulous corner of the world this post finds you!