How this all got started??

Many people have been asking me why I am moving abroad to Australia for a year, so I figured I would inform all you inquiring minds the wonderful story....

The desire began a few years back when I went on my first trip abroad at 18 years old. It was a short one month trip to Europe through a program my high school offered. I got to see Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France and England in that one month and earned a little college credit too.

(My Europe group - can you find me??)

I had a fabulous time and could not wait to go back. I especially wanted to take a vacation without the homework!! I not only wanted to visit but move to Europe. I wanted to immerse myself into a different culture and not just visit it. I wanted to be a traveler not a tourist.

Then came college and more college and working and more college. My college career was somewhat a never ending process for me that took me longer than the average person. I may have taken longer in college but God blessed me with wonderful experiences and friends along the way. I know that if I had graduated "on time" I would not have many of the amazing friends I have today.

(My Raider Recruiter Years)

(Friends I made living in the dorms)

(A few of my Bodyworks friends)

(Some of the best girlfriends a girl could have)

In all those years in college I never pursued a chance to study abroad and honestly cannot tell you why. I then came across an opportunity to move to Florida and work at Walt Disney World for a semester. I snatched up that opportunity quick! I became a lifeguard, I made life-long friends, and had tons of wonderful experiences in those 4 short months.

My Disney Roommates (Annie is missing)

(My Blizzard Beach Crew)

I did think, ok moving out of state, and farther than I had ever been from family would take the overseas moving bug out of me. Guess what? It only made the desire worse because of what a fabulous experience I had in Florida. Yes, I know Florida vs. Europe is not the same but still I knew moving overseas someday was still in my blood.

Finally, came my last few years of college and I began to inquire about what would give me a opportunity to move to Europe for at least a year. I first looked into being an Au Pair/Nanny since I had several friends who have done this and loved it. I have a passion for children and figured this was the route for me too. I continued looking into this option actually until a few months ago when I knew being an Au Pair would not give me the freedom or sufficient funds to travel. The ability to travel is my driving force so that I can experience as much of a different part of the world as possible.



I cannot say that there was a defining moment that I decided on Australia instead of Europe, except that it became the most logical and for me the most exciting. I would not have to learn a new language (which I am not against and definitely want to learn other languages in my lifetime). I knew it would not be as much of a culture shock for me and that it was a country that seems to not be pursued by many in the United States because of the cost of flights and the distance of the flight as well. I know tons of people that have been to Europe but only a handful have been to Australia or any part of that side of the world. I will have to drive on the opposite side of the road when I drive but what a fun thing to get to do!! The whole country intrigues me. As I continue to research it and talk to people, it just gets me more and more excited. There are SO many things to see and do there and I cannot wait!!!


So, I had decided for sure that I was going to Australia and now began the how to get there, money it would cost, etc. I discovered the Working Holiday Visa option and what a fabulous option it would be for me. The WHV is something you can only do once in your lifetime, for most countries you have to apply for before you turn 31 (cutting it close I know), and the primary reason to get this visa is to travel and work is secondary to supplement your travels. Bingo!! At some point I found several companies that exist to help me in this pursuit. I had to first apply to a company and get approved by them before moving forward. BUNAC is the company I am going through.


BUNAC will be my main support system while I am in Australia or any of the surrounding countries. They pick me up from the airport, have my first few nights stay booked for me, help me with my resume for jobs, give me free internet service and computers to use at their office, free luggage storage for however long, give me a prepaid SIM card to use in my Aussie phone, and help me find a job and place to stay. They are there for whatever I may need. This company has been around for years and have offices all over the world including the US. I even have the hook-up with a friend of a friend who works at STA Travel in D.C. that has done this whole thing through BUNAC to Australia last year. She has been an amazing help!!


As of right now, no I do not have a job set up or a place to live. I will be staying in a hostel the first week at least and I know the job will come. I have had quite a few different jobs so I am sure I will not have any problems finding a job. I also know that I have an advantage over other foreigners because English is my first language. I will be going there at the end of their winter and so will not have to compete with college students for jobs.


Well now you know the wonderful road that led me to this exciting adventure!! It has been a process for me to get to this point but I am finally making my dreams come true!!


I have set up this blog to keep my loved ones up-to-date and whoever else wanders onto this site. I am hoping to get on at least once a week if not more to post an update along with some pictures. I will try to be as entertaining as possible so I keep you coming back!


Please leave comments, suggestions, or questions as I go along to help me out. Thank you for reading and have a fabulous day!!