Internship in Australia 2011

These are posts where I will list or discuss some differences between Australia and the U.S.

Aus vs US words
Trolly = Shopping Cart
Bubbler = Drinking fountain
Jumper = Sweatshirt (anything that you pull over your head)
Runners = Gym Shoes
Reckon = Think
Lounge = Couch
Bench = Counter Top
Boot = Trunk (of a car)
Car Park = Parking Lot
Trackies = Sweatpants
Flat = Apartment
School = Refers to high school and under
Uni = University/College
Heaps = Lots (of something)
Brekkie = Breakfast
Petrol = Gas
Mobile = Cell Phone
How you going? = How are you doing?

Spelling
Organise = Organize
Recognise = Recognize

-There is assigned seating in movie theaters in Australia, not in the U.S.

First Day Of Work - Tuesday May 24

I'm staying in Forest Lodge near Glebe (about 10 minute drive from the city and I work in Richmond. I have to take a train every morning that is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Before that I have to tak a bus to the ciry, which is only about 10 minutes.
My first day I went on the earlier train, just incase I got lost. That meant I had to wake up at 5:15am to get dressed, make brekkie and catch the bus at 6:15 and the train at 6:51am. This got me to Richmond at 7:30am. Normally I will take the 7:01am bus to the ciry and catch the 7:29am train to Richmond at 8:51am.
Everyone at the office is great! All very friendly and made me feel comfortable. Right away I wrote two stories so my supervisor (one of the editors) could see how I wrote. I have not written a lot of stories, so I was really nervous about this. BUT, this just means I'll learn more and be able to improve my writing.
The landscape surrounding the office is so beautiful! It's almost in "the midde of no where" but that's what makes it so beautiful.
It was a long day, waking up at 5:15am, starting work at 9am, hour lunch at 1pm, and finishing a little before 6pm, then taking the train back at 6:15pm.

Looking forward to tomorrow!

Arrival

I arrived early Thursday morning. The plane was an hour late departing because they expected fog in Syndey so they had to add more fuel incase we needed to fly around for a bit. I was seated next to two elderly aussie women who were great! On the plane everyone gets their own individual screens which is on the chair in front of you. You can watch movies, play games, see the plane route and even watch the sky camera when you take off and land! Overall it was a great flight…. Long but great (about 15 hours).

Customs went smoothly. There were long lines but I didn’t have any trouble. It was a little strange getting into a car on the opposite side of the road, something I’m still getting used too. It’s a bit scary when they turn and you thinking your going into oncoming traffic. Can’t wait to learn to drive here! (not for a while though).

Thursday, May 19, 2011

I Have Arrived!

I have arrived! =D

It's been a beautiful and great day so far!

Monday, May 16, 2011

How I received my internship

U.S.: Sunday May 15

Australia: Monday May 16

Many people have been asking me how I got this internship.

I started contacting a few references in Australia in November 2010. Dr. Jim Evans gave me my first contacts. He is a dedicated and wonderful contributor to the Ag Communications program at the University of Illinois. I also asked a few of my former professors from my study abroad trip. I had a few leads and a couple companies saying I could visit for a day once I arrive but no luck for an internship (or work experience).

In early February my ag communication professor brought in an University of Illinois Ag Comm Alum Mr. Mike Wilson to talk to our class. Mr. Wilson is the Executive Editor for Farm Futures magazine and President of International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ). When he mentioned that he was part of IFAJ and that they had an office in Australia I was excited to talk with him. This is how it all began.

Before I go on I want to thank EVERYONE who helped me along the way to this amazing opportunity! It is encouraging to know there are so many people out there willing to help!

Mr. Wilson directed me to Mr. Jeff Lapin, President of Farm Progress Corp. I sent him my cover letter (<--first one I have ever written! Very nerve wracking!) along with my resume. From there we scheduled a phone interview where we went into further details about what I am interested in.

After a few emails back and forth I contact Mr. Grant Cochrane, Chief Executive of Agricultural Publication for Fairfax Media. From there I worked on my visa and then received more details about what I’ll be doing.

Since my boyfriend is from Australia I did not have to worry about housing or looking for a place to stay because I’ll be staying with his family. =)

Check List as of May 15:

-Shopping

-Packing

-Making my flights!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Preparation

U.S. Sunday May 8, 2011

Happy Mothers Day!

I have never been much of a blogger but am going to try this. After my first experience abroad and having to repeat stories over 50 times, I figured this time around I could keep my friends and family up to date. I will be in Sydney, Australia for 3 months interning with FarmOnline and their various publications. I am so grateful for this opportunity!

Preparing to go abroad.

As I finish up my final exams for my junior year I am 9 days away from getting on a plane to go Australia. I still have a bit of a checklist to complete (copies of my passport, bank info, any health papers, extra contacts, unlocked phone, etc…) but the one thing I always seem to worry about the most is packing!

My previous experience in Australia was 6 weeks long; I packed enough for about a week with a few extra pairs of shoes and dresses for going out. How do I pack for 3 months? I’m a list maker, so I have been writing everything I think of on my computer so I know I will not forget anything. Even though I do this I still stay up all night before I leave making sure I don’t miss anything.

It is hard thinking about being gone for so long, saying bye to friends and family, but I will return this time in a short 3 months! I am very excited to return to Australia; I have been counting down for months!

To hear about my first experience abroad you can watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9aTnHggbAs

Time to keep studying! My next post may be when I am already “down under”!

Cheers!