Sara Placide, Catholic '25, is a Conway School of Nursing student from Richmond, VA. She chose to study abroad in Melbourne, Australia.

Why did you want to study abroad?

"I really wanted to live and experience school in another country for a semester. I wanted to meet new people and explore a city with lots to do!"

What was your favorite experience while studying abroad?

"My favorite experiences were the trips I was able to go on with the people I met there. They will be lifelong friends and I had so much fun traveling in Australia with them. One of my top trips was the one we took on a vacation week to Cairns and Gold Coast where I got to go skydiving, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and surfing at sunset!"

How were you able to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you studied in?

"Learning how to operate public transport and finding the best coffee places allowed me to immerse myself in the city culture of Melbourne. Being in class with local students and discussing with them the differences between Melbourne and the U.S. provided me with a new perspective and knowledge."

What did you learn about nursing abroad?

"I learned the importance of caring for those who are less represented by the general public and that making sure those patients feel safe and understood is the first step in treating them. I also learned the emphasis on communication in the clinical setting and how it can effect the patient and the nurse or doctor."

How were you able to balance your travels with your academics?

"I stayed very organized and completed my weekly homework before the weekends. This allowed me to go on many weekend adventures. It is important to start on assignments as soon as they are released in order to stay on top of all your classes."

What advice do you have for future students?

"I would advise future students to travel as much as possible while in Australia. They are so many different things you can do from snorkeling to hiking and Australia has them all. This country has so much to offer and I would advise future students to make the most of it while they are studying abroad."