Orientation

I want to start this week by thanking everyone for their comments. I was really surprised by the response, but grateful to have so much support. I enjoy reading the comments and hope my posts will continue to interest you. It’s comforting to know that although I am on the other side of the world, I can remain connect to family and friends back home. Here are some photos from my first week:

My swollen feet on Thursday (this is over 24 hours after arriving, and still no ankles to be seen).

My chariot. Note the second level of windows. There was a staircase but I wasn't ballsy enough to explore what was up there.

Breakfast. Sorry, I didn't think to take a picture of dinner.

My first glimpse of the Australian coast. This was around 6am Brisbane time.

Orientation began this week. Monday consisted of International student orientation, beginning with getting our student IDs, followed by an official welcome, free pizza, a session for full-time degree/diploma students, a tour of the athletic facilities, and another barbecue. The welcome started the day well, as a member of the local aboriginal tribe greeted us with a musical welcome. With an instrument similar to a didgeridoo he created so many tones and sounds that I couldn’t believe it was all coming from one place. I would like to say I captured a photo or better yet a video, but I was too caught up in the performance to think about getting out my camera. Unfortunately, the rest of the session was mostly downhill from there. The information discussed (at this mandatory meeting) was largely irrelevant, or review of the steps we took to get here (ex: “How to Apply for a Student Visa,” which we had to have completed in order to enter Australia). The lunch was a highlight of the day (mostly because it was free and food here is fairly expensive), and because it was unlimited pizza. The international students were then separated into those seeking degrees or diplomas (as I am) or those seeking credits (namely Study Abroad or Exchange Students). I think this session was designed more for students who struggle with English, which was unfortunate because at least 85% were fluent in English. However, another free meal followed shortly after, with a quick tour of the sporting facilities in the meantime.

My IDs: for my apartment complex and the University. (Not a good sign when your passport photo is preferable to these.)

Today was the second day of Orientation and it included a session for all Graduate Diploma in Education students. The Education staff seems to be very enthusiastic and dedicated to providing a strong support system for their students. It was a quick meeting but a good introduction to the program. I am getting more and more excited for classes to start next week.
Today was also Market Stall, where various clubs, faculties, and local businesses set up booths around campus for students to learn about what is available to them. Here you could find information on everything from travel to intramural sports to opening accounts at local banks. The best part about Market Stall (as with any O-week vendor fair) is the free stuff.

Most of my free stuff: keychains, candy, frisbee, shoulder bags, piggy bank, and heaps of pamphlets. Not pictured are the many snacks I devoured on campus. (And yes, Paul, you can have the hat when I get home)

Every Thursday night here is Uni Night which is when the university students are allowed free bus service to the neighbouring towns housing popular bars (on-campus pubs are largely unheard of here and there are no bars in the immediate area). This Thursday we also have a pre-party (or pre copa as my Mexican roommate has taught me) at my apartment complex, with the theme “Dress as Your National Identity.” I, unfortunately, did not bring any Canadian paraphernalia; not a shirt, not a Mountie costume, not a face tattoo. The best I can do is dress in red and white. It should be fun nonetheless, and sum up the week’s unofficial theme, which is meeting new people.