A Union College education is a rewarding priviledge to a student on the campus. An education at Union provides a window to the world, and for some students, that window provides a student an opportunity to earn credits in another country with a term abroad. Union senior Tim Schwarz, a member of the Dutchmen lacrosse team, will return to campus in January after spending his fall term studying in Australia and New Zealand. Tim provided his thoughts on his experience as he prepared to head home and return to the campus, the classroom and Frank Bailey Field.
Where did you spend your term abroad?
I spent my fall term abroad in Australia, studying at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, and on both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
What did you study there?
I took four courses while at UQ: Terrestrial Ecology of Australia, Marine Ecology of Australia, Australian Culture (sort of like a history/anthropology class), and Australian and New Zealand Geology. After 10 weeks in Australia, we had a free week to travel anywhere we chose, and then we spent the final two weeks traveling to different geologic sites on both islands of New Zealand.
Is it your first time overseas?
Yes it was. I had been to Canada and Mexico before, but never overseas.
What do you recommend for Union students who do terms abroad?
Have a thirst for knowledge and exploration and a willingness to accept a culture different than your own. I would tell someone to enjoy everything you do while abroad, even the simplest things. Go and have a conversation with a total stranger, see a theatrical production or a sporting event, learn as much as you can about this new culture by stepping out of your comfort zone. It will be worth it in the end since you'll find you've grown as a person in new and different ways.
Have you met other students from other schools in your classes who are from New York/Northeast?
Yes I have. The Australia and New Zealand term is a combined term abroad that sends about 16 students each from Union and Hobart & William Smith Colleges on the trip. We took classes and went on week-long field trips together as a group of 32 students.
What have you enjoyed the most about your term abroad?
The privilege and opportunity to be able to study in, and enjoy, many fantastic experiences in two foreign countries on the other side of the world! I met so many interesting people and did so many neat things over nearly four months that I cannot pinpoint one thing specifically, it was all phenomenal!
Have you been able to keep up with your teammates through Unionathletics.com?
Actually I have. I play lacrosse now at Union and we are out of season, so our team wasn't making too many headlines. But I especially followed my former teammates on the hockey team (I played hockey at Union my first two years), as they made their way through the first half of their season.
When do you plan to return to Union, and what do you look forward to about coming back on campus?
I plan to be back in time for the winter trimester that begins January 4th, but I will stop by from time to time during the rest of winter break to get settled into the apartment I'll be living in for the winter and spring trimesters.
I will be most looking forward to seeing my friends and teammates again. It is definitely the people and the culture of Union that you miss most when you are away from campus.