Why did you pick this program?
Kalob: I picked this program because it had everything I wanted (and more): hiking, volunteering, culture, city life, surf camp (!), and high intensity activities like skydiving and bungee jumping.
What do you wish someone had told you before you went abroad?
Kalob: I wish someone had told me this golden packing rule: pack what you think you need, unpack it, get rid of half. You do not want to be carrying around 4 pairs of jeans for 2 months when you hardly need even 1.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
Kalob: DO IT! Do it, do it, do it. There is no way you will ever regret it.
What is the most important thing you learned abroad?
Kalob: The most important thing I learned is confidence traveling. I had never been out of country before my trip and I was very nervous at first. (Not to mention I was alone.) You learn a lot, you just have to jump in!
What was the hardest part about going abroad?
Kalob: On my first day in Australia I had jet lag and culture shock very bad. I got moody and I was thinking of going home. After a good nights sleep I was fine and I learned to fight through the "down times."
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
Kalob: I brought up the idea of getting a tattoo while on the trip. A couple of my new friends caught wing and we all decided to get the word "COOEE" (a native Australian call) tattooed on the inside of our lip. When we came back from the parlor we found our guide and bombarded her with fresh new lip tattoos, causing her to cry uncontrollably. I will never forget that.
What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions or future path?
Kalob: This trip really shaped who I am and what I am doing with my life. Before I had no idea what I wanted to do. Now I have big dreams of learning languages, travel, and the unknown. I learned I can do whatever I want to do with my life. And I intend to make it as interesting as possible.
Was it hard to make friends with others on your trip?
Kalob:For me, yes it was a little. But after about 2 weeks I made some of the best friends in the world. I have said it before: we all got way too close.