Onsite Journals
Ever wonder what it is really like to study abroad?
Check out the journals listed below and find out how exciting Saint Mary's College study abroad programs can be.
From Down Under : )
I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to spend this semester at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle, Australia. I have already learned so much, and the actual studying has yet to begin.
The beginning of an Australian Adventure …
Saturday, February 16th .......
As I anticipate embarking on my own Australian adventure, it caused me to reflect my purpose as a pilgrim: To strengthen my sense of identity as a person of faith through experiencing the universality of the Catholic Church. Faith is a constant, in every part of the world. I am so excited to meet the people that have come together from around the world to study here in Fremantle. My perception of the world seems to be continuously shrinking, especially when contemplating the encompassing love of Christ. The repetitive "It's A Small World" song has been replaying over and over in my mind, which may be contributing to my thinking. The people are friendly, the landscape is pretty, and the Fremantle has some interesting buildings. After only half a day in Australia, I understand how people are attracted to living here, despite the various lethal species of wildlife. If you ever get the chance to see this country, I highly recommend it. The University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle campus) is the first Catholic University in the country. Old buildings have been transformed into school buildings scattered throughout the town, all located within blocks of our hotel. The city is perfect for college life: the beach, stores, post office, doctors, buses and train station are within walking distance. My first night at the P&O: filling out some forms, emailing my family, and hoping all is well at home. Jet lag made sleeping come easily.
Find out more about Arlene's experience in Australia.
Greetings from Austria 
Elizabeth Pugh, Saint Mary's College, 2010
September 2, 2007
Austria is so BEAUTIFUL! Flowers everywhere, the mountains surrounding us, the little kids babbling in German as they play, the amazing old buildings! I was worried about fitting in with all the ND students, but I've made fast friends, which is completely comforting as we all work on our German. We went grocery shopping the other day, which is always a little scary due to the ultra fast pace of the checkout counters, but I hope to get into the swing of it soon. At least Frau Hahn warned me!
Find out more about Elizabeth's experience in Austria.
Greece Summer Program 2007
Michelle Sherman, Saint Mary's College, 2007
June 2, 2007 
Today, we started off by visiting Eleni’s aunt, who lives in Argos (oldest city in Europe and famous for orange and lemon produce). We met her aunt, her aunt’s husband, Eleni’s mother and Eleni’s cousin (Marina?). Our whole group was greeted with an explosion of hospitality and warmth (including of course, food!): cherry juice, bundt cake, and loukoumi (the Greek version of “Turkish Delight”—but don’t dare call it “Turkish Delight” in Greece!), smiles, kisses, and the juiciest oranges I’ve ever eaten.
Find out more about Michelle's experience in Greece.
South Africa Experience
Therese Tschudy, Saint Mary's College, 2009
July 18, 2007
There’s so much I want to say right now. There’s a lot to absorb and I’m feeling so oddly calm that I don’t actually think I’m processing much. I’ve met the other kids from the states and they’re great. It’s Nelson Mandela’s birthday today and they’re holding an African 11 vs. the World 11 soccer game in his honor.
July 23rd
So this seems like a good time to go into a summary of South African cuisine. KFC is big. Pretty much everything is fried, except for the Indian food, which is also very popular. So what isn’t fried is spicy.