Vlog: 12 months, 23 countries and an adventure I'll never forget

Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Arts in International Studies student, Steph Darley, shares her experience living and studying abroad for a full year.

[upbeat music]

[montage of Steph's travel footage from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, USA, Cuba, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago and Brazil]

Text: To everyone I met throughout this exchange year, thank you for making this adventure one I will cherish for the rest of my life.

End of transcript.

As part of the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, all students complete a twelve-month long In-Country Study (ICS). During this time, students study at one of our 70+ partner universities or institutions and immerse themselves in the language and culture of another country. Students are also encouraged to explore surrounding cities and/or countries to further develop their intercultural skills. 

International Studies (Argentina) student, Steph, set herself a goal to see as much of South America, Central America and the Caribbean as possible. 85,000 kilometres later and it's safe to say she was successful! 

On 9th March 2018, I left Sydney to complete my 4th year of university in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I would be lying if I said I wasn't absolutely terrified but over the next 12 months, I met the most incredible friends and had an amazing adventure, exploring South America, Central America and many of the Caribbean Islands.

12 months, 23 countries, 16 boats, 39 buses, 53 planes and over 85000kms flown, this adventure is one I will never forget!

Steph Darley
Communication and International Studies student

During her year abroad, Steph visited 23 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, USA, Cuba, Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago and Brazil. 

Want to live overseas like a local? Find out more about our combined degrees in International Studies. 

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.