<p>Hello,</p>
<p>In the Spring semester of next year I'm looking to spend 6 months studying in the US.</p>
<p>I've done a bit of research and narrowed my universities down to four choices. University of Mississippi, University of South Florida, University of Oregon or Old Dominion University.</p>
<p>All these universities are compatible with my school and my subjects and I've essentially looked into the general culture of these universities as much as I can. However I would love any input from someone here regarding where they think myself, as an Australian exchange student, would have the most enjoyable experience for the 6 months.</p>
<p>I'm not going to lie, my priority isn't academics (I have plenty of time to focus on this aspect of school at my home university). I'm looking for somewhere which will offer me new experiences, a great social scene, parties, friendly people and an overall incredible 6 months. I'm also unsure about which state would be most welcoming for an Australian like myself.</p>
<p>For some reason, University of Mississippi really appeals to me at the moment. This may be because it seems like the one which would be the greatest culture shock to me as I've been raised in a fairly liberal and non-theistic environment. Whilst such a culture shock appeals to me as I enjoy getting out of my comfort zone, my main concern is that I might not be accepted into the college community due to my differences.</p>
<p>Any help here would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I’m actually in the same position except I’m Studying Abroad in Australia from America. I think I may be able to help you a little. From the colleges you selected I would recommend the University of Mississippi or the University of South Florida. If your wanting a real culture shock like you stated you will want to attend the University of Mississippi. Oxford, Mississippi is famous for being a party town and home to some of the hottest women, just Google the Square in Oxford, Ms or The Grove on University of Mississippi Campus on College Football Game days. Mississippi is in the deep south and home to “Southern Hospitality” and you will meet some of the nicest people ever. </p>
<p>I attend Mississippi State University, The University of Mississippi’s rival. I’ve been to Oxford several times and have partied there several times its a great city and campus and i’m sure you will make several friends! The Ladies are gonna LOVE YOUR ACCENT!!!</p>
<p>With that said, I will be attending Queensland University of Tech in Brisbane, Australia and my question is whats is there to do? Ill be in Australia for July of 2013 to November of 2013! I would love to tour the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef. What are some good cheap tour guides? Whats the best beach to go to? I’m like you I want new experiences, a great social scene, parties, and a great place to meet new people especially the Australian girls (I love the Australian accent).</p>
<p>Overall i’m looking to have a great time, do good in school, and hopefully come back to Mississippi in one peace! Any advice would help!</p>
<p>Hey JC, </p>
<p>Thanks for your help. In regards to your queries about studying in Australia, I have these points;</p>
<ul>
<li><p>QUT is a fantastic university in a great mid-city location in Brisbane. Australian universities are a bit different to American ones in the sense that the social life/party atmosphere is pretty much dependent on being in a capital city (unlike the US which has huge party college’s in small towns). As such, you will be in a great location for this.</p></li>
<li><p>Brisbane is a pretty good city to get a quintessential Australian experience. You will find many of the famous Australian stereotypes exist here or nearby (beaches, surfing, barbeques, heavy Australian accents, native wildlife etc.) About an hour from Brisbane you have the ‘Gold Coast’ which is essentially Australia’s answer to Miami. Depending on your tastes, it might not be for everyone, but as an exchange student I think you will be able to really enjoy it there as it has a huge social scene with massive parties (this is seen as the number one beach party place in Australia), not too mention very attractive local girls.</p></li>
<li><p>In regards to seeing the outback/great barrier reef, I’m not sure of tour guides exactly as I’ve gone to these places with friends and without tour guides. I can recommend this as they are great places to explore without being held back by a tour group. You will most likely meet other exchange students who want to see these places and therefore a whole bunch of you will be able to visit them. </p></li>
<li><p>Overall there is a wealth of quintessential ‘Aussie’ opportunities where you are going. Brisbane, The Gold Coast, Sydney, Australia Zoo, The Great Barrier Reef and The Outback are just a few of the amazing sights all within your reach (and flying domestically in Australia can be done cheaply).</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I hope that helps.</p>
<p>Ole Miss sounds great, seems the like typical American college experience I’m looking for. I’ve heard the greek scene is very big and I’m wondering that since I can’t go greek (only there for 6 months), will this hold me back in terms of a social life? I’m glad to hear that they will enjoy my accent.</p>
<p>Thanks dj!</p>
<p>That’s helped a lot, I wasn’t really sure what Brisbane was like as a city because I’m still trying to research it.</p>
<p>What’s the weather like in Brisbane from July to November. Living in Mississippi you never know what the weather will be like. Some days it’s hot and humid and some days it’s freezing cold!</p>
<p>As far as the Greek life goes at ole miss. Yeah your right the Greek life is very big at ole miss but you won’t have to join one to make friends! Sure your going to meet a lot if people and it will help you in the long run when your searching for a job but your basically paying for your friend but that’s just my opinion on that. I have several friends who aren’t in a sorority or fraternity at old miss that are making it fine!</p>
<p>Brisbane weather is lovely. It’s a rather tropical destination so the wettest months come early in the year which is good because you will miss that period. It will gradually get warmer from the day you arrive with temperatures overall hovering between 20-30 degrees (Celsius). Very comfortable weather indeed, allows the beach to always be an option which is great, because you will find yourself surrounded by beaches your entire stay in Australia.</p>
<p>If you have any other questions about exchange, what sights to see or any queries at all please feel free to ask away. </p>
<p>I’m hoping I get into Ole Miss now. By the sounds of it, there are some notable differences between the social/political landscape of the South and that of what you will find in Australia, but ultimately it seems as though we share many common values. I like the idea of the friendliness of people from down South as that is what I’ve grown accustomed to here, you will find people are very friendly and many will go out of their way to help you. Also if you show an interest in Australian culture you will find that people will really respond to it, we had a couple of exchange students from Ohio at my university who we bought tickets for and took to a game of ‘Australian Rules Football’. We love inviting people into our world and showing them how we do things.</p>