Student Interview with Jordana Freebody: Learning Abroad and Inspiring Others
Meet Jordana Freebody, an environmental science student at the University of Newcastle. Jordana undertook a 2-week volunteering (WIL) experience in environmental sustainability on New Zealand’s North Island, where she assisted projects such as: potting saplings that would be later plated for conservation in Atiu Creek Regional Park, planting trees and removing weeds, and restoring an old farm back to native bush in Waitākere Ranges – all while learning more about environmental sustainability initiatives and practices in New Zealand. This was Jordana’s first international travel experience and she explained that she decided on New Zealand due to “how pristine the environment looked, as [she] had always wanted to see firsthand. [She] was also really intrigued by the Māori Culture and how integrated it seemed to be across New Zealand.”
Upon completion of her program, Jordana then stepped up with incredible enthusiasm to “complete the circle” in her own words, and help encourage others to take the step to learn abroad. We are thrilled to have sat down with her and heard more about her experiences both on-site and home, and how she truly embodies the core values of learning abroad.
Q: How did your learning experience impact your personal growth and development?
A: “My primary reason for going was that I was really keen to get my hands dirty and get solid, hands-on, course related experience. I got exactly what I was after and more. It was really informational to witness firsthand how a conservation project tackles real-world challenges, from planning to implementation. Becoming familiar with native and culturally significant flora species was also an excellent addition to my flora repertoire. One of my favourite moments was holding the saplings of an ancient tree species in my hands and just taking that moment in; knowing that they would grow long past the time I would leave the country felt monumental and awe inspiring.”
Q: As you transitioned back to your home, do you feel like your learning experience changed your perspectives or actions on what you do at home?
A: “I don’t think my perspective itself changed, so to speak, but rather it deepened upon reflection of my experiences overseas. I feel that I have reflected a lot after coming home and have realised that I am capable of a lot more than I had given myself credit for before I left. Since coming home, I have also been more open minded to new opportunities to participate in. I also felt that I was able to appreciate the work volunteers achieve, much more now having done an extended volunteering experience. Volunteers contribute a lot to conservation work that is getting done each year, and though I knew this theoretically before I went, with a bit of firsthand experiences myself, I was a bit astonished with how much work we actually got done in those 2 weeks!”
Q: Upon returning home, what made you keen to speak with other students at fairs about your abroad experience?
A: “I was keen in sharing the ability to apply for and go on these experiences with other students just because how much fun I had. [On this program] there’s something for everyone to enjoy activity-wise and I think volunteering can really build a sense of self esteem and contribution to the global community, which was something I took pride in.
One highlight I kept coming back to from the fairs, was getting students excited about all the experiences they will have outside volunteering whilst on site. Although CISaustralia set out a general timetable for the week in terms of volunteering activities, these can be subject to change – but it is exciting! For example, our team leader on our second day took a group consensus to work later that day so we could leave earlier the next day to go and explore the Manghawhai beach area – which was absolutely gorgeous. We spent a good chunk of time there exploring the beach, relaxing, spending time together and really taking in some of the more beautiful sights in New Zealand. We did this the next week as well so we could explore Tawharanui beach and go Kiwi spotting that night. These experiences are such a core memory now that I can’t imagine not doing them!”
Q: What is/was your biggest piece of advice to prospective students about going abroad?
A: “My biggest piece of advice for prospective students is not to be afraid to ask questions from both their supporting university and CISaustralia staff. Both have experience in sending students overseas and have heard all sorts of different questions on international experiences. I encouraged them not to be afraid that their question is a “stupid” one! If they want to ask a question, they obviously need some more information to feel comfortable either preparing or doing their experience, and quelling these anxieties before their trip can go a long way in easing their stress and allowing them to fully enjoy their experience. The staff are invaluable sources of knowledge on the experiences, hardships, and highlights of other students who have gone overseas, and are there to make sure that everyone can get the most out of their experience, so make sure to tap into that wealth of knowledge that they have!”
Q: How do you feel now post-abroad experience and post-fair experience?
A: “I knew going overseas was going to open my eyes to new experiences and perspectives, you always hear it, but I could never have fathomed how broadly and how much these experiences would stay with me. I felt so much achievement coming post experience with all the volunteering work I did, places I explored, people I met and things that I had learnt AND having the courage to actually make my dreams a reality and go overseas. It was incredibly rewarding having worked independently and collaboratively to learn from the experiences of others and connect as a group through both fun excursions and volunteering.
Following my experience at the global fair, I felt genuinely content. Being on the other side, assisting students in finding their overseas experiences, answering their queries, and nurturing their passion for international travel was immensely satisfying. I also wanted to pay forward the kindness shown to me by those at the fairs I had previously attended. When I spoke to returned students back when I was deciding to go abroad, they were incredibly supportive, reassuring, and provided valuable information about experiences relevant to my degree. Without their guidance, I might not have explored these resources further or applied for the experience myself. All in all, given the sheer enjoyment I had overseas, I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone.”
