UQ Program: Bachelor of Journalism
My exchange in the Spring semester of 2011 at American University in Washington D.C. was without a doubt one of the best times of my life! Having previously travelled to the United States I chose D.C. because of its proximity to other major cities and because it is the political heart of the most powerful country on earth. With everything that has happened so far this year my reasoning was definitely justified. Protests and demonstrations regarding the revolutions all over the Middle East were almost a weekly occurrence and I’ll never forget the celebrations outside the White House when the news came through of the capture of Osama Bin Laden.
However, D.C. is much more than just a city full of politicians and beaurecrats, and there is definitely something for everybody. Of course there is the National Mall which is home to the White House, Congress, the Washington Monument, and several museums just to name a few. One of my favourite suburbs was Georgetown with its variety of bars, clubs, restaurants, and shopping, along with suburbs such as Adams-Morgan and DuPont Circle, D.C. has an eclectic mix of places each steeped in their own unique history. Downtown D.C. also boasts many attractions ranging from historical, to sporting, to political, and a vibrant Chinatown.
Of course, all of my time was not spent in and around D.C., but thanks to its location and proximity, discovering my surroundings was made very easy. Road trips to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Richmond were not uncommon. Each city had something new to offer whether it was grabbing a hot dog from a street vendor in NY, or getting a Philly cheese steak, or cheering with irate fans whilst watching Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) play in the NCAA Basketball semi final in Richmond, or watching LeBron James play for the Miami Heat at American Airlines Stadium in Miami, Florida. One of my favourite trips was to Cancun, Mexico to experience the genuine Spring Break celebrated each year by thousands of American students.
But of course, what I am probably most pleased about is the friendships that I made during my five months in the States. Friends not only from all over America but also from all over the world who I know I will undoubtedly see again soon.