Hello! I'm a teen who dreams of visiting Australia.

Fiona Laurent Start Date: Aug 5, 2020 - End Date: May 4, 2021
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Australia

My Travel Story

by: Fiona Laurent Start Date: Aug 5, 2020 - End Date: May 4, 2021
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
Hello, world! I'm a teen from Texas, looking to visit the Land Down Under! 

How will this impact my education?
I'm starting my third year of high school this fall. For my fourth, in September 2021, I'd love to attend school in Canberra, Australia! I've been accepted to an exchange program which will send me to live with a host family, and will cover all education costs. 

Why am I passionate about this project? 
My dream is to become a marine biologist, specializing in conservation. To jump-start my career, I want to visit the Great Barrier Reef, just off the coast of Australia. The reef is full of colourful coral, gorgeous fish, and opportunities to explore the lives of underwater creatures! If I raise enough money, the program sending me abroad will include a special trip to the reef, where I can experience firsthand the world of the sea.

What makes this meaningful for me?
As I mentioned above, a trip to Australia would let me explore one of my greatest passions - underwater life. But my second reason for wanting to go abroad is much more personal. I want to honour my grandfather, who lived in Australia for a number of years, and told me and my cousins wild tales about the outback at every family gathering. As his eldest grandchild, I was very close to him, and when he died last spring, I fell into depression and grief. With support from my family and friends, I've now fully recovered from my depression, but I feel like my grandfather's story needs closure. A conclusion. He was buried in his beloved Australia, and, if I'm able to go, I plan to honour him with a visit to his grave and a donation to his church. He was one of the kindest, most cheerful people I've ever known, and now, I want to visit him one last time.
  • Australia