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EXPLORING DOWN UDER

By: Annie Wagner (RPTA '14), Staff Writer

Ever dream of studying abroad? So did three RPTA students (and friends) Megan Oliver, Erika Norling and Megan Murphy. This past year, they made their dreams become reality in studying at the International College of Management Sydney (ICMS), a management-education college-level school located in Manly, Australia, just 30 minutes outside of Sydney. This particular college gives international students the opportunity to study abroad in Australia. The program involves about 1,500 students from 15 different countries. Last winter (Australia’s summer) Oliver, Norling, and Murphy had the opportunity to travel to Australia to partake in an ICMS study abroad program.

For three months these students were able to take courses abroad, travel, immerse themselves in the Australian culture and meet people from all around the world. ICMS offers specialization classes in the following areas: Business Management, International Tourism, Event Management, Hospitality Management, Retail Services Management, Property Services Management, Marketing and Sports Management. Additionally, the classes taken at ICMS are fully transferable to Cal Poly. Since returning to Cal Poly, the three students love talking about their experience and have even formally presented information on several occassions. Norling said, “I always love talking about my experience. I am already trying to figure out a way that I can maybe go back...” Norling explained that a typical school day was like most college days, except for the mere 10 minute walk to the beach from the breathtaking and historical building where her classes were held (also known as the “castle”).

Norling also commented on the personal relationships she developed with her teachers. She explained that each teacher made a true effort to get to know their students and were extremely helpful in assisting with any of the students needs. Additionally, outside of school Norling described the people of Australia as, “laid back, respectful, and always willing to help out.” She recalled an incident where she and her friend met some local Australians one night that invited them to stay with their family any time up in the Gold Coast region. Although it may be a little abnormal in the states, hospitality to all is encouraged in Australia. Overall, Norling, Oliver, and Murphy describes their trip as one never to be forgotten. For more information on what ICMS has to offer, you can visit: http://www.icms.edu.au/

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