Information gathered by Edith Reyes Contreras ’25
Heidi Mckim ’26- Studio Art in the South Pacific
As a studio art major, this program visiting different cities in Australia has exposed me to a variety of new art techniques requiring various skill sets, from needing to think critically about color mixing and drying time with water color to the strategy of etching on copper plates to get an accurate representation of an image. My primary interest is within the ceramics field; however, these skills can be useful for surface design on vessels and ceramic sculptures later down the road.
Every day on the program has been a new adventure. Some days we would have informative talks, others we would have hikes to various drawing sites where we would often see wildlife (such as wombats or the currawong). One specific example would be the walk with Aunty Margret during our time in Sydney. Aunty Margret is an Aboriginal woman who spent some time with us discussing the history of the land, deepening our understanding of the connection between man and nature, but also of the atrocities that Aboriginal people had endured. Another memorable moment was when I spent some time at Wilson’s Promontory, a national park in the southernmost part of Australia. We learned about some invasive species and how the land has been affected by European colonization. For example, deer were introduced for sport and were extremely detrimental to the environment, as Australia has no native hoofed animals.
We learned that Aboriginal people were considered a part of Australia’s flora and fauna until 1967 and that some salmon farms dye their salmon to make it more appealing because the conditions are so bad that the salmon no longer gets that vibrant orange/pink color naturally.
My advice for anyone considering off-campus studies is to talk with the program directors to get a better understanding about the program and discuss any financial or other concerns with the OCS office early on. If you are considering going on OCS, and it fits in your schedule, do it! You never know when you’ll get the chance to study abroad again or have such an organic environment to build community with people who have similar interests to you.
This program has helped to give me a wider understanding of the world and further develop my ability to go with the flow.
Norman Colindrez ’25- Ecology in Southeast Asia
Political Science and International Relations
The reason for choosing this program is the nuance involved in field research, particularly how state governments and state intervention affect people’s lives, especially within ethnic minority communities. Southeast Asia’s history is completely foreign to me, and I am eager to learn about its history, culture, and the structure of life in both big cities and villages. This program not only aligns with my thirst for experience and perspective but also opens the door to being more inclusive and adopting a different mindset or understanding of systems. It aligns with my personal goals of stepping out of my comfort zone to explore, have my worldview flipped, and use my resources even in the face of scarcity. It also allows me to become more adept and responsive to my life and what I value.
One of the most appealing aspects of this program was the opportunity to stay in villages in both Laos and Thailand. This experience instilled in me a profound sense of humility as I found myself in an unfamiliar place with limited resources, relying solely on Google Translate for communication. Beyond honing my interviewing skills, such as offering a beer to an interviewee to create a sense of trust, I also developed my critical thinking skills a little more. I learned to connect the dots between individuals’ perceptions and how these are shaped by societal influences, including government policies and day-to-day life.
Another valuable skill I grew was tenacity and the ability to navigate complex systems. At times, I resorted to Plan G when all other options failed. For instance, when our group was unable to secure a homestay in a Lao village due to political and social unrest, I, along with other students, had to attend a school to establish a rapport with the principal. The principal then connected us to a higher-up and eventually the minister of education, ultimately facilitating our homestay.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, I believe that my critical thinking and humility, coupled with my awareness that I was a student rather than a tourist, allowed me to confront my own biases and assumptions. I realized that we often form preconceived notions about individuals based on their identity, leading us to create narratives that may not accurately reflect their true selves. However, immersing myself in a village provided an opportunity to challenge my own limitations and cultivate a sense of conviction. As an aspiring attorney, conviction is essential for me to fight for my clients and uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
This experience taught me that people are simply living their lives without a predetermined purpose or intention. This realization fostered empathy and compassion within me, enabling me to connect with individuals regardless of their background or circumstances.
Additionally, I was able to have lifetime experiences that have helped shape me.
Riding an elephant, Būdī (booty), a 30-year-old female, who seemed to be the head of our group throughout our hike, was one of my most impactful experiences. Despite her massive size, she had a kind and gentle soul, and the memory of riding her was truly special. It made me feel a deep connection with nature.
Another memorable moment was visiting a school in Laos that lacked proper funding and struggled to keep the lights on. However, two resilient teachers refused to give up on the children in the village. They taught nine subjects, including English, to the children without any resources. Their unwavering dedication and love for the students was truly inspiring. It reminded me of TRIO and the incredible staff who work tirelessly to provide support to our students. Educators are the backbone of our society.
Meeting our host mother, Mingkhan, from our home in Laos was another unforgettable experience. She was a wonderful woman who was deeply involved in the community. What made her truly special was her charming and silly personality. My friend Lily and I were able to make friends at the resort through our host mother and got free coffee drinks for an entire week. Also, it’s important to note that old, squeaky wooden chairs are dangerous to sit on! I felt my chair crumble beneath me and felt myself slowly fall to the ground.
Another memorable moment was riding a Tuk Tuk, a motorcycle with a carriage for people to ride on. In Bangkok, I experienced the city’s vibrant energy as I zoomed through the streets. It gave me a glimpse into how people perceive time in Bangkok and other parts of Southeast Asia. In contrast to Americans, where time is often perceived as constant and chaotic, people in Bangkok tend to embrace life and relax. I found myself losing track of weekdays and school weeks.
Miah Francis ’26 – Studio Art in the Pacific
Hello everyone, I am Miah (she/her), a Junior majoring in Studio Art and Sociology/Anthropology. For Winter 2025, I am studying abroad in Australia as part of the South Pacific OCS program. Since the start of my college career, it has been a dream of mine to study abroad, and when I learned that Carleton offered an OCS program that was arts-focused, I was beyond thrilled. Normally, the hustle and bustle of the Carleton term makes it hard to fully immerse myself in the arts, so I am beyond privileged to dedicate these ten weeks to intensive art study. Additionally, as a double major in SOAN, I found myself curious about Aboriginal culture and the reflections in the colonization of Australia that mirror America. While I was excited, I felt some anxiety, as this was my first time abroad, and Australia is about as far from home as one can get! Nevertheless, despite the initial nervousness, I knew that while this experience would be challenging, it would also be rewarding in the ways that would cause me to grow and silence some of my self-doubt.
From the moment I arrived, each day was filled with new surprises, experiences, and growth, both individually and as a collective. At times, the fast pace of life can be frustrating or tiring, from travel days to hiccups in the scheduling. However, my advice would be to make time for those quiet moments to slow down and take time for yourself. Overall, being on OCS has revitalized my passion for the arts as it has allowed me to work alongside full-time artists and view momentous art galleries all across Australia.
One of the most impactful pieces of the trip has been our connections and conversations with the First Nations people of Australia. It is an absolute honor that they invited us as outsiders to participate in their cultural practices to teach us Australia’s history from their perspective. These moments allowed me to ground and deepen my understanding of what it means to interact with a landscape and its people.
There are often days that are long, with scorching temperatures and the constant buzzing of flies; however, even with these inconveniences, I am reminded of how lucky I am to be in a land with one of the oldest civilizations in the world. One of the most unexpected parts of studying abroad is that I have discovered as much about myself as I have about Australia. From navigating public transportation on my own, to organizing cooking dinners, to hiking into the most gorgeous views of my life, I have found I am more resilient and capable than I previously thought. Everyone who is considering off-campus studies should know that when people say, “you won’t come back the same,” that is not cliche but simply the truth!
Sometimes, as a first-gen and TRIO student, I can view experiences offered by my college, and life in general, as outside of my reach, either because I feel underserved or underprepared. One of these experiences was studying abroad, which I built up in my head as an impossible feat. Nevertheless, by quieting my doubts, I was able to fully immerse myself in the best ten weeks of my life and formed memories I will never forget. I hope all TRIO students know they are worthy of the same opportunities as their peers and they can be not only first in their families to go to college but also to study abroad!