Category Archives: Political Science

“Give it a Go”

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Elliot Nelson is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Writing through the College of Liberal Arts. Last summer-fall semester he traveled to Sydney, Australia to participate in the IFSA-Butler study abroad program at the University of Sydney. Read on to learn about his experience being immersed in such a unique and exciting culture!

Elliot with a native koala“Give it a Go” are words that Aussies take pride in, and I initially heard them from a high-ranking University of Sydney official during my first time on campus at a meeting for exchange students. Although I felt like I knew what those words meant, I would later realize I didn’t quite have a grasp on them like I do now. The official said that while we’re on this finite, once-in-a-lifetime journey, it’s important to immerse ourselves in the culture of this world renowned city. Whether that be trying a “coat of arms pizza” with kangaroo and emu on it (Aussies are the only people in the world to eat the two animals that appear on their coat of arms) or simply enjoying a night out in the city near the largest natural harbor in the world, Sydney Harbour.

In front of the University of Sydney

I chose to study in Australia because, one, it’s about 8,000 miles away, so I didn’t know if I’d ever get the chance to visit again, and two, I’ve always had an urge to go to Australia since studying the breath-taking country in grade school where we got to go to Outback Steakhouse for a field trip. And yes, there are Outback Steakhouses in Australia.

I was nervous to go to Australia because I didn’t know anyone else going. I’d later find out that I was the only student out of about 45 in the program to be from a school on the West Coast. What I thought would be a bad thing ended up being possibly the best thing for me. I was able to connect with kids from across the USA, and realized that even though I was about 8,000 miles away and knew absolutely nobody, I could not only get by, but also thrive.

In front of the Sydney Opera HouseWhen my parents came to visit me at the end of my time in Australia, we went to Hugh Jackman’s Broadway to Oz show in Sydney. One of the stories he told hit home. He told the audience that when Steven Spielberg called him to ask if he’d host the Oscars, he responded by proclaiming, “Sure, I’ll give it a go.” Jackman was initially embarrassed because he couldn’t believe that he used the words “give it a go” in a conversation with Steven Spielberg. However, he realized it’s the Aussie way, and the Aussie way helped drive his career to where it is today.

KangarooIf a high-ranking University of Sydney official and Hugh Jackman tell you it’s the Aussie way to give something a go five months apart, then it really is the Aussie way. What changed for me when Hugh said those words towards the end of my trip was that I actually gave it a go in Australia all by myself and loved it. From eating Tim Tams to bussing up the East Coast in 9 days and 9 nights with 60 exchange students, I know that my experience is something that can never be taken away from me and gave me a new perspective on many things. I highly recommend going to study abroad anywhere—especially in Australia—because then you too will have the privilege of gaining a new perspective only studying abroad can give you that you can’t put into words.

To learn more about international opportunities offered by Oregon State University, click here! 

Lay-Ups in Lancaster

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Zach Johnson is an International Ambassador for the International Degree and Education Abroad (IDEA) office. Zach is currently studying Political Science and pursing the Education Double Degree at Oregon State. During the 2012-2013 academic year, Zach participated in a year-long OSU exchange program at Lancaster University in Lancaster, England.

As a huge soccer fan, I had always wanted to see a live match in England, but if someone had told me two years ago that I would be watching a Premier League Zachary Johnson I Lancaster Exchange match in Manchester, England I would have laughed in their face. Studying abroad transformed what seemed like an unlikely dream into a reality. During the academic year of 2012-2013 I had the privilege of studying abroad in Lancaster, England at Lancaster University. I was lucky enough to be accepted into an OSU exchange program through which I was able to pay regular in-state OSU tuition, fees, etc. and study abroad in another country. As a duel major student (Political Science and Education) I am entering my fifth year now, and actually went abroad in my fourth, so don’t let your academic class standing stop you from going abroad! While abroad, I studied politics, specifically international relations courses that focused on the Middle East, the UK, and the EU. This was an amazing way to gain new and exciting perspectives on some of the biggest issues in politics.  During my time I was able to travel to multiple countries, including Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, and more!

One of the more surprising aspects of my journey abroad was the fact that I tried out for the Lancaster University Basketball team and made it as an international walk-on! As a dedicated sports fan, and someone who grew up playing competitive sports there has been a little something missing in my life since finishing my competitive sports career after high school. For this reasonZachary Johnson I Lancaster Exchange I did a bit of research about the team and contacted both the coach and president of the team prior to my arrival in Lancaster. We discussed if they held tryouts for international or exchange students, and luckily for me they kept five spots on the team for open tryouts. As Lancaster is a very popular international school, and many students participate in yearlong or two yearlong exchanges they leave a limited number of roster spots open for students like me. So, I attended the open tryout and was selected to fill one of the open positions. I eventually worked my way into the starting lineup which was an incredible honor for me. During the season we played in the Northern England 1A division—the second highest division in England. I was able to travel all around the UK playing basketball, meet a ton of incredible people and revitalize a passion of mine! This was just one of many aspects of a remarkable year I spent abroad. From the people, to the places, to the experiences,  my year abroad provided me with not only the most fun year of my life, but one in which I grew immensely as a friend, student, and individual. I will end here, and leave you with what almost any person who has spent time abroad will tell you and that is to do it, you won’t regret it!