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Korbin Mendenhall is an IAFS student and Global Grant recipient who is spending Fall 2026 in through the program. He is already thoroughly enjoying his time in Australia through embracing their unique ways of life and events they have to offer. Read his experience below!Ìý

With just a month spent in Australia thus far, Korbin already can't believe just how much the experience has positively influenced his worldview, friendships, and sense of adventure. "Through my time at the University of Wollongong, I believe that my course’s heavy emphasis on discussion, openness, and positivity are a reflection of the amazing way of life Australia has to offer," Korbin said, "these principles are also key to the development of my International Affairs degree and it has been great to hear so many new viewpoints on current global events from Aussies and other internationals." The format in which the University of Wollongong structures content has also been incredibly helpful to Korbin, helping him "progress my understanding of global views through seminars and guest-lecturers who offered valuable career advice that I will be able to apply back in the United States."

The University's East Campus has great accommodations for the international students, which Korbin has been taking full advantage of to make friends through the extracurricular opportunities presented. The staff and resident ambassadors of UOW organize fun events for students to participate in, including excursions to locations like Sydney. "Living with four other roommates, I was able to make friends with Aussies who I could then introduce to my other exchange friends and develop a strong sense of community. Through events at Campus East, I was able to make friendships with a variety of people from different countries, creating even closer bonds during outside adventures to Sydney, Jervis Bay, and The Gold Coast." Korbin said, "[and] I am excited to see what the next three months bring as I become even more acquainted with Australia and advance further in my courses, although I feel the semester is already going by too fast."

Korbin's hand during UOW campus initiation event

During the campus initiation event for UOW, they gave students three markers on their hand while sharing information about Australians' deep connection to their land, ocean and sky. Then they made a snaking line around the central pond of the campus, which led through a cloud of burning palm leaves while a member of the indigenous community played a (the unofficial instrument of Australia). Finally, they were welcomed into the community by a leader who thanked the Earth for the beauty of the campus and kindly welcomed in the new students. "The event was an amazing cultural experience that reinforced principles of the Dharawal people in the context of our university which I thought was really amazing to be a part of."