Meet Kelly Anna Lucas, a junior majoring in Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. Kelly Anna studied abroad in Australia at the University of Sydney during the fall semester of this year and loved it so much that she decided to stay for the spring semester.

Traveling to Australia is something Kelly Anna has wanted to do since childhood. Now, she's done that, studied the culture, and lived there for two semesters.

Currently enrolled primarily in animal science coursework, with the addition of an Australian sports class, Kelly Anna loves the energy that the University of Sydney brings. She loves taking advantage of the large amount of resources and internships available. She could even see herself coming back to Australia to attend veterinary school.

Studying abroad in another country has taught Kelly Anna to be more adaptive to various academic and cultural environments. For example, she notes that she has adapted to Australia's nature and outdoorsy lifestyle.

Since she's been studying abroad for two semesters, she was able to give a speech at the study abroad orientation to welcome new students. This was a positive feeling and accomplishment for Kelly Anna as she was able to offer advice as someone who was in their shoes one semester before.

Kelly Anna says that her favorite part of the study abroad program has been meeting new people. In addition to local Australians, she’s met other students from all over the world who are also studying abroad.

Kelly Anna's advice to students who plan to study abroad is to set realistic goals. This can be a list you make of all the things you strive to accomplish while there, whether weekly or monthly. This allows you to take advantage of the experience, ensuring that you are constantly stepping out of your comfort zone.

When asked to describe her study abroad experience in a few words, she said: "eye-opening" and "adventurous."