Milford's Kathryn Gowisnock Studies Abroad in Australia

Eastern Student Kathryn Gowisnock of Milford Studies Abroad in Australia

WILLIMANTIC, CT -- Eastern Connecticut State University student Kathryn Gowisnock '20 of Milford is studying abroad in Queensland, Autralia, for the spring 2019 semester.

Gowisnock majors in Pre-Elementary Education and English. She is taking four courses at the Griffith University Gold Coast campus, which hosts more than 18,000 students from across the globe. Her classes - including an internship - cover a range of subjects, such as drawing, transnational indigenous literatures, communication in teaching and community volunteerism. Gowisnock has enjoyed meeting new people, particularly her Australian roommate.

"Studying abroad has made me more independent and have more faith in myself," said Gowisnock. "From applying to navigating the airports, I have realized that anything is doable if I want it enough."

She continued: "In regard to my major, it has been such an experience meeting children from all over the world who share the common desire to learn and thrive in Australia. They have taught me to remain patient when a difficult task is in front of you, to be resilient, and to smile no matter what, because smiling is universal. I will remember these children when I am standing in front of my own class one day."

The study abroad program at Eastern engages students in global awareness through international study, in addition to promoting worldwide education and valuing diversity.