Our Australian Adventure
A Love Story, Decision, and Discovery
At 23, what started as a work and travel trip to the United States with my now-husband, turned into the prelude to one of the biggest adventures of our lives. Those six months working together, living the independence and complicity, marked the beginning of our path to Australia.
Back to Colombia: Between the Desire for More and Reality
Returning to Colombia, we found ourselves at a crossroads. The experience in the United States had changed us; we had tasted economic independence and living together, something we lost upon returning. Finishing our degrees was a priority, but the spark of adventure and growth remained alive in us. So, we started looking for options to embark on a new journey, this time with a broader horizon: to continue our education and build a future together in a new country.
The Discarded Path and the Light at the End
The United States, Canada, England… each option faded away from us, either due to the need for an employer to back our visa or due to labor restrictions that made our purpose of independence and growth difficult. It was then that a conversation with my brother-in-law opened a window of opportunity: Australia. He told us about his process to become a resident and how this country could offer us what we were looking for: quality education, work opportunities, and the possibility of residency.
Australia: A Dream Within Reach
With the help of a specialized company, we began to unravel the path to Australia. They were honest and clear from the start: our English needed to improve, but beyond the language, we were looking for a future where we could grow professionally and, eventually, validate our degrees. We chose the city, the course, and the duration of our English studies with their guidance, focusing on our long-term goals.
A New Home, A New Family
What followed was a series of preparations that culminated with our arrival at an Australian home, through a homestay recommended by our English school. They welcomed us like family, offering us not just a roof but also unconditional warmth and support in this new stage.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Reflecting on our journey, from those initial decisions to moments of uncertainty and finally, the arrival in a country that offered so much to discover, I understand that every step, every choice, was a brick on the path to our future. Australia was not just a destination; it was the beginning of a new life, full of challenges, learning, and above all, joint growth.
This journey, more than geographical, was an inner journey that transformed us and united us in ways we never imagined. To students who dream of similar adventures, I say: the path may be uncertain and sometimes complicated, but with determination and the right support, it is possible to reach those dreams that seem so far away.
Carolina Marin Zapata
