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Growing and Learning Abroad with Annabelle Sharp
Student Success

Growing and Learning Abroad with Annabelle Sharp

Read about NC State student Annabelle Sharp’s four months in Australia, the lessons she learned along the way and her advice to other students looking to study abroad.

February 12, 2026 Damien Reed 2-min. read
Annabelle Sharp poses with her hands on her hips and a smile in front of a sign reading "#RMIT Orientation" in large red letter. The signs spans the entire image and is on a lawn in front of tan buildings and a walkway.

This story was originally published by NC State Study Abroad on Nov. 3, 2025. It was updated by Damien Reed.

Annabelle Sharp, a student studying brand management and marketing, spent her spring semester immersing herself in a new culture and school last year. At the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University in Melbourne, Australia, she pushed herself to grow and learn as much as possible. Read about her experience in her own words below.

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I really enjoy the idea of traveling and being able to go somewhere I have never been. Experiencing a new culture and seeing how America is different is very interesting to me. I wanted to push myself to my limits and see how much I could grow during my time abroad. I wanted to see more of the world and explore for myself.

How did you pick your program?

I’ve known that I wanted to go to Australia since I was a first-year student. I have always wanted to travel that far, and with it being such a long flight, I thought spending four months there would be the best option. I chose to be at RMIT in Melbourne for their well-known textile program. Melbourne is also a major city, so I knew there would be tons of things to do in and around the area.

Annabelle Sharp and four friends pose and smile for a photo in front of a black building with dark trim. They are all wearing matching green Australia jerseys with yellow trim and jeans.

What was something you learned about yourself during your trip? How are you different? 

I found that I put a lot of pressure on myself when I am at home and school. Being able to do whatever I wanted and be who I am all the time felt very different. I am still the same person, but now I feel like I am allowed to be that personal all the time. 

Now, I’m much more laid back. I realized how fast everything moves at home and school, and that taking time for myself is very important.

What advice would you give to another student?

I would tell other students to go way out of their comfort zone and do things that make them uncomfortable and uneasy. Of course, always take care of yourself first and do whatever you need, but there are so many opportunities and people out there just waiting to change your life and broaden your understanding.

Annabelle Sharp poses underwater in a scuba mask, wet suit and flippers. She is in a body of bright blue water and a coral reef is a few feet below her, fading into the background.

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