Meet Annabella Diaz, a College of Business student majoring in Marketing and Marketing Research. During the spring of her junior year, Annabella participated in the University of Tasmania Exchange program. What began as an academic opportunity quickly became a deeply transformative experience, shaping not only her creative perspective but also the way she views her future.

From inspiring coursework and scenic coastal routines to meaningful travel and personal reflection, Annabella’s semester in Tasmania allowed her to slow down, explore with intention, and reconnect with her sense of possibility. We connected with Annabella to hear more about her favorite classes, memorable experiences, and the lessons that continue to guide her after returning home.

What was your favorite class, activity, or experience while abroad?

“My favorite class abroad was Branding and Visual Design. It turned Monday into something I anticipated each week. The walk to class became part of the routine I loved, moving through the city and along the water’s edge where the fishing boats were coming in each morning. The class was in a pink building, a small detail that added charm and made the class feel even more memorable. Inside, the environment was freeing and creative. Our professor encouraged imagination while also challenging us to think beyond the obvious and push ourselves. It was the class where I consistently felt inspired.”

Did you explore any unique places or take memorable trips in Australia?

“Over Easter, my partner and I planned a road trip and decided to rent a car. Since Australia drives on the opposite side of the road, my partner Jaxxon met with the rental staff to make sure everything was set and to get a few driving tips. When he mentioned our plan to drive through the night, the salesperson strongly advised against it, explaining that nighttime driving greatly increases the risk of hitting wildlife.

We ended up replanning our entire route, and it turned out to be a blessing. Slowing down allowed us to spend more time in each place and really take in the experience rather than rushing from one stop to the next. My favorite place we visited was Maria Island, which had a peaceful, untouched beauty. While we were there, my partner also got to see his favorite animal in real life, the wombat, which made the experience even more memorable for both of us.”

What new foods did you try, and which one was your favorite?

“Our hosts had a beautiful garden, and one of my favorite parts of staying with them was getting to pick fresh fruit and harvest vegetables. I tried several new foods for the first time, including figs, passion fruit, silverbeet, and rhubarb. My host Janina also made homemade jams, including rhubarb and apple jam and quince jam, which made the experience even more special.

My favorite food experience, though, was on my birthday. Our hosts took us to a Greek restaurant called Urban Greek, and it ended up being the best meal I had in Australia, maybe even one of the best meals of my life. I ordered the Moussaka, which had layers of smoked eggplant, zucchini, and tomato over a smooth potato puree, topped with Tasmanian beef mince and their house-made bechamel.”

How did this experience impact your personal growth or future goals?

“This experience transformed me in ways I never expected. Before going to Tasmania, I felt lost and uncertain about my future, unsure of what I wanted or whether the life I imagined for myself was even possible. Being abroad shifted that. It gave me the space to reconnect with my sense of possibility, and for the first time in a long while, I felt grounded and open to the idea that my dreams were not out of reach.

Living in Tasmania changed the way I understood myself and how I wanted to move through the world. I began to slow down and be present, taking in the world around me instead of rushing past it like I had been doing back in the United States. Being immersed in a new culture helped me appreciate the depth that comes from genuine connection and from allowing myself to move through life with intention.

When I returned, I knew I was not the same person who had left. I came back with a clearer understanding of who I want to become and a renewed confidence in my ability to build a life that reflects my values. My time abroad showed me that sometimes you have to move through a period of uncertainty to reach clarity, and that understanding is continuing to guide the way I approach my future.”

What advice would you give to other students considering studying in Australia?

“I would encourage future students to pack light. I overpacked with clothes and shoes I barely used. Keeping your packing simple makes traveling easier and gives you the space to bring home the things you collect along the way.”

If you could describe your study away in Australia in three words, what would they be?

“Peaceful, Scenic, and Transformative.”

To learn more about our study abroad programs or schedule an appointment, visit our website and explore your options.

The Best Coincidence in My life

By Brunno Tomiyama Suzuki

A year ago, I would not have thought that I would be living and working as a teaching assistant in Dalian, China. My journey to arrive here is one of my favorite stories. While finishing my undergraduate degree and beginning my Accelerated MBA at MSU as an international student-athlete from Brazil, I was searching for a Graduate Assistant (GA) position. I initially spoke with Dr. Shao, who recommended a few TA roles, but none of them felt like the right fit.

That same day, I happened to pass by the International Business Programs office and ran into some friends. In the middle of our conversation, I discovered that a friend’s boyfriend was actually heading to Dalian, China for a TA position. A few days later, I met him at work, and he took the time to explain the role and help me understand the process. Even though I was expecting the position in for the Spring semester, a couple weeks later, I received the good news that a new spot opened up for the Fall semester. Shortly after, Mary Tomerlin reached out to me, and the rest was history. Dr. Shao also travelled to China with me in August. This is a good example that sometimes a good opportunity starts from a simple “hello” in a hallway.

Preparing for China was a rollercoaster. On one hand, I was incredibly stressed about the language barrier, moving to a country where you don’t speak the local language is a real challenge. On the other hand, everything I had seen about China on social media made me so excited to see the reality of the country for myself.

When it came time to pack, I wanted to bring pieces of my “homes” with me. I packed plenty of Missouri State shirts to represent my university and clothes from Brazil because I love sharing my culture with the people I meet. Representing both my Brazilian roots and my American education has been a great conversation starter.

The moment I stepped off the plane, I was impressed by how massive and beautiful Dalian is. It is a city with incredible scales and architecture. One of the most interesting parts of my experience so far is a bit of a cultural “plot twist”: Since I am Asian descent, locals often assume I am Chinese. They will approach me and start speaking in Chinese immediately! While it can be a challenge with the language barrier, it’s also a great way to experience how welcoming and curious people here are toward foreigners. The energy of this city is amazing. To be honest, I could see myself living here for a very long time.

About the experience in the classroom at LNNU-MSU CIB, I am currently assisting with Marketing and Management courses. Even though my background is in Economics and Finance, Marketing and Management is a big part of international business, and it’s been a great way to broaden my perspective.

The biggest difference I notice in the students here is the effort they put in despite a significant language barrier, since all classes are taught in English. It has changed how I approach my own MBA studies. Being a TA forces you to stay organized and “think like a professor.” When you must understand a concept well enough to help someone else, your own study habits improve naturally.

If you’re in Springfield wondering if you should take the opportunity and come to Dalian, my advice is simple: Do it! The growth you experience in a completely new culture is something you can’t get from a textbook.