Hannah DeMilta '10

Major: Public Relations

Study abroad experiences have changed the lives of many Otterbein students. Hannah studied abroad at Bond University on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, during her junior year, and knew she wanted to go back as soon as she left.

"Studying abroad really opened my mind to new possibilities. My trip to Australia was my first time out of the (United States). I never thought I wanted to live abroad before then," Hannah said. "At Bond (University), I had a small internship with their international admissions office on campus. My boss was American. She had studied abroad and now lived and worked abroad. She was probably the first person who inspired me and made me consider moving (abroad) after graduation."

Since August 2010, Hannah has lived on the northern beaches of Sydney, Australia. Currently, she is a social media specialist at Switched On Media, a digital marketing agency in Sydney that focuses on search engine optimization and social media. "I help market my clients through social media platforms, manage channels, and monitor and report what's being said online," Hannah said. "I also help our clients further their understanding of how they can use social media for their business. I love teaching and sharing what I know."

Hannah said her study abroad experience gave her the confidence to live in Australia. "I love the feeling of being on a journey in life. It feels like an adventure right now, and I love that hint of uncertainty for the future," she said. "My favorite thing about living abroad is probably the excitement that little changes bring. I get a kick out of Australian slang, trying foods that are popular here that are new to me, different traditions, and there's so much to see. I love the idea of learning just by simply living."

With the exception of missing her family and friends, Hannah said she has faced challenges in Australia that she would have faced in the United States, such as starting her career, managing a work-life balance, and making friends outside of college. "Any challenges I've had to face and overcome so far have turned into positive learning experiences in the end," she said.

Click here to learn more about study abroad opportunities at Otterbein.