29 Aug 2017

Once you’ve put the ATAR behind you (along with those late nights studying and the guilty Netflix binges) the time is ripe for a post-school adventure. What to do? You’ve probably been dreaming of getting out of the classroom to skip across multiple continents on a long, refreshing journey of beautiful landscapes and self-discovery. Or you’ve been wanting to try something totally new and unique compared to sitting hunched over at a desk over a pile of summary sheets.

But then, for many of us, there’s also a big expectation that we’re going to go to uni and kickstart a degree. We’re supposed to start our “real life” – whatever that means. Suddenly our dreams of adventure begin to slip out of view.

It’s easy to think that study will prevent your adventures from ever happening, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you want to have the time to travel, or undertake a course that can give you a bit more than a stale, lecture-hall education, there are definitely some options worth considering…

Find an alternative education route

Education doesn’t have to be about lecture rooms and monotone tutors teaching you something from a textbook. There are heaps of amazing alternative study options that will get you outside of the classroom and out into the world.

Practical courses in things like an apprenticeship or traineeship will be educating you while you’re on the job, so you can get out and about while you learn. There are also a few alternative degrees out there that will let you study in other corners of the globe. At the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), you can enjoy a unique style of learning, with a combination of a degree and military/leadership training that will keep you physically and mentally challenged (and will pay you to learn as well – yes please!).

There’s some great degrees available at ADFA, so get your Google on and see what you can find. 

Uni holidays are legit

When you’re at university, the allocated holiday periods are pretty ridiculously generous, particularly compared to your full-time working mates. Over summer, most uni students get a solid three months off. This is the perfect time to jet off somewhere for a little backpacking soiree. All you have to do is plan ahead, save a bit of cash during your semester and hit the road when summer comes ‘round.

Study online

Studying online is an increasingly popular way to work your way through a degree. It’s perfectly suited to people in rural areas, who would have to travel long distances to a university, or to those who learn better independently. It’s also a good option for anyone who wants to inject a bit more adventure into their study schedule.

The catch? Well, to be able to study from random hostel dorms, cafes and public libraries across the world, you’re going to need to be extremely organised and self motivated. You’ve got to set your own routine in amongst the chaos of travels and then stick to that routine. It’s not for everyone, but if you can work out a process that works for you, it’s a perfect way to keep adventuring.

Go on exchange

This is probably the safest and most seamless way of travelling while you’re at uni. It’s also a super enriching way to travel because instead of merely visiting destinations as a tourist, you’ll get immersed into the local culture of your destination. You’ll also get the chance to meet a bunch of new people and other students who can show you around and give you the local’s guide to this new destination.

The only catch is that exchange usually isn’t offered to students until second year, which means you’ve got to get a pretty solid chunk of your degree done and dusted before you get to go off and explore foreign lands.

When it comes to marrying adventure and study in a heavenly match, it’s all about doing your research, learning about new opportunities and finding the study path that’s right for you. Because there’s one thing for certain: study and adventure certainly don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

If you’re keen on an alternative way of approaching higher education, sus out the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). With ADFA, you’ll get a globally recognised degree and you’re guaranteed a job on graduation. You can get all the details here.