George Mason University (GMU) Environmental and Science student Elisabeth Hilton says choosing to study abroad in Australia during her freshman year was a chance to not only indulge in a passion for travel, but also to stand out to employers once she returned home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen I saw Perth was an option to travel to and study, I was so excited: there is so much wildlife there that cannot be seen anywhere else,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI looked into Curtin\u2019s environmental courses and saw how highly rated they are for their academic standards and teaching staff, so I knew it was where I wanted to go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n With Curtin\u2019s courses focused on offering practical experiences and industry opportunities, Elisabeth had the chance to gain firsthand experience with organisations such as Perth Zoo, Bamford Consulting and Co-Exist Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was an educational and life experience she says she couldn\u2019t have had anywhere else in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI also volunteered with Â鶹ֱ²¥ Behavioural Ecology to band birds for wildlife studies at a local nature park and volunteered with another group to help with handling Australian native animals, called quendas,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis gave me the opportunity to learn skills that will set me apart from most US students.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Curtin, located in beautiful Perth, is Western Australia\u2019s largest university and is globally renowned for its industry-connected courses, high-impact research and diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne, who hails from Colorado, says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs someone who has been fortunate enough to study and then work in countries across the world, I want Curtin students to have both a world class education and the time of their lives, no matter where they are from. At Curtin we believe a university isn\u2019t just for educating the workforce of the future, it’s also about nurturing the next generation of global citizens and leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For sophomore Computer Science student James Eck, his time at Curtin has meant gaining insights into the biggest software company in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI was very lucky to attend a lecture where an engineer from Microsoft, who previously attended Curtin, talked to our class about what it takes to become successful in the industry,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Curtin offers students a vibrant campus experience, with more than 100 student clubs you can join, welcoming on-campus accommodation options and a wide range of health and wellbeing services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GMU Global Affairs student Fiona Lighthiser says she was drawn to study in Perth for its unique character and Curtin\u2019s clear focus on giving students the best experience possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCurtin’s campus is beautiful and there are always student events and opportunities to get involved in,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI lived on campus and had awesome flat mates: we would hang out a lot, barbecue, play pick-up football and visit the many, many beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI would recommend any US student head to Perth and Curtin because immersing oneself in a different culture, even if the language is the same, is a unique learning experience and offers a different perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hear Elisabeth, James and Fiona share more about their study abroad experiences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Elisabeth-Lee-Hilton-1000x1080.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nColourful campus life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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