Many of them are surprised that I'm not an Australian citizen. Many people from the Philippines also immigrate to Australia and have children who are Australian citizens. Australians will then ask me "Why are you here?" Then I explain that I'm a student at New York University and I am here to experience a college semester in another country. Sometimes they ask me questions about what it's like in America. I usually get asked about what New York is like and how the beaches look in California. Australians actually know a lot about America because of the news and also TV shows and movies. I have met Australians who love the TV show "Friends". I have also met a few who love Marvel superhero movies. I don't think a lot about how the United States is seen by the rest of the world, but it's cool to find that out.
It's funny how my American accent is what Australians notice right away. I think it's because there aren't as many Americans in Australia as I thought. The whole Australian population is the same as the population of the state of Oregon, so there aren't even that many Australians to begin with! However, a lot of Australians go to America for school and work. In the United States, we have a lot of interesting jobs in technology and business and universities in places like New York City. That's why many Australians have been to the United States before. I am really happy that I chose to study abroad in Australia. It's fun to be a "tourist" while also studying here for four months. I'm learning so much about myself and what's important to me, like being a Filipina-American.
