49 INTERNATIONAL The Harding University Australasia (HUA) program returned in 2022 for the first time since fall 2019 with a slightly different schedule from past years. The program was on hold because of ongoing restrictions for COVID-19, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. Attendees were required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and had to be tested prior to flights throughout the semester. International Programs director Audra Pleasant said this was one of the main factors why the trip changed to visit only three countries compared to four or five. The countries included on the trip were Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. “These countries largely held off from allowing anyone to enter until they had reached their vaccine goals, so [when] they reached those goals, which [was] vaccinating a really high percentage of their population, they eliminated most of their restrictions,” Pleasant said. Visiting three countries ensured less time spent testing and quarantining during the potential sick season in the winter. Pleasant said there would still be some mask requirements in place, but the restrictions were loosened. BACK TO THE Harding University in Australasia returned after a three-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outback IN PARADISE The group visits Cape Tribulation near Cairns, Australia. Students snorkled and scuba dove in the Great Barrier Reef also near Cairns. Photo courtesy of: Anna Sims Sophomore Leah Egli said she signed up for HUA for experiences unique to the program such as snorkeling, skydiving and bathing elephants. “I love adventurous things and [had] always wanted to go to that side of the world,” Egli said. “I think that HUA is unique in the way that it is very active and adventurous.” The faculty members on the trip were Dr. J.D. Yingling, professor of kinesiology, and his wife Kim Yingling, an adjunct professor of kinesiology. They also were drawn to HUA due to its focus on more adventurous activities. The Yinglings were signed up to travel with the fall 2020 HUA trip, but when it was canceled, they signed up for fall 2022. HUA was the third semester-long program that the Yinglings traveled with. “So much of international travel is experiential learning and learning to appreciate other cultures and traditions,” J.D. Yingling said. “We [were] just waiting patiently for our chance to get to go.” Written by: Emma Jones
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