For most graduating seniors, the idea of even leaving home is a scary thought; however, for senior Nic Simpson this task seems like a piece of cake. In July Nic will be heading out to Australia for a year of school.

The school is called Hillsong College and is located in Baulkham Hills, Australia, a suburb of Sydney. The college is derived from Hillsong Church, which Nic explains, “…has very well known worship music.” Students of the college can stay for up to three years and chose from a variety of programs. Simpson plans to take the pastoral route with a focus on community engagement and social justice. Nic explains, “it is different from the average college.” While most college freshman are getting acclimated with dorm life, Simpson will be living in a house, rented out by the church, with 5-7 other people.

Nic discovered the program his family connection with their pastor, a noted snake hunter.

This is not Simpson’s first time out of the country, he has also made trips to the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. Nic furthers, “I actually never asked my parents once.”

When asked what his future ambitions are Nic stated, “I have a lot of ideas…but the question in my life is how?” Simpson has a passion for helping the poor because, “It is the Christian’s job to take care of the poor.

Nic starts class down under on July 17th. A move to a foreign country is a tough move for anybody, especially so when you don’t know anybody where you’re going. Luckily, Nic won’t be too home sick for Minnesota, because Kangaroos are just as common as deer.