I Fell in Love With Sydney: Why You Should Study Abroad in Australia

I got back home to Madison, Wisconsin, a little less than a week ago. I have had time to reflect on my trip to Sydney and want to share my thoughts with all of you. For some context, I finished my fourth year at UW-Madison in May, and I will graduate this December. I decided to add a double major in Journalism along with Communication Arts later into my undergrad career, which forced the decision to add another semester of school. My junior and senior years of undergrad were full of ups and downs, and studying abroad didn’t seem like an option at times. When Sydney Summer Society, Sport, and Leadership program accepted me, I was excited, but there were still so many unknowns. I was still figuring out financial support for the trip, and I knew I would be one of the older students in the program if I were to go. These factors helped me to understand the importance of approaching the study abroad experience with an open mind and an independent nature. 

When I officially decided to commit to going to Sydney, I had some questions and doubts pop up in my mind. Having already completed four years of university has taught me to lean into those doubts and push past. That sounds nice in theory, but trust me, it took a long time to get to a place where I can take that approach. Looking back, I couldn't be prouder of myself for taking the leap and going to Australia. I don’t think you need to be on the tail-end of your undergraduate career to be ready for an experience like study abroad. Still, I think what makes a difference is finding the ability to be a person who is more curious rather than judgmental. The majority of my time in Australia was built on relationships and bonding with others. You should definitely consider Sydney as your study abroad location, not just for the countless activities, sporting events, and sights, but for the human connections you can make. Sydney is diverse, and the more I interacted with strangers, the more I fell in love with the city. Interacting with new people gave me a new sense of confidence in how I can move through the world and live my life. I felt empowered by seeing myself in a new way, in a new city, and with new people. Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery for us to understand how unique we truly are. 

The society, sport, and leadership program is one of a kind. You have a few lectures each week on various sociological topics relating to sport and leadership, which ultimately shape your experience and understanding of the city you are living in. We went to different sporting events and explored the country through a cultural lens, visiting places like the Blue Mountains and Cairns. I can confirm that snorkeling in The Great Barrier Reef is just as amazing as it sounds -  just be prepared for the slight probability that you will get sea-sick. Totally worth it. There were 9 of us in this program, and close to 25 in the internship group that was staying in the exact location as us—my advice: find your people. The odds of everyone becoming best of friends are slim, but that is okay! Some of my favorite moments were when I ventured off on my own, but those moments cannot beat the time I spent with my dear friend, Maddie, whom I met on this trip. Maddie made Sydney feel like home, and this friendship will last a lifetime. The adventures we went on are the first memories I think of when I reminisce about Sydney. For example, one night we stumbled upon a punk night at a pub and ended up dancing to My Chemical Romance, Limp Bizkit, and more with a group of millennials for 2 hours. It might sound silly, but moments like this were what made being abroad so special. Although the 2 months went by quickly, the summer term is a great way to earn a few university credits while in a new country. And don’t be deterred by it being Aussie winter during US summer, I didn’t mind one bit (just pack layers). 

All you need to know is that Sydney will always be the right choice. I might move back once I graduate! Now that I am back in Wisconsin, I can’t help but laugh when I think about the worries that popped into my mind before leaving. A trip like Sydney is something that will leave you with more self-certainty and more curiosity than you have ever had before, which is all the more reason to acknowledge those worries, but push them away!! I encourage you to find a way to make study abroad happen, because everyone deserves a chance to live from a new perspective. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity without my family and friends, so I thank them with all of my heart. Thank you to IES Abroad, and most of all, thank you to Sydney.