If you ever find yourself considering whether or not you should study abroad, my advice to you is to absolutely go for it. You’ll gain a once in a lifetime opportunity, no matter where you decide to go. You’ll have opportunities to experience another culture first hand, learn with and meet new people, create lifetime friendships, and grow yourself as a human being. Recently, I began my study abroad program in Sydney, Australia and I absolutely love it. This city is so beautiful, and the views of the iconic Opera house and Sydney harbor bridge are breathtaking.

In Australia, people call cookies biscuits and sandwiches are known as toasties. Everyone is your mate or friend here because people truly want to help others, and the culture is very warm, kindhearted, and welcoming. The Pacific Ocean is off the coast of Sydney, and it’s stunning. The water is crystal clear, imagine a mixture of aquamarine and teal colors and the sweet smell of salty sea air, but also the buzz and excitement of a major city. I have noticed little things about the culture that has made me fall in love with this place and the people in it. For example, the fact that the culture here is collectivist.

It’s obvious to me after watching and talking to people from Australia, that everyone wants to help one another succeed. Additionally, one of the things I've done so far was taking surfing lessons and I had an awesome time. The instructors were locals, so they knew plenty of knowledge about surfing, the ocean, and where and when to go. They told me about their favorite places to eat and how they grew up, plus I learned to surf a little!

Personally, I always knew I wanted to study abroad, but it was a total game changer this past year when I found out about abroad programs where I could also complete an internship. If you’re not already sold on the idea of studying abroad, imagine putting the fact that you’ve done an internship in another country on your resume. For me, I couldn’t have received a better internship placement. I am currently completing an events coordinating internship, which is a job I would love to hold one day, and I genuinely love going to work. The people I have met and worked with so far are incredibly knowledgeable, talented, and fun to work with.

Life is what you make of it, and the experiences you have will grow and shape you into the person are and will become. I fully intend to take advantage of every opportunity that is afforded to me, and I have a chance to live in Sydney for the next six weeks so my plan is to do something different every day. There are so many different cuisines, activities, festivals, and adventures awaiting and I can’t wait to experience them.