Submitted by Ariana Castiglione on the 2025 Winter program in Sydney Australia…
We got to experience an amazing tour of the inside of the iconic Sydney Opera House! This was so interesting to get to experience and learn all about the different shows they put on. The inside of the opera house is beautiful and I’m so glad I was able to do this! (Submitted on January 17, 2025)
Submitted by Tori Binder on the 2025 Winter program in Sydney, Australia…
We arrived in Australia last week and have already seen and done so many cool things! We toured the Sydney Opera House, got to do a lot of sight seeing around Manly Beach, and have experienced some amazing dinners and wines together as a class. One thing I’m super excited about, is how many awesome people I’ve met here in only a week, and the amazing friends and bonds I’ve made with other students on the trip. I’m excited to see where these next few weeks take us! (Submitted on January 15, 2025)
Submitted by Ryann Pinter on the 2025 Winter program in Sydney, Australia…
When I first saw my itinerary months ago, I knew the wildlife sanctuary visit was what I was most excited about. The thought of seeing kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies in their natural habitat fascinated me. Once we arrived, the experience exceeded all my expectations. Kangaroos were hopping all around us, and we even got to pet them! To my surprise, they were very friendly… as long as you touched only their lower backs. The surprises didn’t end there. I had the chance to hold a python, which turned out to be the second-largest snake in Australia! While holding the snake was thrilling, the highlight of the day came when they introduced us to an 11-month-old wombat. He was so sweet and trusting that he fell asleep in my arms.
We later went on a tour of the bush, where we not only met Arnold the koala but learned about the Aboriginal population that once inhabited the area. The insights into their culture and connection with the land were truly enlightening. My favorite part of the entire day was seeing all the animals happy and roaming freely in their natural environment. At this sanctuary, we were the ones in cages, which was such a refreshing experience. It left me with a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation efforts. (Submitted on January 15, 2025)
Submitted by Alexandra Falcone on the 2025 Winter program in Australia…
After 2 short weeks exploring Australia with my family over Christmas and New Years, it was finally time to start my study abroad journey! Saying goodbye to my family was bittersweet, but it has been so exciting to see all the new sights and meet all of the new people who I will be spending the next few weeks with. This trip is focused on international cuisine and culture and advanced wine and beverage management. We started off the trip with a bang, exploring the town we are staying in, Manly Beach. The group is staying in a hostile for almost 3 weeks which is a short ferry ride away from Sydney before flying to Adelaide, Australia. One of the first days in Manly, a group of us went to watch the sunrise over the gorgeous crystal blue water, before sight seeing in Sydney at the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Along with sightseeing, we have had many amazing multi-course meals with wine pairings and even enjoyed some afternoon tea. There is lots to look forward to on this trip and can’t wait to see and learn even more. This first week has been filled with so many amazing memories with the hopes of making so many more! (Submitted on January 13, 2025)
Submitted by Hannah Scheck the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…
All good things must come to an end. Today I celebrated my final day in Sydney. Tomorrow morning I will wake up and fly home. This week I finished up all of my projects at work and celebrated a great Internship with my coworkers. I ate at my favorite restaurants for the last time. I took my time walking around saying goodbye to the city, the Opera House, and the beaches. It was very emotional. I had time to reflect on my experiences here. I believe I have accomplished a lot and grown as a person into a more independent self. I have been dreaming of Sydney since I was in third grade. Coming here was a dream come true. Leaving is bittersweet. I am so excited to see my friends and family again, and tell them all about my experiences here. I am very sad to leave this beautiful country and all of the memories I have made here. This was truly a remarkable experience and I am so fortunate to have been able to be part of it. My time in Sydney has changed my life for the better and it is something I will never forget. (Submitted on May 10,2024)
Submitted by Hannah Scheck the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…
I am entering the final stretch of my study abroad. I am feeling both excited and sad to leave. I have been working hard at my internship and trying to enjoy my last couple days in Sydney. The weather has been and continues to be rainy and gloomy, which is unfortunate, but I am making the best of it. This weekend I went and saw Challengers in the movie theater. My roommate and I got dinner and ice cream together. On Saturday, I went to six different markets for some last minute souvenir shopping. I went to Kibrilli, Glebe, Paddy’s, The Rocks, and the Paddy’s Night Market, which hosted several food vendors. I was able to try some delicious Greek Souvlaki and enjoy one of my last trips touring around the city of Sydney. (Submitted on May 5,2024)
Submitted by Hannah Scheck the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…
New weeks, new adventures! I ate at a restaurant called Bungalow 8, where I tried their delicious fish tacos! Celebrated the holiday ANZAC Day at the beaches of Manly! My sister and I went out to dinner at The Rocks, so she could try Kangaroo! I woke up on Saturday morning for my 6 AM flight to Melbourne. Melbourne was so beautiful! One of the highlights of my entire experience so far! I walked around the city, went by the Yarra River, and ate the most delicious French Toast. I made my way to the Royal Botanical Gardens and walked around for hours just taking in the beauty. I was able to see the beautiful State Library. I walked around the Queen Victoria Markets and tried some of the food options there. I ended my first day at St. Kilda beach to watch the sunset and enjoy an amazing burrito. I woke up the next morning to start my Great Ocean Roads tour! On this tour we traveled along the Great Ocean Road of Melbourne, stopping in places like Surf Beach and Memorial Arch. We got lunch at Apollo Bay, which was such a beautiful location. Continued on our journey to a guided bush walk in the Otway Ranges. We ended our tour by seeing the beautiful Loch Ard Gorges and The Twelve Apostles. These landmarks are some of the most beautiful things I have ever seen and I was so happy I was able to do this tour. After the long day, I got some pasta and went to bed, preparing myself for the 6 AM flight I would have to do again. (Submitted on April 29,2024)
Submitted by Hannah Scheck the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…
A successful week at work! I had to say goodbye to some friends this week, but my sister came to visit! We went out for breakfast at Pancakes On The Rocks. We went on the Big Bus Sydney Tour. I showed her the Queen Victoria Building. We did a tour of the Opera House accompanied by seeing their outdoor performance of West Side Story. I took her to Paddy’s Market to shop for
souvenirs. We met two celebrities walking down the street, Keegan Michael Key and Tony Shalhoub! We pet and feed some local Australian animals at Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary. We rode the rides and enjoyed the shows at Luna Park. As sad as I am that this trip will be coming to an end soon and I have to say goodbye to my friends and Sydney, seeing my sister was just the push I needed to power through. (Submitted on April 21,2024)
Submitted by Jake Kalinowski the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…
This photo is of my friends and I at Sydney Harbour overlooking the Opera House. It is a beautiful area, both to enjoy during the day or in the evening. It is bursting with people grabbing lunch or catching the sunset. There are cruise ships docked every so often with people from all over the world taking in the beauty of Sydney.
I am so grateful for this opportunity to study abroad in Australia. I have made wonderful friendships and had memorable experiences I will take with me for the rest of my life. I have loved exploring Sydney’s beaches and taking new adventures throughout the city to new museums and restaurants. I have become a new person after studying abroad here which I am thankful for.
I would love to return to Sydney someday and I know I will. It is too full of beauty to not. I plan to soak in every last moment here while I can. From studying abroad I have learned patience and the power of an open mind. I have learned the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Talking to strangers leads to cute memories and putting yourself out there comes with a risk, but is usually met with a reward. (Submitted on April 17,2024)
Submitted by Hannah Scheck the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…
Still hard at work at my internship, but that doesn’t mean there still isn’t time for fun. This week I was able to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Theater Royal Sydney. It was a very fun performance and everyone in it was very talented. I was able to see another act of live music at a pub in The Rocks. I tried a Greek Pita wrap, some of Wingboys famous wings, a cookie
sundae from Kuki, and a spinach and cheese Turkish Gozleme at the markets in The Rocks. I ended my weekend with a free yoga class held under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We had a perfect view of the Opera House and it was very relaxing. It was such a great way to reset and get myself ready for the week! (Submitted on April 14,2024)
