Category: Australia

Submitted by Navleen Kaur on the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…

This week I visited two museums – The Art Gallery of New South Wales and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. I was delighted to see that there was some Asian art on display. In the past when I have visited museums, I have seen American or European Art. Asian art is rarer in the US and Europe. For lunch, I stopped at the Japanese Ume Burger for their kakiage burger. This burger consisted of a vegetable fritter, nori mayo, shredded cabbage, and tonkatsu sauce. The food scene in Sydney is amazing. Different cuisines have integrated to create the most unique and delicious food! Last night, I visited Seoul Ria Restaurant where I ordered Japchae. My goal is to expose myself to as many cuisines and new food items as possible. In the next few weeks, I hope to visit the Newtown neighborhood as well as a few of the popular beaches on the outskirts of Sydney. If I had to summarize this city’s energy, I would say that everyone is very kind and relaxed. The pleasant weather in Sydney coupled with the beautifully maintained beaches make it a very relaxing place to study abroad! During the week, I do not make much time to explore because I am taking Finance and Operations Management in this first block. I am hopeful that I will have more free time in the next block. The classes in this program are condensed to cover all the material in one month. This is difficult, but the Professors understand and have been very helpful and understanding. (Submitted on February 3, 2024) 

Submitted by Jake Kalinowski on the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…

The other afternoon, I explored The University of Sydney’s campus. It is located in the neighborhood called Ultimo, in Sydney. It was about a 15 minute walk from where I live in the city. It was a very hot day in Australia, but it was still lovely to walk around the campus and learn more about university in Sydney. 

The University of Sydney is a very large campus and was founded in 1850. It is Australia’s oldest university. Australians called it Sydney Uni for short. In 1881, the university became one of the first to admit women in the world. The university has a total enrollment of over 70,000 students, which is astounding. 

One of the biggest takeaways I got from exploring The University of Sydney’s campus was its architecture. It resembles Hogwarts in Harry Potter with its English style. It feels like you’re somewhere in England, such as Oxford University. The exact title for the style of the architecture of the university is called the Victorian Academic Gothic Revival. 

I loved walking around and pretending like I was a student attending this university. I went inside buildings and browsed the library. Students and tourists were all around me enjoying the beauty of this marvelous campus. I loved exploring it on my own because it gave me a new sense of independence, exploring somewhere I’ve never been before. I will definitely be adventuring to this campus again soon, either for a quick jog or doing some homework under a tree enjoying the Australian sunshine. (Submitted on February 3, 2024) 

Submitted by Riley Hazel on the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…

Sadly, while I was in Australia, I’ve been unfortunate to be in a Sydney hospital for 10 days. The reason for my visit was heart complications, but I’m all good now and in recovery. However, while in St. Vincent’s Public Hospital, I’ve noticed some key differences between the Australian and United States healthcare systems. For one, the Australian Hospital staff were all friendly and putting my self first before anything. While it could be said the same for the United States, I’ve experienced plenty of experiences within the US hospital such as rude staff, more time-constrained visits, and a less comfortable experience. Being in a hospital, in general, can put anyone’s mood down, however the whole time at St. Vincent’s in Sydney, I felt cared for and cared for all the time. Everyone was so personable; even the doctors were kind and down to Earth with me. There was a good amount of professionalism, but each nurse and doctor would give off a friend feeling. Then there is the United States, where everyone I’ve encountered would act as when if it was only a job. It’s a lot more serious and less personable in the United States, which just makes the situation more uncomfortable. I’ve honestly enjoyed my time in the hospital in Sydney despite being sad quite a bit to be there. The whole Australian staff made the experience simply better and comfortable for me. Even my doctor, went out of her way, to call my mom to update her on my doctor’s day off. If that doesn’t say anything about the level of care Australian healthcare has over the United States, I don’t know what else. (Submitted on February 3, 2024) 

Submitted by Navleen Kaur on the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…

This week I have been busy with schoolwork, but I did carve out some time for exploration. On Saturday, I visited the famous Carriageworks Farmers’ Market which is open each Saturday from 8 am-1 pm. I found there to be an assortment of baked goods, fresh produce, tea bags, juices, and more for people to purchase. I found it lovely how many people were there with their families and pets. After purchasing a snack or an item from the vendors, many people settled down on the benches and tables for conversation and relaxation. Next, I toured the University of Sydney. My favorite buildings were the sandstone buildings in the Quadrangle. I found the University of Sydney campus to be similar to many colleges in the US. Besides the sandstone buildings in the Quadrangle, most of the buildings were modern made from glass and steel. After walking around the campus, my last stop of the day was visiting White Rabbit Gallery which is a Chinese contemporary art gallery. I had an amazing time absorbing the information on all three floors. My favorite part of the art gallery was the six television screens on the second floor. Each screen displayed different scenes of rural China that the photographer had taken on a train ride. The fast-moving images served as a backdrop to the thirty-second stories many narrators were telling about their lives, struggles, and joys in China. I learned a lot about what worries people in China today and what is on people’s minds. I thought this art gallery was very well put together and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Sydney! (Submitted on January 27, 2024) 

Submitted by Hannah Scheck on the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…

I am on my second week here and a lot has been accomplished! I have settled into my apartment, settled into classes and a routine, and am loving every second of my new neighborhood. Exploring Darling Harbour is one of my favorite after class activities. I made my way to Bondi Beach for a daytrip, was able to taste their Middle Eastern cuisine, and see a beautiful sunset over the clearest water. I embarked on a historical walking tour of Sydney, saw the bridge and Opera House, and enjoyed some Egyptian food from a stand at the weekend market at The Rocks. I enjoyed a trip to the zoo, seeing animals such as: echidnas (an animal I have dreamed of seeing since I was 8), kangaroos, wallabies, emus, koalas, snakes, lizards, and meerkats! We learned about the local nature, how to crack whips, how to throw boomerangs, and we got to hear a first hand account about how Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary survived through many hardships. Everyday here I am having new experiences and learning more about this beautiful country. (Submitted on January 25, 2024) 

Submitted by Jake Kalinowski on the 2024 Spring program in Sydney, Australia…

I am thrilled to be studying in Sydney, Australia for the spring 2024 semester! I am loving it already, as it is so easy to adjust to the warm weather and relaxed environment. All of the people are so friendly. My team at CEA CAPA, where I am taking my courses, have been so welcoming. 

Something I have picked up on very quickly, only being here one week, is the surf culture. Out of 25 million Australians, approximately 2.5 million Australians surf. The surf culture is similar to the United States in that of the Eastern and Western coasts of America. In Australia, tons of locals flock to the beaches up and down the coast to catch a wave. 

On my first day here, after orientation, I went with some friends to Bondi Beach which is one of Australia’s most famous beaches (though it’s not as popular with the locals). It was beautiful. I saw loads of surfers riding the waves and something that stood out to me was there was an Australian lifeguard shouting into a megaphone every couple of minutes letting the surfers know that the water is dangerous and if they aren’t a strong swimmer, they could come out. I found this to be interesting because in the states, no one is yelling on a megaphone at the beach. We just have whistles, if anything at all. 

On the second day, my friends and I checked out Mandly beach and the photo shown is of Shelly Beach which is a quaint bay. Lots of people were snorkeling, diving, swimming, or just floating around soaking up the Australian sun. It was a beautiful area and very calm. (Submitted on January 24, 2024) 

Submitted by Navleen Kaur on the 2024 Spring semester program in Sydney, Australia…

Today, January 20th marks the first week of classes in Sydney for me. The GAV organization had planned a walking tour of The Rocks neighborhood for all of us. Our tour guide explained the historic significance of this town by detailing how and why civilization grew in Australia. I learned that once the US declared independence on July 4, 1776, the UK was not allowed to send people over to the US. Soon, the UK encountered overpopulation and an increase in the crime rate. Desperate to relieve their jails, the UK decided to send people to Australia. The walking tour helped me learn a lot about how settlement in Sydney began. The adjustment to life in Sydney has been relatively easy. Sometimes I forget I am in another country because Sydney is similar to any American city. The people are very kind and helpful! There is also a lot of diversity here. I have seen people from all cultures and walks of life in this city. I also found transportation to be super convenient in Sydney. There are regular buses, trams, and trains anyone can take to get from one part of the city to another. The biggest change for me has been that in Australia, everyone drives on the left side of the road. When I am crossing the street, I always make sure to check both sides of the street because I am always confused about which lane the cars will be driving. Something I love about Sydney so far is that there are an abundant amount of food options here. I am sure it has to do with the great diversity in this city. I am very excited to travel to Surrey Hills soon and try some good food! (Submitted January 20, 2024)

Submitted by Riley Hazel on the 2024 Spring semester program in Sydney, Australia…

By now, I’ve been in Sydney for almost a full week. I’ve been to so many places, met so many people, and got to experience the sights and sounds of the city. That’s the beauty of this city, the sights and sounds. Quite simply, there is nothing like Sydney. No city, not even Los Angeles or New York City, can be compared to this one. The feeling Sydney gives off is indescribable to other cities in the US and quite frankly, the world. I was shocked to see how adverse this city is and how many cultures reside there. Not only that, but the pure beauty of it as well as the many parts of nature Sydney provides. I take a 20-minute walk to my classes and every day I find something new and just walk in awe of the rich culture this city has to offer. The architecture of houses varies from Victorian to modern, but even then it has a charm that no other city can compare to. You don’t feel dirty like you do in other cities, but rather you get the peaceful, busy emotions that the suburbs give off. I’ve been to New York City plenty of times, but Sydney is just way above that. I was shocked most about walking on the left side as well as traffic being on the left side but you quickly get used to it. Overall, Sydney so far has been a city of wonder, shock, and beauty; the city of cities. (Submitted January 18, 2024)