Hello!

My name is Andres Vasquez, and I’m currently a Junior at Pitt studying Business Information Systems and Marketing with a certificate in Data Analytics. On campus, I’m one of the Pitt2You Student Ambassadors and before coming to Sydney, Australia I was a Residential Assistant in Bruce Hall. I am excited to share my experience in Sydney, Australia as it has always been on my bucket list, and I knew this would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A couple of goals during my stay here are to pick up some of the slang, learn how to make a well-known dish native to Australia, and go see the barrier reef.

I’m participating in the Global Business Institute program in partnership with CAPA this semester. To learn more about the CAPA community, I have become a student representative for the CAPA program which consists of learning more about the city, its events, and how to relay that information to the other students affiliated with the CAPA program. From this and exploring the city I have noticed that the biggest difference between here and the institution back home is how sustainable it is from having to sort recycling to making sure the streets are clean. I have yet to see trash on the ground during the day as I am walking around this massive city. But one thing I have noticed that is similar to Pitt is how everyone is willing to have a conversation with you and looks very approachable.

Being here for just about three weeks now I have nothing but great things to say about living in Sydney, Australia. I currently live in an apartment with 4 doubles, so we have 7 people total along with 4 bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. All my roommates have been amazing people and have elevated my experience so far. They have allowed me to transition easier because they all relate to the struggles of having a 17-hour time difference. Another great perk is that this accommodation is only a 5-minute walk to class, right in the middle of Chinatown, Haymarket, and about another 5-minute walk from the Darling Harbor. Then with accessible transportation all across the city, I have been able to take day trips to view wonderful beaches, neighborhoods, and museums all within a short train ride. So excited to learn more about Australia and all it encompasses.

Cheers,

Andres Vasquez