My time in Australia has been very impactful because of the many cultural experiences and the personal growth it has given me.

I have been able to relate to the culture and values in Sydney. The people are very appreciative of nature and the environment. Public transit is very widespread and it is easy to get around. There is also a heavy push for sustainability in relation to how goods are reused. Sydney is also perfect if you like the outdoors. There are many great hikes, beaches, and other activities that help immerse yourself in the environment and culture.

During my internship, I have been able to get an idea of how people from here treat work and friends. While being laid back, people still get their work done efficiently with time to rest. It is not uncommon to go out for drinks during your break at work as a group. There is also less hierarchy in the workplace. For example, at the company where I intern, the CEO sits along with everyone else in the main office space and not in their own office. Everyone is very clear with their communication and very friendly. In groups there is an expectation that you are to pay attention and provide findings for each other especially in the workplace. Workers are good at balancing getting work done with their lives.

There is a lot of British influence in Australia. For example, rugby is a very popular sport, and we had a long weekend to celebrate the birthday of King Charles. While having cultural connection to England, it has a lot of Asian influence because of its geography. In the Haymarket area there are lots of restaurants that show this. One thing I have found was how respectful people are in public like at sporting events, on public transit, or out at night. One example of this is when we went to the first State of Origin rugby game. In a stadium full of almost 80,000 people, I was surprised how respectful the crowd reactions were.

During my time here I have been eager for information from locals on activities. Some things that I have noticed when seeking information is how helpful and friendly people are. Things like this have helped me broaden my perspective and allowed me to be more open to advice now that I know that people are willing to help.

I have never realized how different and similar the US is from Australia. Since this is my first time away from North America, it is nice to have some similarities while still being exposed to new ideas and cultural norms. My time in Australia has helped me be more adaptable in various cultural contexts and has made me feel more confident as a traveler, student, and employee.