I am currently halfway through my third week of classes. I am really enjoying but I am still getting used to meeting once a week for two and a half hours. The four classes I am taking are International Finance, Analyzing a Global City, Environmental Debates, and Australia in the World. International Finance is much like the other finance classes I took at the University of Pittsburgh where the class takes an in-depth look at a sector of finance and in this case foreign exchange and foreign exchange risk. Analyzing a Global City looks at the rich history of Sydney and how it became a diverse city that contributes the most to Australia’s GDP. Environmental Debates look at past, present, and future problems with how people and the government should look at taking care of our world especially in and around Australia. Australia in the World looks at current political issues and compares the differences between America and around the world, as well as how different political systems and ideologies are used.

There are some key skills and strengths that are required to be successful in this academic Environment. Most of them are the same as the ones needed in America’s academic environment. To name some required basics, you need to be timely, attention to detail, have a good work ethic, and have communicative ability. Two Clifton strengths I use are adaptability and Responsibility. When studying abroad, especially in a lively place like Sydney, it is very easy to get sidetracked or even slowed down by all the new sights, new roommates, and new classmates. Nothing here is familiar and it can be difficult to learn a new grocery store while understating an entirely new University’s curriculum and way of teaching. Not to mention the urge to go to the beach every day. This is why it is important I am able to adapt to this new environment and be responsible for getting my work done when there are exciting things calling my name.

A dynamic I have noticed about the academic culture here is how laid backed the teaching staff it. The professors go on a first-name basis and understand the value of a small needed break in order to keep the student’s full attention. Despite their laid-back approach, there is no shortage of work to be done which leads to a lot of independent work. There is also more of an emphasis on not missing any classes as there will be severe grade reductions if class is missed.

Here is a beautiful view of the city skyline from my apartment.

Here is a picture of the water crashing on the rocks of a small beach called Bronte.