Hey everyone, it’s Eric again checking in from Sydney! The biggest things I’ve learned from studying abroad aren’t from classrooms, rather, it’s everything I’ve learned by living here on my own and by doing.
One of the greatest soft skills I’ve developed is definitely independence. This is my first time living this far from home for this long, and suddenly I’m the one planning everything. Meals, transportation, schoolwork, and even figuring out what to do on weekends. I often meal prep every week and sometimes it gets tiring. It was intimidating at first, but over time it’s become something I genuinely enjoy. I’ve learned to make decisions faster, solve problems quickly, and trust myself more.
I’ve also grown a lot in confidence and communication. One thing I’ve been doing a lot here is traveling alone. I’ve gone to neighborhoods like Newtown, Surry Hills, Bondi, Manly, and Pyrmont just by myself. Exploring the neighborhood and just starting conversations with strangers is actually so much fun. It’s scary at first, but everyone in Australia is just so friendly. At home, I probably wouldn’t have done that, especially as someone who is from New York City where everyone just minds their own business. But here it feels natural. Every interaction whether it’s ordering at a café, asking for directions, or chatting with someone new has brought me enjoyment and pushed me to be more comfortable about speaking up. I’m realizing how important communication is, not just for getting by, but for connecting with people and learning from them.
In my classes, I’ve also gotten better at navigating ambiguity. Professors give broad assignments and expect us to figure out our own approach. At first, it was a little confusing, but now I’m more confident deciding how to tackle a project and trusting my own judgment. It’s a great skill that I know I’ll carry into my career. Navigating cross-cultural situations has been another big growth area. Even though everyone speaks English, the locals here communicate differently. They’re more laid-back, joke more, but also very direct. Learning how to read the tone, ask questions when I’m unsure, and adjust my approach has been huge. Meeting people from all over the world has also helped me reflect on my own identity and how I relate to others in a global community.
Overall, traveling solo and putting myself in new situations have made me more adaptable, confident, and aware of how I communicate with others. Sydney has challenged me in the best ways, and I’m loving every second of it.
