During my time in Sydney, I split my days between business classes and an internship at Our Big Kitchen, a community kitchen not far from Bondi Beach. Academically I was taking International Marketing, Global HR Management, and International Economics, and at the same time I was getting to see how some of those ideas show up in a real organization serving people every day.

At my internship, I was responsible for a couple of projects that were important for daily operations. One of my main tasks was finding suppliers for aprons that would be essential for food preparation. I used Excel to track different suppliers, compare options, and keep an eye on the general progress of the project. I also used Nutritics to print out food labels so that the meals going out had clear allergen information. Those labels were crucial, because they helped the people receiving the meals know what was safe for them to eat.

Through this work, I met a lot of interesting people and made real connections. People at the kitchen came from different backgrounds, but they were all there to help others. One of the men I worked with even invited me to his house to have dinner with his family.

I think I’ve seen a lot of growth in how I see people and society in general. I feel that Australia, in general, takes better care of its citizens than the United States does. Being there, I could actually picture myself living in Australia one day with a family, because it feels like a good environment to build a life. In the States there is more of an attitude of “every man for himself.” I’m not sure exactly which experience flipped that switch for me, but I notice that I’ve become more empathetic and more aware of how systems can either support or abandon people.

I also see growth in how I carry myself professionally. I feel more comfortable working with people who are already established in their careers. I’m more confident as an intern, and in my classes I’m more at ease communicating with professors and organizers. Because some of my work ended up being remote, I had to manage my own time and keep up with deadlines without someone standing over my shoulder. That pushed me to be more responsible and to take more initiative.

What surprised me most about my global experience was how laid-back the working culture felt, while still being productive. People got their work done, but they also seemed to genuinely enjoy their lives. The bureaucracy, at least from what I experienced, didn’t feel overwhelming. When I compare that to Spain, it felt like there were fewer job opportunities there, even though people still enjoyed life. In the United States, from my limited experience, a lot of people mainly work and don’t really enjoy their lives, but accept long hours and fewer benefits as the price of a comfortable existence. Australia, to me, felt like it had a better balance. It is a place where I could see myself staying once my career is more solidified.

Going forward, I want to bring what I learned back with me. My experience with remote work has shown me that I can stay disciplined and meet expectations without constant supervision. When I get back, I’d like to be more involved with global and experiential programs and, if possible, mentor other students who are thinking about going abroad. This experience has changed how I see work, life, and other people, and I know I can build on that as I continue my studies and move toward my future career.