One of the most memorable cultural experiences I had during my Fall 2025 study abroad program in Sydney was seeing the musical Rent! at the Sydney Opera House. Even before the show began, I was completely struck by the architecture of the building itself. Everyone knows the Opera House from photos and postcards, but seeing it in person felt completely different. The massive white sails looked both futuristic and natural at the same time, almost like they were rising out of the harbor. I actually did a presentation earlier in the semester about its construction, especially the way the project went wildly over budget, and standing there made me realize that every dollar was worth it. No picture or lecture prepares you for how grand, detailed, and artistic the building truly is.
Walking inside, the feeling only intensified. The curved wooden interiors, the red carpet, the dramatic lighting, and the huge windows overlooking the harbor all made me feel like I had stepped into one of the world’s great cultural spaces. I didn’t expect a building to make me feel emotional, but it did. I remember just standing still for a minute, taking everything in, and feeling grateful that I got to be there as a student studying abroad rather than just a tourist rushing through.
The performance of Rent! itself was incredible. It’s already a powerful, emotional story, but watching it performed by an Australian cast gave it a fresh energy. The show took place in NYC which is my home. I noticed the audience reacted differently than crowds back home, certain jokes landed harder, some moments got quieter reactions which made me aware of how culture shapes the way people connect with stories. It was interesting seeing something so familiar presented in a cultural context that was new to me.
What I learned from this experience is how deeply Sydney values the arts. The Opera House isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s a place where the community genuinely gathers to enjoy creativity, storytelling, and performance. Experiencing the architecture and the musical together helped me understand how art, design, and culture connect in Sydney’s identity.This moment had a real impact on me. It made me feel more connected to the city and reminded me why studying abroad is so meaningful—you’re not just visiting places, you’re becoming part of them, even if just for a short time. Seeing Rent! at the Sydney Opera House made me appreciate Sydney on a deeper level and helped me grow by opening my eyes to how culture is expressed through shared experiences.