Hello from The Land Down Under! My name is Adi Mitchell, and I am a current sophomore at Pitt studying Marketing and Supply Chain Management, and pursuing certificates in Sustainability and Public and Professional Writing. I’m originally from a small town in Northeast Pennsylvania, so moving to Australia for the next three months was definitely a big change!
Studying abroad in Australia, specifically Sydney, has been a dream for me since I started my college search. As a business student with a focus on sustainability, Australia is the ideal place to learn about an environmentally centered corporate mindset, being as it is a global leader in many aspects of sustainability. I am excited to learn more about this beautiful country and how its people are able to unite to protect their natural environment.
The University of Technology Sydney, where my classes are based, is similar to Pitt. It is a college in the heart of the city with a cluster of buildings interwoven with local businesses. Public transportation has been very reliable from the CEA CAPA-provided housing to UTS. The provided housing is in a hotel in Zetland, which is a quiet neighborhood about 30 minutes from my classes and internship. I live with 5 other roommates in a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom suite. We are all from different schools scattered throughout the country. It’s been amazing to get to know other students with similar goals in this new environment! We have a beautiful kitchen, living room, patio, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The view from our 16th-floor apartment during sunset is one of the best parts of my day!
Overall, adapting to life as a Sydneysider has been easier than I expected. Australian people are generally very friendly and always willing to answer questions—even if you get lost in a busy train station on your way to the first day of class. There are so many places to explore and so many great bites to be had! So far, I’ve spent most of my time exploring the local beaches and iconic sites, like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. I can’t wait to participate in more CEA CAPA-organized excursions, like our upcoming trips to the Blue Mountains and Taronga Zoo.
That’s all for now, but I can’t wait to write more updates on my new life in Sydney! I’m sure there are many, many more adventures headed my way.
Hiking the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk with Katie, a fellow Pitt student!