Hi, my name is Taylor. I am a junior accounting major here at the University of Pittsburgh. On campus, I am a member of University of Pittsburgh’s Accounting Association and Sigma Delta Tau. I also work part time at a local restaurant about 20 minutes away from campus

I am participating in the Global Business Institute (GBI) Sydney. I chose this program because it made going abroad the simplest and most accessible. They help you with classes, scheduling, finding accommodation etc. Everyone working behind the scenes made this experience as easy and stress-free as possible. I chose Australia because it is such a beautiful country. They are currently in their summer season, so I got to escape the Pittsburgh winter. My goals are to explore Australia, meet new people both in the program and outside of it, but to also educate myself as much as I can. I want to learn about the diverse culture, the city and countries history, and anything and everything that makes it different from The United States. 

CEA CAPA is located on the campus of The University of Technology Sydney. This campus shares so many similarities to Pitt, which has made it much easier to adapt to being in a different environment. Both are city campuses, surrounded by unique and diverse local businesses. The class sizes and rooms are a bit smaller than what I am used to, but it allows for our group to get to know each other better and is more well suited for the discussion-based environment these courses have. 

I am staying in the suburb Zetland, which is just a short ride outside the heart of Sydney. It is a beautiful and peaceful area, far enough from the city where you get to avoid any loud noises or city bustle, but close enough to enjoy all it has to offer. It is close to all the essentials like grocery stores, shopping, parks, etc. I currently live in an apartment with 4 other girls. It has been so amazing being able to get to know people from different walks of life and universities. It has helped me get out of my comfort zone and complete my goal of meeting new people. 

I feel adapting to this new life in a foreign country has been easier than I imagined. Despite many cultural differences, life in Sydney has been similar to Pittsburgh, making it much easier to navigate. Australians are very helpful and social; many have stopped me out in public just to strike up a casual conversation and small talk. My roommates and I have also taken every opportunity to explore and traverse the public transportation to familiarize ourselves. Overall, the transition has been very smooth, and I am so thankful to have such great people around me to share this experience with. I am grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait for what else is to come!