While studying abroad, I wanted to take this opportunity to not only learn more about Sydney, Australia, but also explore fields and subjects that interest me outside my major. I am enrolled in four courses: International Economics, Environment and Society, Australia in the World, and Analyzing and Exploring the Global City. International Economics is an expansion on macroeconomics, expanding your understanding of the global market and how it is impacted by real world developments. In Environment and Society, we are studying human interaction with diverse environments, how climate change is affecting Australia, and exploring nature and culture. Australia in the World is a study of politics in Australia and their engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, also comparing its similarities to that of The United States. Analyzing and exploring the Global City looks at how colonization, migration, economic modernization, and globalization have affected the city and its inhabitants.

Almost all of the courses I am taking are dependent on your participation and engagement, that is where a big portion of our grade comes from. The professors want to make sure you are engaged with the material and also give students the opportunity to give their own opinion and ask questions. A skill you need to be successful in this learning environment is active listening. During lectures, they will often ask questions to the class and ask what we think on certain topics. Group work has also been a big part of several classes. You have to be able to work well with others and manage time well to coordinate schedules. Multiple courses require us to go on field trips, so it is important for the class or groups to communicate where to meet and when. Recently, I have been to the Australian Museum to study the Aboriginal cultures and Manly’s town and beaches to research work and life, architecture and culture.

I have noticed the academic culture seems more laid back and not as rigid here. Like I mentioned, a big part of our grade is participation and engagement. The professors would rather have a discussion and conversation with the class, instead of talking at us for the duration of lecture. We are assigned several discussion posts and asked to talk with those sitting around us during the lecture. Because the lectures range from 2.5-3 hours, they give us breaks, allowing us to catch up with classmates, grab food or drink, or just stretch. We like to make use of the table tennis room. This has allowed students from the program to grow closer, creating a more tight knit environment. The professors understand that learning and living in a new place can be challenging and are always willing to adapt or help in any way possible. My International Economics course falls on a Monday morning, so we often start class by talking about what we did over the weekend and where we went. Our professors love to make recommendations for food and dining, sightseeing, and shopping. Everyone here has made it very apparent that they not only want us to learn more about life and culture in Sydney, but also to enjoy our time here and take advantage of everything the city has to offer.