Hello! Now that I have been in Sydney for a bit, I have had the chance to experience so much so far. From exploring the city to starting my internship and classes, everything has felt exciting and new in such a positive way.  

One of the things I enjoy most about my new neighborhood is how lively and accessible everything is. There is always something to do, and I have been sure to make the most of my time here. I have spent some time swimming at Bondi Beach, visiting the Taronga Zoo, and even learned how to surf over the weekend. I also really appreciate how easy public transportation is, as it makes it simple to explore different areas and get around without feeling too overwhelmed. My neighborhood feels very energetic and welcoming, which has made the adjustment much easier.  

I have also been very lucky with my living situation. I really enjoy living with my roommates, and that has played a major part in helping me feel so comfortable so quickly. Having people to explore and share new experiences with has made the transition much smoother, and it already feels like we are building great friendships.  

I have definitely noticed some major differences and similarities when comparing my host institution and the University of Pittsburgh. Academically, both environments are very engaging, and I appreciate how my professors have made such an effort to make me feel welcomed and ease me into this process. After getting into the swing of things, I feel comfortable in my classes and am excited to learn in a different environment. However, learning and working in a completely new city is drastically different than at Pitt, where everything is more familiar and natural. Going to Pitt has allowed me to be more comfortable when trying new things outside of my comfort zone, and I can definitely see how this skill transferred over to my experience in Australia.  

Along with classes, I have also started my internship, which has been a really valuable part of this experience. I am working at a video technology company that allows companies around the world to scale their video content. Communication, adaptability, and initiative have proven to be especially important, and I can already tell that being open-minded and willing to learn are key strengths for success. I think strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to adapt and problem-solve in unfamiliar environments are super important in this type of work.  

Overall, I feel like I am adjusting really well and making the most of my time here. Between exploring Sydney, beginning my internship and classes, and getting into a new routine, I am excited to continue learning and experiencing as much as I can over the next few weeks.