One of the most important parts of studying abroad is getting to be immersed in a new culture and way of life, and reflecting on your own. On my first study abroad, Plus 3 Ecuador, we talked a lot about being a traveller versus a tourist, with the key reason being that exploring a country’s “deep culture” gives you a better insight into their citizens, their way of life, and their ideals.

I’ve gotten to experience a lot of Sydney’s “deep culture” in my time spent with locals and my regional travel on the weekends. One of our first weekends here, my friends and I took part in Surf Camp Australia and spent the weekend in Gerroa. One of our surf coaches, Madi, had connected with our Pitt friend Adi who had just did her GBI in Sydney in the spring. We became quick friends, and In our conversations with her, we got to learn a lot about what her life and growing up in Australia was like. She told us a lot about her culture growing up surfing and always at the beach, but explained the difficulties that come with growing up in a small surf town. We all had the idea that living at the beach was such a dream, but we now realize like other small towns it can be hard to be hours away from the city, with scarce resources and surroundings. Madi taught us more than just standing up on a surf board; she gave us an insight into another way of life within her culture. 

I’ve also gotten to experience “deep culture” with my work supervisor, Shannon. She grew up in the country side of Sydney, about an hour or two from the CBD. She’s now been living and working in Sydney for over 7 years, and has been helpful teaching me not only Australian culture as it relates to business, but also in their daily life. We talked about Australia’s politics, what commercials they grew up watching, their policies that differ from the States, and all the fun lingo they use! 

Within my internship, I have really developed my cross-cultural skills within Australia’s work culture. In comparison with the United States’ work culture, I think the aussies might be on to something. Before coming to Australia, I heard a lot about the country’s more relaxed work culture and way of life. In the States, I often feel the stress and competition that comes with the professional world: always posting on LinkedIn, always apply to new jobs and internships, doing whatever you can to get ahead. Here in Sydney, I feel like I’ve finally gotten a chance to breathe. Australians have “tall poppy syndrome” which basically means that they don’t brag or boast about their big successes as to not stand out. I haven’t felt the need to boast like I did in the States because I know the work that I do helps my team succeed, and they put a huge focus on celebrating our wins as a team. Every Friday, our team has a group meeting where we talk through the wins and loses of the week, and what we’re planning for the future. Then we spend the last hour of work just chatting, talking about our weekend, and getting to know one another. I think coming back to the States, it will be difficult to adjust to how differently these work cultures are.

I’m very grateful for this experience because it has opened my eyes to how life is on this side of the world, and filled me with the confidence that I could work in a global city in my future career!