I’ve been back in the US for a week now. It’s always a weird feeling to come home after being away, but it’s especially odd to jump back into old routines after living on the other side of the world. Before studying abroad, I had been warned about the culture shock people experience going to…

It’s all wrapping up now. As I’m starting to pack my suitcase and move out of the place I’ve been calling home for the past few months, I’m reflecting on how lucky I am. I studied abroad in Sydney, Australia! Not too many people can say that. I’m so grateful for everything I have been…

New Zealand was an absolute dream. It was a short visit, just a few days over Easter weekend, but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful country. New Zealand was one of the few places I wanted to travel to while I was abroad, and it is the one place of…

Studying abroad really is an incredible opportunity. Not only does it give you a chance to see other parts of the world and experience different cultures, but it provides you with some time off from your ordinary life. Stepping away from the routine you’ve grown accustomed to and having to adapt to new surroundings is…

It’s no surprise that Australia has some beautiful beaches, but I was a bit taken back when I realized just how many there are within Sydney’s city limits. I couldn’t find a comprehensive list, but a Wikipedia page claims there to be over 100, explicitly listing 40 ocean beaches and over 30 harbor/bay beaches. While I’ve been…

I spent my spring break up in Cairns, Australia. Cairns is located in the northern part of Queensland, and it’s home to some beautiful and powerful tropical weather. It’s somewhat of a tourist destination, as it is considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but it has a small town feel to it. Snorkeling…

Before arriving in Sydney, I made special note of the expectations I had and the goals I set regarding my semester abroad. With our mid-semester break looming on the horizon, I thought now would be an appropriate time to reflect on those initial comments, seeing just how accurate my expectations were and assessing whether I’m…

If you’ve read my earlier blogs, you’ll know that in addition to taking classes, I’m also doing an internship for course credit. I haven’t shared much about what I’m working on, so the purpose of this blog post is to change that! Atma – Immersive Journeys is a not for profit, specializing in small group…

I can’t believe it’s already February! I’ve been here in Sydney for 3 weeks now, and I’m finally starting to get comfortable navigating my way around the city. I mostly rely on the buses to get me where I need to go, but I do find myself taking the train a fair amount. I’m beginning…