I think one difficulty I found was the grading system in comparison to Rollins. Especially as grades are coming in at the end of the semester. Especially since the grading scale of high distinction at University of Sydney is viewed at publishable. Adjustment is always required when moving to a new place especially when you know few people. Thankfully, I knew a fellow student, and 3 family friends in Australia. Additionally, I met friends relatively quickly at orientation events which remained throughout the semester. However, I did not feel like I had to adjust immensely, I got into the flow of things relatively quickly. Overall, adjustment mostly occurred academically, and the other aspects fell into place in a smoother manner.
My perspective to combat the academic and social adjustment is to be on top of it at the start of the semester. Plan out assignments accordingly and go to all the welcome events to meet as many people as possible. One thing that one of the TEAN study abroad advisors told us in Cairns, the one day you are staying in your room is one day you are not exploring the city. Therefore, go to unique places to study, I went to NSW state library, and it has a bar attached to it, which was cool. I wrote a paper on the beach in Cronulla therefore, even if you have homework find a way to explore as well. You will not regret it, my favorite study spot on USYD campus is the law building and using the projector to display math problems on the board.
Through the discussions I have had with many Australians varying from friends to people I met in line from coffee is how amazing study abroad is. They recognized how it is more common for Americans to study abroad and travel for university. In comparison many Australian students either stay at home or close to home for university. Regarding how they would view the experience in its entirety is just as any other country would, an amazing opportunity to grow and learn about another culture. However, I am sure some viewed it as more of a vacation than learning experience. In some ways it was, but it was much more than that.
Through the interactions I have had abroad especially with the Australian blunt sense of humor is don’t be overly sensitive. Additionally, don’t jump to assumptions about their perspective on topics. It is unfair to either party, I asked people to elaborate before I provided a comment to ensure I had a good understanding. Therefore, I will take this knowledge into further cultural interactions.
I hope to return to Sydney to visit friends, go to the beach and eat at one my Google maps saved places soon. Therefore, if someone were to ask me where they should study abroad I would say it depends on what you are searching for out of this experience. However, if you want to meet amazing people, see beautiful scenery, and challenge yourself academically, the University of Sydney would be my recommendation.