Euphoric
It feels surreal to write these words — I’m going abroad. As someone who’s moved a lot in their life, I’ve always been interested in exploring the world, stepping out of my comfort zone and seeing how life feels and sounds in a different place. Studying in another country is something I’ve dreamed about for what feels like forever, and that dream is finally becoming real. I’ll be spending the next semester, from February to June, studying in Sydney, Australia. Pinch me!
The Process
The process kept me on my toes. I applied to the program in early September, and by the end of the month, I was approved for an exchange nomination from the Missouri School of Journalism to the University of Technology Sydney for the spring term. The email brought me a sense of peace. I was happy to see things finally moving in the right direction — there were moments when I wondered if everything would ever come together. There had been so much planning and waiting. I’d finished my paperwork with my advisor, but as the end of October approached, I still hadn’t heard from UTS. I started to worry — would all the budget planning, forms and time spent with my advisor be for nothing? Then, finally, at the very end of October, I got the email: I was accepted. I was over the moon, and sharing that moment — and the end of all my anxiety — with my family and friends felt surreal. At the moment, I’m figuring out everything — from health insurance and visa paperwork to finding housing and picking classes. Mixed in with all the logistics, I’m sprinkling in some fun parts, like researching weekend getaways and learning more facts about Australia that make the program feel more real. I can finally imagine myself walking along Sydney Harbour — like stepping into a scene from “Finding Nemo” — taking classes with new people and creating memories I’ll remember long after I return to the States.
Why Sydney?
After looking at my options for studying abroad, I was drawn to Sydney. I think it’s the balance between city life and wildlife. I mean, who doesn’t want to see a kangaroo and a koala? Maybe it was the golden beaches and the blue water of the Great Barrier Reef. Or maybe, just maybe, I’ll meet my own Robert Irwin and never want to come back. I can see myself taking a trip to Greece, Amsterdam or another European country – but Australia would be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I had to go!
Before the Adventure Begins
Although I don’t leave for three more months, I’ve been feeling a mix of emotions — excitement, nervousness, anticipation and sentimentality. I can imagine stepping off the plane into the warm, salty Australian air, sunlight hitting my face off the Sydney Harbour and the faint sound of waves washing against the shore. My heart races as I realize I’ve just flown to the other side of the world. I’m looking forward to new beginnings, meeting people, collecting experiences like souvenirs and creating a new version of myself. I want to say “yes” to exploring new places, tasting unfamiliar foods and immersing myself in a vibrant culture; I’m eager to see how this journey shapes me.
Life as a Student in Sydney
Oh right! I’m going to Australia to study abroad with a huge emphasis on study, not just exploring a different continent. No, but for real, I’m ecstatic to learn about aspects of Australian academic life. I’m a journalism major with an emphasis on strategic communication, and I hope to embrace every opportunity to learn in the classroom. I’m thrilled for the challenge of adjusting to a new academic environment. I want to study on the beach and critically think about subjects that push me to think differently, gaining insight that I may not have encountered at home.
New Perspectives in the Classroom
I look forward to seeing the structure of education. In America, we collaborate on group projects, participate in discussions and apply critical thinking to real-world scenarios. I wonder if there are exams, homework and essays, and if students stay up all night studying or take a more relaxed approach. I’m interested to see policies on AI and how technology is integrated into learning. I can’t wait to hear the perspectives of my classmates. I’ll be surrounded by people from all over the world, each with a unique background and ideas. Sharing how we view the world and approach problem-solving will deepen my understanding of just how connected and diverse our world is. I hope to walk into each class with curiosity and an open mind.
Beyond the Classroom
What I hope to gain from this adventure goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. I want to understand what it means to adapt to a new atmosphere, relying on myself and embracing uncertainty. I know that every day I will learn a new lesson — whether it’s navigating crowded trains and bus stops, discovering a cozy café that becomes my new favorite study spot or getting lost and finding my way again. These are experiences that can’t be taught in a classroom but will shape who I am.
I hope to make friends with people who come from different paths, people who challenge my perspectives, teach me something new and maybe even inspire future travels. The global community is what excites me the most. I want to attend campus events, join student clubs and maybe even become part of a running club. Relationships I build over coffee breaks, late-night study sessions and shared laughter are experiences I deeply value.
I’m also intrigued by Australian food culture. In the article, “15 Australian Dishes You Need to Try At Least Once” from Tasting Table, a few dishes immediately caught my eye. I’d love to try Pavlova, a delicate meringue dessert topped with berries and whipped cream, and as a coconut lover, Lamingtons — a vanilla sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut flakes. On the other hand, some options like meat pies, Sydney rock oysters and Vegemite toast might be a stretch for me, but I might just be convinced to try them as a rite of passage. I can already imagine the flavors, textures and aromas making this part of the adventure unforgettable.
Weekend Wanderings
I’ve already created a list of places I want to visit in Sydney. Obviously, a classic is the Opera House. The Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour lets tourists enjoy dinner with live music while gazing at the sparkling Sydney Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House. I can imagine the lights reflecting off the water, the current moving the boat and breathing in the salty warm air.
Somewhere else I’d love to explore is the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Home to 6,000 different animals, this zoo is filled with fascinating creatures, including Australian natives like kangaroos and koalas. I want to see a kangaroo hop across the enclosure and a koala be lazy munching on some leaves.
Of course, there will be many more hidden gems and spontaneous adventures to encounter, but there are also bigger side quests I’d love to take. New Zealand isn’t far from Sydney, and the Bay of Islands —where you can swim with dolphins and dive into crystal-clear waters — already shimmers in my imagination: sunlight dancing on the sea, dolphins leaping beside me and the thrill of exploring the underwater world.
Kangaroo Island in Tasmania is another destination I can’t wait to visit, along with one of the three national parks: Mole Creek Karst, Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair and Mount Field.
Discovering Bali, Indonesian temples, ancient caves and vibrant snorkeling reefs would leave me in awe. I imagine stone temples, dark echoes and bright colors of coral reef.
Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand are also on my list of potential trips, but I know I’ll need to balance studying and adventuring. During the week, I picture myself focused on classes while counting down the days until I have my next trip planned so I can trade my textbooks for experiences like surfing the waves on Bondi Beach or wandering through museums.
Moments of Homesickness
Although I’ve been buzzing with excitement for days, I know the first moments in Sydney will feel overwhelming. I’ll be far from home, surrounded by unfamiliar street names, buildings and accents. I can already picture myself double-checking my class schedule, leaving an hour early just in case I take a wrong turn or hop on the wrong train. The time difference will throw me off too, and it’ll take a while to find my rhythm.
Still, I can’t help but wonder what Sydney will truly feel like. Is the air as warm as everyone says? Are the people really that friendly? Those first impressions will shape the start of my journey — and I know learning to feel comfortable in uncertainty is part of the adventure. Maybe the moments of confusion will turn into laughter with my roommates over a wrong turn, or getting “lost” after circling the same square, stories that will eventually become my favorites.
There will be nights when homesickness settles in. I’ll miss my family, friends and the quiet familiarity of home. The distance — and time zones — will make staying connected harder, and I’ll feel the space between us more sharply. But even that ache reminds me how lucky I am to have people worth missing. When those feelings hit, I’ll focus on the memories I’m creating, the friendships forming and the ways this experience will help me grow.
See You Soon Sydney
As I count down the days until I leave, I realize that studying abroad in Sydney is about so much more than classrooms and assignments. It’s about stepping into the unknown and embracing the excitement. I can picture myself walking along the Sydney Harbour, trying Pavlova for the first time and spotting kangaroos and koalas. This journey is a chance not just to see Sydney, but to explore new places and ideas while discovering resilience, curiosity and growth within myself. Sydney, I’m so ready for you!