Study Abroad in Australia: The Best Kind of Learning

I dreamed of studying abroad before coming to college. After my trip to Australia was canceled in 2020, I was even more certain that study abroad in Sydney was an experience I couldn’t miss. I chose to study abroad to push myself out of my comfort zone: for new cultures, adventures, travel to exciting places, and a unique academic experience.  

I finally got the opportunity to live in Sydney, Australia, and study at University of New South Wales. This program was a great fit for me because of its location and the strong support system provided by IFSA. From orientation to excursions and ongoing support throughout the semester, IFSA made the transition to living abroad smooth and manageable.  

Embracing Aussie culture  

While in Australia, I tried my best to embrace Aussie culture. I loved spending time at beaches and going on coastal walks. I even tried unique foods like Vegemite (not my favorite), emu, kangaroo, and crocodile. I took classes such as Climate Change, Marketing, Political Ecology, and Australia Through a Visitor’s Eye, which expanded my academic perspective and personal worldview.  

Traveling and being able to fully immerse myself was a highlight of my experience. I visited Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, and the Whitsundays, where I snorkeled at the Great Barrier Reef. I also traveled to Fiji and New Zealand, where I went skydiving, horseback riding, and white-water rafting.  

New skills that matter for life  

Reflecting on my time abroad, now I realize I gained so many skills without even noticing. Study abroad pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible. Through cultural experiences and travel I became more independent, built lifelong friendships, and developed new perspective on education, culture, and travel. Living in another country for four and a half months taught me so much about myself and the world around me.  

As I get ready to graduate and once again enter into a new phase of life, I see how transferable these experiences are. Study abroad helped me build confidence, strengthen my communication skills, and adapt to new environments. I developed a greater sense of cultural awareness and learned how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds. I feel prepared for post-college with confidence, adaptability, and a fresh perspective. 

Hanna M. | Bucknell University | University of New South Wales, Australia | Spring 2025