My main goal for my study abroad experience in Sydney, Australia was to simply enjoy it. I had the benefit of speaking to another student from UWB about the personal benefits from studying abroad, but that it was simply your experience to make of it. I decided that while I was here, I would take that into accord, and although I was fearful of what it meant for me to be embarking on this journey alone, I would not hinder myself in any way. The program that I signed up for, was different from what I understood study abroad to be. The school I attended was located in the heart of Sydney– near Chinatown, and only a 25-minute train ride from the famous Sydney Opera House.
The school was filled with fellow American students, students like me that came on their own from their institution in the U.S to take courses with fellow Americans taught by Australian professors. This made me realize that although I was fearful of how I could take on a completely new area, culture and livelihood, there were hundreds of others that made the same decision as me. This was my sign to take everything head-on. I made some wonderful relationships throughout my time in Sydney, but it was the time alone, that cemented my trip for me.
I realized that although I have lived a fruitful life, I lacked independence and choice in all my doings, and I yearned for freedom and the ability to do what I want, when I wanted to. As I discovered choice was my ultimate privilege, I embodied this by visiting the beautiful Opera house four times. I dined at the same Japanese souffle pancake cafe almost every day after school; until I got sick of it of course. I took on a hobby that I couldn’t quite find a partner for; hiking. This included me travelling to the oh so famous Blue Mountains, which is west of Sydney and famous for its breathtaking views.
I even did the famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, all in some flip flops and a swimsuit coverup. I would have to admit that I did have quite a sore knee afterwards, but to me, it was all worth it. I realized that I could venture into unknown and quite forbidden territory as well, as I accompanied a housemate and some friends on a trip to famous wineries all across Adelaide. Paired with the scorching hot sun of about 80 degrees and a glass of Moscato, I couldn’t help but feel that I made the best decision visiting a new city, as it helped me realize that Australia offers many different aspects of life that can work for anyone and everyone. The relaxed landscape and nature made for a relaxing time away from the courses I was taking, but also a perspective that was only possible once I was there.
I was discovering that I enjoyed things like sunsets and sunrises at magnificent beaches that I only thought I could see in places like Hawaii, as well as having my first experience petting and feeding a koala and kangaroo. That was more a bucket-list thing for me, but it was fun to do the things that I could not wait to tell people back home about.
Travelling solo also made me realize that aspect of human interaction that is necessary and needed; as many times I still needed someone to help me with directions, or take photos that could not be captured well as a selfie. There were a handful of times that all these experiences felt like a dream, and I couldn’t help but be grateful to myself and for UW for giving me the opportunity to discover what it is that is important to me as I travel and try new things. As I come to my last few weeks, I have one more solo trip left: Melbourne. I am pleased to know that I now can pronounce it like a local, (Mel-bin), and that I can finally see for myself if the so-called ‘rivalry’ between the two cities, Sydney and Melbourne,is a valid one. While I am in Melbourne, I plan to implement the same philosophy that has helped me enjoy my time here. That is, although I am solo that doesn’t stop life from being so fun!
