To start off the new year of 2024, I embarked on an adventure that would shape me in more ways than I could have imagined—my study abroad journey to Sydney, Australia. It was a 17-hour flight from home, and for the first time, I stepped into a new country without knowing anyone. The thrill of being in an unfamiliar place was mixed with the nerves of leaving my family and friends behind. But I was ready to embrace the unknown.
Sydney welcomed me with its vibrant energy and relaxed lifestyle. I had come to study brand marketing and the influence of history on art, two subjects that captivated me as a business student and lover of culture. From visiting museums to exploring the Sydney Fish Market, every day felt like a discovery. One morning, my friends and I woke up at 5 AM, took a bus ride, and caught the sunrise at Coogee—a magical moment that made me realize how special it was to be in this beautiful place, surrounded by friends who had become like family.
Sydney was full of unexpected joys. I’ll never forget seeing a “bin chicken” (Australian white ibis) rummaging through the trash—it was strange but endearing. I caught sunsets with friends and visited Taronga Zoo to see kangaroos and koalas. My first cricket game was another highlight, especially when I stepped onto the field. And then, there was the Australian hot dog—wrapped in a slice of bread, topped with BBQ sauce. It was weirdly delicious.
I also traveled beyond Sydney, visiting Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef. In Melbourne, the Royal Botanic Gardens were absolutely beautiful. At the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters was an unforgettable experience, and swam alongside turtles and fishes.
But like all good things, my time in Sydney had to come to an end. On February 9, I packed up, said goodbye to the friends I had made, and boarded a flight to Singapore. Leaving Sydney was harder than I expected—I had come to love the city—but I was eager for the next chapter.
Singapore greeted me with the buzz of Lunar New Year preparations. The streets were bustling, and shops were filled with people buying gifts and food. As a Chinese American, Lunar New Year has always been a family time, and being away from home made me feel a bit lonely. But Singapore surprised me in the best ways. It was unlike anywhere I had been—so diverse and full of life.
In Singapore, I studied international business and interned at a Taekwondo company, where I created marketing materials. At first, I had a hard time communicating with my coworkers because Singapore is so linguistically diverse, with languages like Singlish, Mandarin, Malay, Hokkien, and Tamil all being spoken. The language barrier was a challenge, but one of my coworkers helped solve the problem by translating English to Mandarin and back for me. This collaboration not only improved our communication but also taught me a lot about adapting to new environments and working through challenges. As a business student, these experiences were invaluable and gave me firsthand exposure to the global business landscape, while also deepening my appreciation for cross-cultural teamwork.
Singapore offered endless opportunities to explore Universal Studios, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay. I even attended a Taylor Swift concert—an unforgettable experience with the energy of the crowd making it a night to remember.
A short trip to Malaysia added another layer to my journey. Standing in front of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur was surreal. The trip allowed me to appreciate the differences between Singapore and its neighboring country.
Speaking of food—Singaporean cuisine is a dream for food lovers. Each morning, I’d start with a “kopi” (coffee with condensed milk) and a pastry. The hawker centers became my paradise, and I found my favorite dishes: Hainanese chicken and rice, bak kut teh, and chili crab.
As my three-month adventure ended, I realized how much I had grown by embracing new cultures and stepping out of my comfort zone. Leaving Singapore was tough, but I felt grateful for the experience.
To future study abroad students, I recommend taking chances and connecting with locals. I plan to continue practicing my Mandarin and applying what I learned during my internship. This experience solidified my desire to work internationally and deepened my appreciation for the global community.
