Summer Down Under Past Review

Spending my summer in Sydney, Australia studying abroad was the best decision I have ever made. As cheesy as it sounds, I cannot explain in writing how much this trip, this summer meant to me. It was one of those experiences that I will never forget for so many reasons. The friends you make abroad are unlike any other friendships you will have. You are able to bond over the most incredible experience because only they understand the journey you are on. IES gave me the summer of a lifetime and I could not be more grateful for taking the opportunity I thought would never arise. I took two classes while in Sydney, but also had time to travel on the weekends as they created a schedule for us that allowed us to explore. The teachers were great, and I am so grateful for all I learned in my classes there. Our housing was in such a great location. Only a two minute walk to the bus and a two mile run to the beach which I took advantage of quite often. This program gave us a chance to fall in love with such a magnificent city while also giving us the freedom to explore other cities as well. The program was set up so well as the program directors worked hard to create a smooth transition for us. We took a trip to the Blue Mountains, sailed the harbour by night while enjoying a welcome dinner, travelled to the Outback where we slept under the stars and hiked in the red dirt, explored Melbourne and toured the Great Ocean Road, and flew to Cairns to witness the beauty that is the Great Barrier Reef. Not only did I learn more about Australian history and business leadership from my classes, but I learned how to plan and travel on my own as well as embrace people from a different culture and learn about who they are and why they are the way they are. I fell in love with Australia and the people there and I can only hope that one day I will return. Sydney was definitely my favorite city and one I hope to call home someday, even if it's just for a few years. I usually do not like living in cities, but Sydney made me feel at home. There was the busy city life filled with busses, trains, and ferries, but then there were parks to escape to, the harbour which you never tired of, and the dozens of beaches that never ceased to amaze you with their spectacular views. Studying abroad in Sydney, Australia through IES provided me with the best summer I could have hoped for!