Before arriving in Sydney, I was honestly a little scared about studying abroad. I was excited to explore what my life would be like in Australia for the next few months, but I was also hesitant about being all by myself 8,000 miles away from home. Many people asked why I chose to study abroad in Australia, a place they saw as similar to the U.S. In just a few short weeks, I can confidently say that the two countries are very different — one of the only similarities I can name is that we share the same language.
A deep respect for the land and its history is part of Australian culture, which values paying homage to the country you are standing on and the elders past, present and emerging. I first saw an Aboriginal ceremony at a welcome event for international students. Ceremony leaders paid their respects to the elders and introduced the local nation’s dancers, the Dharawal Community.
The acknowledgment used in the ceremony at the welcome event isn’t limited to formal observances — many shops have signs with acknowledgments outside their doors. Even in church, the land’s traditional owners are recognized. People have respect for the generations that came before them. I find this aspect of Aboriginal culture communities very beautiful.
A fundamental difference between the United States and Australia that troubled me was driving on the opposite side of the road. I haven’t tried to drive a car during my time in Sydney, but I naturally walk on the right-hand side and foot traffic here is reversed. During my first few days here, I was confused about why I always felt like I was in other people’s way when walking on the sidewalk or even when taking the stairs.
Two weeks after arriving, I adjusted to the left side, and walking around and sightseeing became much easier. However, it helps that many of the locals are very kind! I think there may be a stigma that some countries don’t like American tourists, and with my accent, it’s very easy for people to identify where I am from. I have been lucky to receive so many cafe and restaurant recommendations from friendly Australians. My favorite restaurants are Yo-Chi — a self-serve açai bar, and Blackwood in Bondi — a popular brunch spot.
I feel blessed to be able to study at the University of Sydney and explore the beauty of this country. I arrived two weeks before my classes began, so I was able to get my footing and find new places without the stress of school. I am not living on campus, which is a unique experience for me. On-campus housing was full when I applied; the only option left was over 35 minutes away from the university. I was stressed out before my departure because I have always been within walking distance of my classes. But this challenge has come with unexpected benefits — I now live just two miles from Coogee Beach and can explore an entirely new part of the city that I might never have visited otherwise.
Academically, I’ve noticed significant differences in the grading system and classroom structure. During my orientation, my advisor mentioned that the school grading system differs greatly from what many students, especially from the U.S., may be used to. Here, 75 to 100 percent equates to an A, and a B is 65 to 74 percent. When I first heard this, I was intimidated. If 75 percent is an A, how intense are the universities here?
I’ve only had a week of classes, so I don’t know if my concerns about academic intensity will be valid. The grading system is not the only significant contrast — the structure of class schedules is also different. Professors at the University of Texas at Austin often let students out 10-15 minutes early. Here, if a class is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the class starts exactly at the former and ends at the latter. Having back-to-back classes has been complicated, but thankfully, my professors have been understanding.
Despite my initial fears, Sydney has already begun to feel like a second home. I’m grateful to my parents for supporting me and, even with the major time difference, always making time to call me to help mitigate my homesickness. I can’t wait to see what the next few months bring!
This post was contributed by Bayleigh Crane, a Global Ambassador for Spring 2025. Bayleigh is a sophomore studying abroad in Sydney, Australia.
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