Stepping off the plane in Sydney, I was greeted with a blast of unexpectedly cold air. I knew that
the seasons were flipped in the Southern Hemisphere, but wearing a coat in July just felt
fundamentally wrong. This moment was a jarringly clear signal that I was far from home — and
this wasn’t just about the 16-hour time difference. From that first hour, it was clear that I would
have to adjust to more than just jet lag.
Since arriving, I’ve had countless little reminders that I’m living in a completely different part of
the world. Some differences are subtle, like walking on the left side of the sidewalk. Others are
more amusing, like calling a grilled sandwich a “toastie.” Even using public transport was a
learning curve for me.
Every day presented something new, a small challenge or curiosity that
reminded me I had left my comfort zone and landed in an entirely new continent. I wasn’t
alone; nearly a thousand other international students had also arrived at the University of
Sydney (USyd ) for their exchange semester. Knowing that so many of us were in the same boat
made it a lot less intimidating. Thankfully, USyd did a fantastic job of welcoming us, from
orientation events to club fairs and organized city tours, there were endless opportunities to
meet people and start forming connections.
I joined a few clubs, including one for marine science students and another on rock climbing.
These groups helped turn a massive new city into a more familiar and friendly place.
Once classes started, the pace of life picked up quickly. The first month of the semester flew by
in a blur of lectures, readings, and tutorial sessions. In many ways, it felt like any other semester
back in Austin, grabbing coffee before class, chatting with classmates, studying late into the
night. However, there were constant reminders that this semester was different. The iconic
Sydney Opera House was just a short bus ride away, and Bondi Beach was easily reachable by
train.
My routine might have included library sessions and assignments, but I was living in one of the
most beautiful and exciting cities in the world. Like every student, I’ve struggled at times to find
the right balance between academics and adventure. With so many new friends and new places
to explore, it’s incredibly tempting to say “yes” to everything. On the weekend, I struggle to
pick between hitting the beach, trying a new brunch spot, or flying to a new city — all while
keeping up with my coursework. It’s a learning process, and I’m still figuring out how to manage
my time, prioritize without missing out, and make the most of every day here in Australia.
This experience has taught me more than I expected, not just about Australian culture, but
about myself. I’ve learned to be more adaptable, more open to change, and more willing to take on challenges. Being far from home has pushed me to grow in ways that wouldn’t have
been possible otherwise. The thrill of discovering something new every day has made this
exchange semester one of the most memorable chapters of my life. I’ve also had the chance to
practice my time management skills, allowing me to explore all the amazing things Australia has
to offer.
This post was contributed by Citrine Briseno, a Global Ambassador for Fall 2025. Citrine is a
College of Liberal Arts senior participating in an exchange program at the University of Sydney
in Sydney, Australia.
