I have always wanted to study abroad. In fact, I have known that I want to move and work abroad since probably middle school.
Initially, I was going to look for a program in Europe or the UK. Eventually, I saw that Australia was a real option for me, and I chose CAPA Sydney specifically because of the internship aspect! Other things that stuck out to me while deciding were inclusions such as housing and transportation costs.
As I mentioned above, CAPA was really great because it provided me and other students with a lot of opportunities in addition to just amenities. The CAPA center provided us with city excursions to see more of Sydney and learn about Australian culture. In addition, we were given transit passes that were filled throughout the program, and our housing was organized for us!
I think it is really important for students going on my program to take advantage of everything from the start. I took a few weeks to just explore my neighborhood in Sydney, but I should have pushed myself to see more right away! By the end of my 3 months, I felt rushed to see everything that was still on my list.
An average week for me looked like this...
Monday - I went to my internship for most of the day. I would be there from 9 am to 5 pm with a 2-hour lunch during the day.
Tuesday - Same as Monday, I would go to my internship from 9 am to 5 pm and have a couple of hours for lunch.
Wednesday - Nothing until the class in the afternoon!
Thursday - Class in the afternoon, same as Wednesday.
Other than those commitments, I had the rest of the time to myself.
I wasn't actually nervous or scared about any part of this program. I think one thing that intimidated me some was flying into an international airport for the first time by myself. Whenever I have left the country before, I had my parents or another guardian to help me through customs, but in Sydney, I was by myself. It was so much easier than any other place I've been to, though!
It may not be a question, but it is more of a comment on Australia's culture! Sydneysiders are some of the BEST people I have met in my life. They are so incredibly welcoming and approachable. I definitely had to put myself out there to get to know them, but there was not a single person that was not helpful or friendly that I encountered.