What made this intern abroad experience unique and special?
Rob: The people. Through my intern abroad experience I was able to make so many new friendships with people from many different backgrounds. Meeting a lot of good people and sharing experiences with them was definitely the best part of my trip.
It was enlightening to hear their stories and views, and realize how similar we all really are. Besides that, it was valuable to learn how to interact and network with people from different cultures, a skill I hope to utilize often in my future work and travel.
What was the best place you visited outside of your intern abroad city?
Rob: Visiting Sydney was one of the highlights of my trip. The Sydney harbor and opera house are must-see sights while in Australia. If you are staying in the CBD there is a free bus that takes you to Circular Quay, the harbor area, which is great because public transportation in Sydney is quite expensive.
Also, Manly beach is a short ferry ride across the harbor. It’s a great local surf spot. The CBD is full of great stores, restaurants, and bars, so on a Saturday night downtown Sydney is the place to be.
Tell us about any interesting cultural tidbits you noticed about your country.
Rob: First and foremost, Australia is incredibly diverse, a fact that I never realized until I arrived. Because of this, it is a great place to go to experience different cultures, meet interesting people and broaden your horizons. It makes Australian life so unique. Additionally, there’s a very tangible relaxed attitude in Australia, both in the workplace and in everyday life. There really are “no worries”.
What is one piece of advice you'd give future The Intern Group students?
Rob: Allow yourself to get the most out of your intern abroad experience by leaving your comfort zone behind. Talk to strangers, go out to local venues, try new foods and be spontaneous. It was the most rewarding decision I made during my trip.