CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Sydney, Australia

I abosutely loved studying abroad through the CAPA program. I spent 7.5 weeks in Sydney, Australia, and I learned so much. CAPA helped me prepare for the trip, helped me find an amazing internship, and the staff was always there in Sydney if we needed anything. As a group, CAPA took us on a trip to the Blue Mountains and a wildlife park where we got to pet and feed so many kangaroos. Interning abroad really introduced me to the Australian culture. I got to apply the skills I have learned in the classroom to real life situations for a company that was really happy I was there.

The internship aspect was the best part about this program. I made so many new friends and learned a lot about what I wanted to do for a career after graduation. Who else can say that they had an internship abroad?!

While abroad I was doing a 6 credit internship. The CAPA staff did an amazing job at matching an internship to my major, interests, and it was even walking distance from my home. I learned so much from doing an internship in another country. The administrations in Sydney were very helpful. They were all quick to respond to emails and made us all aware of any resources we might need. They also kept us up to date on any activities that we might be interested in, in sydney and made sure we didn't forget to do our assignments.While studying abroad I was lucky enough to participate in the homestay option. This made it a little bit harder to always keep up with the other students, but this was an amazing way to learn more about the countries culture and see just really how people on the other side of the world live! I felt very integrated since I did the homestay. I also spent some time volunteering in Sydney, which was an amazing way to meet the locals and learn more about the culture. It was especially easy since there was no language barrier. Although things may have seemed very similar to the states, getting involved was a great way to realize and appreciate the differences. Although it sounds kind of cheesy I learned a lot about myself while being abroad. I have always been a fairly independent person but that really gets put to the test when you are in a foreign country where you don't know anyone. I would say it helped me grow up a bit and learn some good life skills, like how to take the public transport! I also learned a lot about working in an international company. I had lots of responsibilities at my internship and learned how to balance my time seeing a new country while getting my work done. This was an amazing experience and I would do it all over again if I could.

In Australia, I was able to have a full time internship with a physical therapist. I got a good feel for the ins and outs of the typical day of a manual and orthopedic physical therapist. I was able to volunteer with my supervisor and assist in the treatment of athletes participating in 111km canoe race at the various check points. I went to two classes that were held on the same day, so I only had to go to campus on Wednesdays. I took The Global City: Sydney, and I recommend this class in any location because our teacher took us on tours and taught us politics, history and interactions of local social groups. In my free time I was able to go to the beach, go on coastal walks and enjoy all of the fun social things Sydney had to offer. This time was beautiful, and I was the happiest I have ever been.

My time in Sydney Australia was truly enhanced by the amount of involvement I took part in. My program offered a student council to coordinate events, and I highly suggest taking part in this. In addition I think it is vastly helpful to get to know everyone in your program and create friendships that will help you deal with culture shock and share adventures with. Once you are settled and feel comfortable in your new home, make sure to explore and see everything you can. While I was there I tried doing something in the city at least every week, and even traveled farther on several occasions. Doing so with other people in your program will make that experience that much better.

I will forever be grateful for the CAPA Study Abroad program for offering such an amazing experience. I recently completed a fall semester study abroad in Sydney, Australia. I was able to hone my time management skills as I juggled coursewor, a part-time internship at drinks Association in Chatswood, and personal travel. After returning from my study abroad, I feel that I am able to add more valuable input in class discussions. I created long lasting ties with my co-workers at my internship site and took part in amazing travel opportunities to the Gold Coast and Cairns. I was busy and found I had to put n more work than originally anticipated, but nothing worthwhile comes easy! I would do another Study Abroad in a heartbeat; it is truly a life changing experience!

Going to Sydney was something I will never forget, and the internship program left me with a lot of lasting memories. I interned at Driftwood Capital, a financial firm that helped growth-stage companies obtain capital. Being my first internship and it being in Australia, I had no idea what to expect. I was not treated like an intern at all and I became friends with some of the people I worked with. Even though we did not take classes with Australian students, I felt I was able to get my cultural experience by spending a lot of time with my coworkers.

I work from 9 - 5 Monday through Thursday and traveled on the weekends. I enjoyed my internship but I didn't care for the commute and public transportation. It was rewarding to get to see so much of Sydney, Australia. Like the Opera House and Darling Harbour. I got to make new friends and build my network for my future career. I work at a travel guide publishing company. I wrote for their blog and website. I also did the events section for their publication for the spring. The first day I was there I got an assignment and wrote an article that was published. Having this internship help me become a better writer and employee. There was a confidence that came with have my writing being used each week. I found myself to be more liberating young woman. When you are 15 hours ahead of everyone you know you can’t call you mom and have her fix your problems. You have to figure it out for yourself.This experience has taught me to except people for who they are. This trip has made me want try to learn something about all cultures and to continue to travel the world.