Life in the Land Down Under

Interning in Australia was my first experience living abroad, and with the support of Cultural Embrace by API, transitioning to a new country was smooth and stress-free.

I lived with a lovely Australian family in North Sydney and my internship was at a nutrition clinic about a mile and half away, making for a convenient daily commute.

The landscape was beautiful and green with rich vegetation, and the neighborhood was fashioned with sidewalks lining every street, making it suitable for running. An avid fitness enthusiast, I also located a yoga studio only a short bike ride from my home-stay.

After several weeks of navigating the city and its many suburbs on my own, I eventually made my way towards the ocean, sand and social scene of Bondi Beach, where I stumbled on quaint coffee shops, health food stores, crystal waters, and hours of sunbathing. On the shores of Bondi, I made friends that are still some of my best mates to this day, including my Aussie boyfriend.

I went to Australia with an open mind and heart and a focus on personal growth and development. I made a conscious effort to stay fully present through every moment of my six months overseas. I turned challenges- such as experiencing bouts of homesickness or trouble with interpreting the Aussie accents and lingo- into opportunities for learning, viewing any difficulty as a chance to strengthen my fortitude.