Like New Zealand, Australia was also incredible! In Sydney, we got to see icons like the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge as well as learn about their history and cultural impact. We were even able to watch a show in the Opera House and take a tour of it. Another great experience was getting to see a Sydney Thunder cricket game! I’ve always been a big sports person, but I knew almost nothing about cricket. It didn’t take long for me to pick up the rules of the game, and I found myself cheering for the team just like the rest of the stadium. It was also very cool to observe its similarities to baseball. Outside the city, I had the privilege of visiting Blue Mountains National Park and Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. The views and hiking trails at the Blue Mountains were breathtaking, and it made me appreciate the natural beauty of these countries and their initiatives to sustain it for future generations. Getting to interact with kangaroos, emus, and koalas at Walkabout was a highlight of my trip and an experience I’ll talk about for a long time. From our lectures and company visits, I found conducting business in Australia to be very similar to the United States. Australian companies emphasize and reward education, entrepreneurship, and hard work, but there is also a strong focus on unplugging and enjoying life. Like Americans, Australians take great pride in their history. What was originally intended to be a prison colony became a chance for a fresh start for many people in the 18th century and has since become one of the largest economies in the world. Ultimately, these past two weeks have been some of the best of my life, and I am truly grateful to have participated in this wonderful program and learned so much in the land down under!
