After experiencing New Zealand, it was time to explore Sydney Australia. After the plane ride, the group attended a cricket match where we learned more about the sport culture in Australia. It was fun to compare the similarities and differences between cricket and baseball and also learn the rules of a new sport.
The next day, we went on a walking tour of the historical area of Sydney and learned about the people that lived in Australia before it was colonized, the Aboriginals, and the introduction of English prisoners into Australia once the United Kingdom gained the land as a colony. The tour was very interesting, and it was nice to have background information on the city that we spent the week exploring. We also visited the Sydney Opera House and learned about its architectural history and creation.
Visiting PwC in Sydney was where I was really able to learn more about working culture and accounting in Australia. I learned more about International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), its principle-based nature and presence in Australia, and the way IFRS and Australia legislation changes accounting practices. I also learned how Australians value time away from work and taking time to travel. People simply move at a different pace in Australia.
In addition, our group heard from a few speakers; one speaker taught us about the workings of small businesses in Australia, including their challenges involving Australia taxation and business regulations. We also learned about advertising from a speaker that had previously lived and worked in the US and moved to Sydney and started his own advertising consulting company.
All in all, the United States and Australia are greatly similar in culture, language, and work. However, I was able to pick up on many differences between the cultures which caused me to think about different perspectives when it comes to work and way of life. I will be forever thankful for the wonderful experience of studying abroad in Australia and New Zealand and have come home with many memories and new insights.
