Australia has been an amazing conclusion to this study abroad experience. After spending a week in New Zealand, I thought I had a good sense of how countries in this region approach business and culture, but Australia offered a very different perspective. Sydney felt larger, faster, and more globally connected than Auckland. Sydney combines its British colonial roots with a modern, diverse identity that reminded me more of a city like New York. Despite that, Australians have their own relaxed and friendly way of doing things that still made every interaction feel personal.
When meeting business professionals in Sydney, I noticed a strong emphasis on relationships and trust. They value direct communication but keep conversations casual and approachable. This balance of professionalism and ease was something I really admired. It showed me that conducting business doesn’t have to feel so formal to be effective. In New Zealand, that same sense of openness existed, with a focus on being humble when presenting yourself and your business. Comparing both countries, I learned how culture deeply impacts how people negotiate, make decisions, and build partnerships.
One speaker we had in Sydney spoke to us about some of the unique laws for businesses in Australia. A law that was recently passed was the right to disconnect, giving employees the right to refuse contact outside of their working hours. This law highlights a difference in working culture between Australia and the United States, with Australia being much more focused on work life separation and balance.
My initial impression before the trip was that Australia and New Zealand would feel almost the same culturally. After being in both, I realized I was wrong. New Zealand’s focus on environmental preservation and indigenous respect shaped almost every aspect of daily life. Australia, while also proud of its indigenous heritage, seemed more globally focused and economically driven.
Overall, this experience changed how I see international business. It’s less about learning rules and more about understanding people and their culture. Even though it was only two weeks, I felt that I expanded my ability to adapt, communicate, and learn from the diverse cultures and perspectives around me.
