Studying abroad at the University of Sydney has been by far the most incredible experience of my life. It's hard to condense into words just how marvelous this opportunity was.

A crucial aspect of my overall abroad experience was meeting a large group of international friends in the first few weeks of my arrival in Sydney. I attended various international events hosted by the University which paved the road to my successful abroad experience! I gained some of the most special friendships that I’m positive will last a lifetime and created connections all over the world!

Although I was living in Australia, I gained so much insight about different cultures all over the world, outside of Aussie life! I lived in a student accommodation in the heart of the city called Scape Sydney Central, which is located 15 minutes walking distance from campus. I shared a living space with people from the UK, China, Thailand, Philippines, and a few Americans. Outside of my specific flat, my accommodation included 5 other buildings which made making friends easy. I felt right at home seeing friendly faces every time I left my flat. A large proportion of the student population living at Scape were in a similar unknown situation, we found comfort in meeting others. The support I endured from these friendships was key in navigating Uni life.

The University of Sydney campus is stunning, it gains its character from a mix of old, brick, castle-looking architecture, and modern glass buildings. The campus is especially beautiful in the Spring when the Jacaranda trees bloom. These beautiful lavender flowers create a sweet and magical smell throughout campus.

The class curriculum was more challenging at USyd in comparison to MSU, but don’t let that intimidate you. This nudge allowed me to grow immensely. I have never felt more prepared for post-graduate education. Prior to this experience, I was intimidated by the idea of graduate school and furthering my degree in any aspect. I come from a single-parent household, and I will be a first-generation post-graduation student. It’s unheard of in my family to study abroad, travel outside of the United States, or attend graduate school.

I have also struggled with ADD all of my life, I noticed my symptoms surface more prominently during this challenging experience but the resilience and relationship with myself became stronger than ever.

I was grateful to live amongst so many highly accomplished, sophisticated, determined, supportive, and motivated students. This was just the right environment I needed to help me unlock my full academic potential.

The rewards gained by studying abroad are without a doubt worth every penny, time, and effort put into making this dream come to life. I cannot recommend this program enough. Australia is the most beautiful, clean, welcoming, innovative, artistic, and safe country I could have ever chosen to study in. The snakes and spiders are not as prominent and dreadful as you think. Aussies like to keep that myth alive to maintain clear beaches.

I encourage any MSU student who craves a global perspective to apply for this program. With determination, willingness to go out of your comfort zone, and an open mind, any student would be capable of success at the University of Sydney.

Name: Taylor Dusseault
Status: Senior
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Marquette, Michigan
Program: University of Sydney in Australia