Discovering Sydney: My Spring Semester Abroad

By: Tanvi Mathrubootham

Spending my Spring 2025 semester studying abroad at UNSW in Sydney, Australia through CIEE was one of the best experiences of my undergraduate journey. From exploring a vibrant new city across the world to making lifelong friends from around the world, this semester gave me memories I’ll carry with me forever.

I felt incredibly safe navigating the city, even when I was out exploring and figuring things out on the go because it kept the experience exciting and fresh. I especially loved spending time in and around Circular Quay, which is home to iconic spots like the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Another personal favorite was the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk, with its stunning scenery that never got old. For all the foodies out there, Sydney’s food scene is one of the best I’ve ever seen; there are so many incredible spots to try, spanning every cuisine you could possibly imagine. My biggest go-to was the Haymarket and Chinatown area, with endless Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food options — three of my favorites.

One of the most unforgettable experiences was jet boating with my mom in Sydney Harbour on my 21st birthday, with beautiful views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We’re both huge adrenaline seekers, so it was a lot of fun laughing (and screaming) together. A quirkier but equally fun memory was the ‘Terrible Ideas Hackathon’ at UNSW, where the whole point was to come up with a ridiculous idea and bring it to life. It was lighthearted, funny, and a chance to be creative without pressure; it was a refreshing change from the typical STEM environment, which often feels competitive and high-stakes. Some other highlights were an immersive Squid Game challenge that was both thrilling but still lighthearted, and getting to see Billie Eilish in concert — something I never imagined I’d do halfway across the world.

One of the biggest lessons I took away from my semester abroad was independence. Learning to navigate a new city, handle daily routines, and balance coursework with exploration pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. Whether it was taking the light rail to a new part of the city, navigating class schedules and deadlines at a new university, or taking on opportunities outside my comfort zone, every challenge built my confidence and has motivated me to seek out more global experiences.

The CIEE staff were amazing throughout the entire study abroad process, offering support each step of the way. From pre-departure advising and detailed checklists to 24/7 help after reaching Sydney, their reliability made me feel reassured that I could handle whatever challenges came my way. Beyond logistical support, the CIEE staff organized several activities, which were such a fun way to take a break from classes and meet other students. I especially appreciated this as someone who’s more introverted and sometimes struggles to put myself out there. Some of my favorite activities were bracelet and card making, thrift shopping and an amazing boat party to close out the summer term. The staff were always there to support us, and I loved getting to know them personally.

Overall, my semester abroad in Sydney was a truly memorable mix of challenges and rewards, and I’m so glad I chose to take on the chance to study abroad. Whether I was wandering solo, hanging out with local friends, or joining CIEE activities, I was and am so grateful for all the memories. If you’re considering studying abroad, I couldn’t recommend this program more; it’s a chance to grow, explore, and see the world through a new lens. The opportunity is right there, so why not make it yours — use my referral link [https://my.ciee.org/?rc=yaystudyabroad] to unlock $200 off any CIEE program in the future, and start your journey of discovery.

EXPLORE SYDNEY