Hey! My name is Adi Mitchell and I am a current sophomore in the Frederick Honors College studying Marketing and Supply Chain Management with certificates in Public and Professional Writing and Sustainability. Outside of classes and extracurriculars, I love to go on hikes, run, and play the piano—really anything that keeps me moving!
Studying abroad has always been something I dreamed of doing, especially in Australia. In fact, I was drawn to Pitt because its Global Business Institute had a strong study abroad program in Sydney. While it is more common for third year students to spend their semester abroad, I’m unsure of what I want do post-graduation. Whether it is looking into grad school programs or working toward a Fulbright application, I am glad to have my junior spring in Pittsburgh.
I would describe my experience abroad so far as challenging but rewarding. I have been in Sydney for a little over three weeks now, and I have learned so much. Some of my learning experiences have been subtle, like adapting to the shortened slang of Australia and the bus system in Sydney. Other lessons have been harder, like learning the short window of time where the 16-hour time zone difference allows for phone calls back home. Every second of every day is a new experience, and for that I am so thankful.
Outside of schoolwork and my internship, I hope to grow as a more culturally aware individual. The best way to learn about culture is to immerse yourself in the world of others and foster dialogue. One impactful example of cultural awareness is speaking with Australians about United States politics and pop culture. My view of the States and our position in the world has drastically changed through conversations with my professors, new friends, and even Uber drivers. Further, Sydney is an amazing city to learn about the cultures of the world. Australia’s proximity to Asia means there are a plethora of neighborhoods offering different varieties of food and shops. This weekend, I went to Sydney’s Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Next weekend is Mardi Gras, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
In just a few short weeks, I can already feel myself growing into a more conscious person. My best advice for anyone considering or preparing to go abroad is to keep an open mind! Don’t shy away from conversations or people with differing perspectives. Embrace the learning experience and take every opportunity to challenge your current belief system.
Australia is already leaving an impression on my worldview. I can’t wait to learn and grow more in the coming months. Until next time!
