Hello! My name is Colette and I am a rising junior at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a dual degree in Accounting and Finance. I’m originally from right outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, so coming to Pitt was definitely an adjustment at first. I remember being really nervous about stepping into something new and unfamiliar, but over time, I ended up loving it. Proving to myself that I could thrive outside of my comfort zone is actually a big part of what encouraged me to take this next step and study abroad.
This summer, I’ll be spending 6 weeks in Sydney, Australia where I will be completing an internship and academic course for credit. When I was deciding where to go, I knew I wanted to choose somewhere I might not have the chance to visit again, and Australia felt like the perfect opportunity. It’s somewhere I’ve never been before, and the idea of living there seems so exciting and thrilling.
Going into this experience, I don’t have many set expectations- I’m just excited for everything. I love exploring new places and trying new things, and because of this, I think I will find every part of this experience meaningful. One thing I am particularly looking forward to learning about is the culture, and I can’t wait to see how daily life, communication, and work environments might differ from what I’m used to.
One of my biggest goals for this trip is to grow both personally and professionally. Through my internship, I hope to strengthen my communication skills and gain experience working in a professional environment in a different country. I think it’s especially valuable to learn how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and perspectives, and this experience will give me the opportunity to do that. On a personal level, I’m excited to meet new people, hear their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures. I hope to notice the small differences in everyday life and reflect on how those perspectives might influence my own moving forward.
Overall, I am super excited about this experience and everything that comes with it. I know these six weeks will go by quickly, so I’m looking forward to making the most of every opportunity and sharing my journey along the way!
