Wanderlust Wonders: Vivian’s Journey Abroad (week 7)
Down Under Diaries- Week 7
As I reflect on this final week here in Sydney, Australia, I find myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. This week has been a culmination of experiences, leaving a lasting mark on my Australian journey that I’ll forever cherish.
Highlight #1: 2024 Lord Mayor’s Welcome for International Students
To start off this week, I attended the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Welcome for International Students event, a fitting farewell to my time in Sydney. It struck me as ironic, considering the opposite academic calendar between Australian universities and Bucknell. This annual event held in Town Hall is remarkable. Stepping into this space was like entering a melting pot of cultures. Meeting fellow international students from across the globe reminded me of the interconnectedness of our world and the richness of diversity.
Highlight #2: University of Sydney and University of New South Wales
Exploring the campuses of the University of Sydney (USyd) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) continued to fuel my fascination with Sydney’s academic landscape. The contrast between these campuses and our current university abroad, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), is striking. Walking through each campus felt like stepping into a completely different world. While UTS is a more open, integrated urban campus, USyd and UNSW exuded a sense of community and inclusiveness reminiscent of Bucknell. The enclosed, traditional feel of both universities sparked a desire within me to further my studies in Sydney. It’s a testament to the diversity of educational environments one can find within a single city.
Highlight #3: Sydney Opera House and Australia’s Museum of Contemporary Art
Of course, no visit to Sydney would be complete without exploring one of its most iconic landmarks: The Opera House. Stepping behind the scenes, we learned about the intricacies of each theatre, each space resonating with its own unique aura. The attention to detail is astounding; from the meticulously staged designs to the subtle nuances of acoustics, every aspect highlights the dedication and artistry behind this renowned venue. I was particularly fascinated to learn about the “tuned” walls, carved to resonate with the sound waves of middle C- an architectural genius design!
Following the Opera House tour, I visited Australia’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Multiple forms of art covered the walls, from statues to paintings, to ink prints. I was mesmerized by the array of Aboriginal artwork; each piece echoed the rich cultural heritage and profound storytelling traditions of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. It was a concluding poignant reminder of the depth and diversity of artistic expression that thrives within this vibrant city of Sydney.
This spectacular final week makes it even more difficult to say goodbye. As I depart Sydney, I am left feeling bittersweet: while I’ll never be ready to bid farewell to Darling Harbour, our home away from home, I’m filled with excitement for our upcoming travels to Cairns and Singapore. Each destination, each experience, adds a chapter to the ongoing saga of exploration and discovery. And thus, with hearts full of incredible memories and minds filled with endless possibilities, we set forth into the unknown, eager to embrace whatever our study abroad journey continues to bring…
Vivian Kuang ’25
BSBA in Management and Organizations Freeman College of Management