Studying at the University of Sydney this semester changed the way I see myself as a student. I expected the academic system here to differ from GW, but I did not anticipate how deeply it would push me to grow. Adjusting to a completely new approach forced me to rethink how I study, how I manage my time, and what it truly means to take ownership of my learning. Somewhere in that process, I realized I was capable of far more than I ever gave myself credit for.
My first week at USYD was a wake up call. Lectures here move quickly, and professors deliver dense material without slowing down or repeating themselves. There are no reminders or gradual introductions. You are expected to keep up, stay focused, and fill in any gaps on your own. In the beginning, I felt like I was barely keeping pace. I had to adjust fast, prereading before class, organizing my notes differently, and training myself to listen for the overall logic rather than trying to write down everything. Once I found a rhythm, I felt more steady and much more present in every lecture.
Tutorials became the part of the academic environment I enjoyed most. They are small, discussion based sessions where you go beyond the lecture and work through the material in depth. In my politics and law courses, tutorials often felt like focused, thoughtful conversations where we questioned ideas, analyzed cases, and explained our reasoning to each other. Participation is essential because every student shapes the discussion. These conversations pushed me to think more critically, speak with more confidence, and engage with the content in a way that made everything feel connected and real.
A major highlight of my semester was a group project involving a Sydney law firm. My team explored carbon abatement strategies and how different industries might approach sustainability in the future. Even without going into specific details, collaborating with professionals made the coursework feel practical and grounded. It helped me understand how legal thinking, environmental concerns, and business decision making come together in an Australian context and expanded how I think about the work I want to pursue.
The grading system at USYD also required a level of discipline that felt very different from my experience at GW. Instead of weekly assignments, most classes rely on a few major assessments that determine almost the entire grade. Finals carry significant weight. With fewer checkpoints, I had to create a structure for myself. It was overwhelming at first, but building weekly revision habits, staying organized, and setting earlier personal deadlines helped me become more responsible and more confident in managing my workload.
There were also things that genuinely surprised me. The student community is incredibly international, bringing a range of perspectives into every discussion. And even with the rigor, students in Sydney maintain a sense of balance and wellbeing that I really admire. People work hard but still make time for themselves, and that mindset is something I want to carry forward.
This semester pushed me far outside the rhythms I was used to at GW. It challenged me academically, but it also changed me personally. I never realized I could be this capable, hardworking, or organized until I left home and went abroad. Over the past year, I have grown academically, mentally, emotionally, and even physically. Living in different countries and navigating entirely new systems forced me to rely on myself in ways I never had to before.
Somewhere along the way, I became stronger on the inside. I feel more grounded, more steady, and far less intimidated by things that used to overwhelm me. I have learned to meet uncertainty with confidence rather than fear. As my time in Australia comes to an end, I feel genuinely sad to leave this beautiful place and the people who made it feel like home. But I also know the lessons, habits, and memories I have gained here will stay with me wherever I go.
It feels surreal to realize that I am living a life I once only imagined. I feel incredibly lucky to have had these experiences, and I am deeply grateful to GWU for giving me the chance to grow into this version of myself.
Emily Huang
Fall 2025 – GW Exchange - University of Sydney
Spring 2025 – GW Global Bachelor's Program - Asia-Pacific Semester
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs & Business Double Major
The Global Bachelor’s Program