University of Wisconsin–Madison

Australia: Talia Bergerson (My First Days in Sydney)

A 28 hour journey from the Midwest to Australia has come and gone: my mind and body are confused on the time, what day it really is, and how I jumped from a polar vortex to a plethora of humidity and sunshine. But it has been worth it. I have been in Sydney for only a few days, but these few days have been filled with new experiences and activities.

A stone building with a tower through the middle has an ivy-covered arched entrance.
The Quadrangle at the University of Sydney

Starting off, Sydney is such a fascinating place. Each neighborhood, from Camperdown where I live, to Glebe, Newtown, and the Central Business District, have their own distinct aura around them. I have been adventuring around Glebe, Newtown, Camperdown, and Broadway, and I can attest that each place you go feels like you are entering an entirely different spot in the world, not just another part of Sydney.

One thing I have already learned is that the coffee and tea culture in Sydney is no joke. Starbucks? Not a thing—actually, the city of Sydney has slowly been getting rid of all Starbucks stores (they are down to two). Instead, independent cafés with quaint names and decor line the streets. As an avid tea drinker myself, I hope to try all the different cafés teas and see what comes out on top! So far, I have been to Abercrombie Café which serves exquisite chai.

As I have started my trip into the Sydney lifestyle, I have a few preliminary takeaways:

  1. To look to the right, not the left, first when crossing the street
  2. People are exceptionally nice.
  3. Bugs are bigger here (I met a dragonfly in the bathroom this morning).
  4. My campus is gorgeous and looks like it came from the set of a movie (photo attached!).

The next week is to be filled with the basic tourist attractions: Bondi, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Harbour Bridge. I look forward to experiencing all Sydney has to offer and becoming more accustomed to the daily lifestyle down under!

Talia smiles in front of a bright blue door, underneath a flowering pink tree.

Talia Bergerson

Hometown: Burnsville, Minnesota

Major: Philosophy with a Certificate in Criminal Justice

Program: University of Sydney – Exchange

I hope to pursue a career in either International, Maritime, or Environmental law (or a mixture of the three), and the University of Sydney and Australia in general are places where these interests perfectly intersect!

CRICOS Provider: 00026A