Author: Vitoria Spoorenberg

Politics and International Relations student currently studying abroad at the University of Sydney.

Looking back on Australia

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Vitoria Spoorenberg, University of Sydney

Reflecting on my time abroad is difficult because truthfully, I never wanted it to end. The hardest part of studying abroad was leaving. I can confirm reverse culture / re-entry shock is real.

The reason why so many clichés about studying abroad exist is because there is no other way to put it; studying abroad truly was the most incredible experience of my life. I made friends that I know will be there for life, who bring out the best in me and make me laugh for hours on end. I travelled to the most insanely beautiful places and made memories that I will carry with me forever.

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24 hours in Sydney

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Vitoria Spoorenberg, University of Sydney 

Although I was lucky enough to spend way more than 24 hours in Sydney, I thought this blog post could be a useful guide for those students who are studying abroad elsewhere in Australia or nearby who only have a couple of days (or hours) in the city!

I also thought it would be a fun way of compiling all my favorite spots in Sydney!

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Exploring Australia!

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By Vitoria Spoorenberg, University of Sydney

Exploring new places has been one of the most exciting parts of studying abroad. My mid-semester break was the perfect time to travel since we had a one week ‘holiday’ from university.

I made unforgettable memories with great friends and it is an experience I will cherish forever.

We started the trip in Byron Bay, drove along the Sunshine coast, stopped in Noosa Beach and ended on Fraser Island.

My writing would never do those places justice, so I made a video instead. Hope you enjoy a glimpse into my travels!

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Finally down under! My first impressions of Sydney

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By Vitoria Spoorenberg, University of Sydney

It’s hard to believe that today marks exactly five weeks since I landed in Sydney.

The day I flew to Sydney was bitter-sweet. Naturally, I was nervous and sad to be leaving my family and friends but I was equally excited to start my semester abroad.

Soon after I arrived, it become apparent that I had no reason to be nervous. It surprised me how friendly and welcoming everyone was at my accommodation. Everyone is friends with everyone and there’s no real ‘groups’ or ‘cliques’ which is very different to my halls experience in Manchester.

Most of the students who live in my accommodation are also exchange students which I have really enjoyed because everyone wants to discover new places and make the most of their time abroad.

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