From a small village to the heart of Sydney

Marvin Schild

Autumn 2025 Study Abroad student from the University of Applied Sciences Fresenius

Wiesbaden, Germany

To all future students,

As a German exchange student from a small village, my experience in Sydney has been

nothing short of eye-opening. I would like to share some of my thoughts and reflections

with you in the hope that it will help you prepare for your own adventure abroad. While

every experience is different, here's what made mine so special.

Life in Sydney

Coming from a quiet, rural background, the first thing that struck me about Sydney was

how alive it felt. Yet it wasn't overwhelming. There’s a balance here—between buzzing

urban life and calming nature—that made the transition smooth. But even though this

big change might seem bad, it was very nice to move to such a foreign environment, as

the people and culture here still made everything seem calm and not too hectic. And

with the advantages of a big city, I was able to enjoy things like beaches, markets, and

nature.

The beaches were one of my favourites. There's something really relaxing about taking a

bus or train and being at the ocean within an hour. Especially for the stunning sunsets

and sunrises, it was worth every minute of lost sleep in the mornings. The ocean and

warm weather were a nice change from the cold German winter I was fleeing. I also

enjoyed visiting the local markets and small shops - each with its own personality and

charm. The locals and the multicultural mix of people made each trip to the flea market

a unique experience. The presence of animals in the surrounding parks and natural

areas added a layer of warmth and friendliness to the environment. Especially when

those animals are unique to Australia and as cute as koalas or kangaroos, which I was

lucky enough to see while on holiday during STUVAC.

Welcoming Culture

What really made me feel at home were the people. Australians are incredibly friendly

and open. Everyone I met was happy to help, chat or just share a smile. Because English

is spoken everywhere, I never felt like I was in a foreign country - I could understand

everything around me, which made everyday life so much easier. And for anyone reading

this who might be worried about such a big change in culture and language, don't worry.

First of all, there are so many international students here that there's a good chance

you'll make friends from your home country, and secondly, everyone studying abroad is

in the same situation and can relate to you. As a result, you will never feel alone and no

one will judge you for who you are because everyone here is so welcoming.

Life at UTS

Studying at the University of Technology Sydney was a big change - but a positive one. Compared to my university back home, UTS felt huge. At first, I wasn't sure if I would fit in, but the welcoming environment and strong student support made it easy. The

tutorials made studying worthwhile and helped me develop new skills and learn a lot.

The academic experience has been really interesting. I was introduced to group work on

a regular basis, which wasn't something I was very familiar with. It took some getting

used to, but it turned out to be a great way to connect with others and develop teamwork

skills. The assignments were also different - less focus on exams, more on projects and

real-world applications, but overall very manageable. You also don't have to worry about

getting help, as there is a nice support system.

All of this has made me feel very good about my decision to study abroad and move

16,000 km away from home. Living and studying in such a dynamic place

helped me develop better habits in my daily life. I became more organised, more

independent, and more confident overall. I have seen real improvements in how I

manage my time and how I see myself. It's amazing what a new environment can do for

your personal growth.

Final thoughts

Sydney was full of little surprises and lessons. From the stunning nature to the kindness

of strangers, it made for a truly unforgettable exchange experience. I came here hoping

to learn more about the world - and I left having learned more about myself. And that is

why I want anyone considering coming to Australia and UTS to take a leap of faith and

see what the people here have to offer. I say go for it. Be open, be curious, and take every

opportunity to explore. Sydney might just surprise you.