My Study Abroad Experience

Thomas Hernandez

Spring 2024 Study Abroad Student from ESILV - De Vinci Higher Education

Paris, France

Becoming a Sydneysider: An Aussie Semester Abroad!

Bonjour from the opposite side of the globe! I am Thomas Hernandez, a French postgraduate student in engineering completing a semester at the University of Technology Sydney. Studying overseas is definitely about academics, but that's not the only focus! It’s also about new experiences and discovering life outside your comfort zone. Here's a little glimpse into my life in this lively city!

UTS and the Campus

Let’s start with the academic side. UTS has an impressive campus with facilities that make university life not only efficient but genuinely enjoyable. The library, for instance, is more than just a quiet place to study; it’s a modern space with areas designed for both intense focus and group collaboration. Other places like the gym, the underground (where you can play pool or table tennis) and the Alumni Green (where you can enjoy sunny days), are also nice spots to chill out during your time on Campus.

The library

Discovering Sydney: Skyscrapers, but not only...

Sydney met all my expectations (and they were high). Each day in this city has been a fresh chapter in my journey. Every part of the city, from the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge to the bustling streets of Darling Harbour, offers something distinct to experience. Walking around the various neighborhoods is like discovering small universes, each one with its own charm, and hidden gems. Places like Chinatown and Surry Hills are just at a 20-minute distance by walk, but their atmosphere are like day and night. I should also note the various weekend markets (like Glebe and Paddington...) where I made some fantastic deals.

Night Out at the Opera House

Beach Life: Volley and Surf’s Up (Kinda)

One of my favorite parts of my semester has been enjoying the various beaches Sydney has to offer, not just to relax, but also to play some friendly beach volleyball games. Bondi and Manly beaches are full of people from all over the globe wanting to play. We would start a game with a few friends, and at the end of it, we would have players from Germany, the USA or Korea willing to join in. Our most prestigious victory was against a really nice and funny group of Argentinian friends who wanted to make a remake of the 2022 Football World Cup Final. It felt like sweet revenge!

I also joined a surf camp at Seven-Mile Beach, two hours away from the city. It was my first time surfing and even though the weather decided to throw a cold rainy weekend at us, it only made things funnier. Imagine trying to stand on a board while rain pelts down; talk about extreme sports! I didn’t exactly become a pro, but we had so much fun, and I definitely mastered the art of falling and swallowing seawater with style.

Playing Volley at Bondi Beach

A Suitcase Full of Memories

As I look back on this semester, I understand it's been more than just academic pursuits. This opportunity I had to study in Sydney and at UTS has given me knowledge outside of traditional classroom settings, teaching me about cultural diversity and the thrill of discovery. I will come back home with more than just engineering skills, I will also return with memories and a newfound interest for beach-volley, even if I must work on my spike!

Thank you to UTS for these wonderful memories!