2024 Winter Vacation - University of Sydney Visit Sharing
The University of Sydney is one of the most respected universities in Australia and is highly regarded. The University of Sydney is ranked 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Its academic reputation and achievements have been recognized internationally and it is known as "Australia's No. 1 University". What is it like to study at such a prestigious university? Let's see What students say.
- Student Lin
On this study tour, I embarked on a journey to explore the unknown world. Through the courses at the University of Sydney, I expanded my academic thinking and gained valuable experiences and knowledge.
On January 22nd, everything felt fresh when I first arrived at the University of Sydney. The cathedral-style buildings, which have stood for over a century, marked the beginning of my three-week learning journey. Each day, classes started at 8 AM, and I would wake up at 6:30 AM. After a brief introduction, our weekday courses lasted at least four hours, with additional sessions on Wednesdays from 1 PM to 3 PM, including interactive discussions. What stands out in my memory is the discussion session where the teacher presented us with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and asked us to think about how we could contribute to the world. We were free to choose one of the projects and provide our thoughts. It was a novel experience that made us truly realize the world needs our help. The academic atmosphere was also quite different. Education at the University of Sydney places a stronger emphasis on students' independent thinking, with teachers primarily serving as guides. Classes often involved group discussions, with students taking turns to answer questions, focusing on developing social and communication skills. The course content was interconnected. In the first week, after visiting the university museum, we were assigned a report. We had to choose something of interest, then use critical thinking to describe its different functions. The report could be done as a group or individually. This gave me a whole new perspective on the academic environment.
On January 29th, the second week began. By then, we had adapted to the University of Sydney's education style. Usually, after morning classes, we explored the city in the afternoons. We visited the museum and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, sampled local specialties, and explored the Royal Botanic Garden. We happened to be there during Australia Day, so we watched the military parade and sailing competition. We also visited the aquarium and zoo, where we saw koalas and tropical fish. At school, the teachers taught us how to write academic papers, and we went hiking along the beach, walking several kilometers. The waves were huge and beautiful. We immersed ourselves in Sydney’s atmosphere and enjoyed the second week to the fullest.
February 5th marked the start of the final week, which also coincided with Chinese New Year. The seminars continued the topics from the first week, and the teachers introduced us to the story of cocoa farming in Africa. They explained how the UN unions help local residents and how, as consumers, we can support the UN's work by choosing the origin of our chocolate purchases. This had a profound impact on me, making me truly realize the inequality and suffering that still exist in various parts of the world, such as hunger and illness. During this week, I also visited the Sydney Opera House to explore its exhibitions. I hope to attend an opera there someday. We took a ferry to watch the sunset. And just like that, my three-week journey at the University of Sydney came to an end.
This study tour gave me the opportunity to personally experience the cultural and natural diversity of different countries and regions. What impacted me the most was the classroom education at the University of Sydney. I believe this was a study tour well worth the experience.
- Student Zhang
About the Course:
The study tour at the University of Sydney lasted for three weeks, with five days of classes per week. Each morning, we had four hours of academic English classes, and there was a weekly afternoon workshop with a different theme each time.
I definitely gained a lot from this experience.
First and foremost, my English skills improved significantly. Although the language class consisted mostly of Chinese students, the teacher required us to speak in English, and all group discussions were conducted in English as well. Every week, there was a quiz. In the first week, we had to make a video where everyone appeared on camera and answered questions in English. The second week involved an in-class test and a presentation. The test included multiple-choice questions, short answers, and an essay. It wasn’t too difficult as long as you paid attention in class. For the presentation, each person had to go up and speak, followed by a Q&A session. The third week’s quiz was a group presentation, which involved more work than the previous week and allowed for more open-ended topics. The discussions, presentations, and listening exercises in class greatly improved my listening, pronunciation, and writing skills (provided you pay attention in class, of course).
In addition to classroom learning, we even had a class in the museum, which was a really unique experience.
About the Experience:
I successfully completed the program and, even better, made new friends! Since it was a small class with daily discussions, we interacted with different people each time, and gradually, everyone became familiar with one another. The class atmosphere was very friendly. For example, three of us went from being complete strangers to becoming close friends, and we eventually worked together to complete our final presentation—and we won first place! (Hahaha!)
Sydney is an incredibly beautiful city, and the stunning scenery is another highlight of the trip. My phone’s memory was filled with all kinds of amazing sights! "Sydney Blue" is how I’d describe the color of the city—the blue of the ocean, where you can sunbathe on the beach, surf the waves, or take a boat ride, all of which are so much fun! The sky in Sydney is also an incredible blue, from the light blue of the daytime to the deep blue of the night, both equally captivating. With no clouds to block the view, the sky’s blue seems even more pure. Sydney’s skies and seas are truly breathtaking.
- Student Ju
During my experience at the University of Sydney's Summer Camp, I gained a lot—not only in academic progress but also in interpersonal communication and cultural experiences. Here’s a summary of my unforgettable experience and reflections:
At the University of Sydney Summer Camp, I had the privilege of participating in a variety of academic courses and lectures. Interacting with outstanding professors and fellow students broadened my academic perspective and allowed me to explore new fields of knowledge. The group learning sessions organized by the teachers helped me deepen my understanding of the course content and improved both my learning efficiency and teamwork skills.
Another key takeaway from the summer camp was meeting classmates from different countries and cultural backgrounds. Through team projects and social activities, I learned to listen to others' perspectives, respect diversity, and collaborate to complete tasks together. These cross-cultural exchanges expanded my interpersonal network and significantly enhanced my social skills.
Australia, as a multicultural country, offered us the chance to deeply engage with local culture during the University of Sydney Summer Camp. Visiting the Sydney University Museum, experiencing local life, and trying different cuisines gave me a deeper understanding of Australia's history, traditions, and way of life. These cultural experiences not only broadened my horizons but also expanded my understanding of the world.
Through my participation in the University of Sydney Summer Camp, I not only made academic progress but also developed valuable skills in teamwork and cross-cultural communication. This enriching experience has become a treasured memory in my life. I will continue to work hard, applying the lessons and insights I’ve gained to my future studies and life, paving the way for a brighter future.
- Student Xu
As I set foot on the land of Sydney, the sea breeze brushed my face, and the gentle sunlight shone on the weary faces of those who had traveled a long distance. The calls of the seabirds seemed to remind the passing travelers—“Welcome to Australia.”
Even though I’m no stranger to overseas travel, stepping onto Australian soil for the first time still allowed me to feel the unique vitality and orderliness that coexist here. Australia enjoys favorable climate and environmental conditions, thanks to its vast land and its geography of being surrounded by the sea. This creates a subtropical humid climate, and living in this city truly allows you to feel the charm of its people and the allure of its natural surroundings.
Nature and the environment are key factors that make Sydney so uniquely attractive, and they have long been a source of pride for Australians. Among the natural elements, what impressed me the most during my nearly month-long stay was Sydney’s climate and the Royal Botanic Garden. Undoubtedly, Sydney’s climate makes it an ideal place to live. As you wander down the streets, the gentle breeze and cool, refreshing sea air hit your face. Even on a scorching summer day with temperatures as high as 39 degrees, walking through the streets, you hardly feel the oppressive heat.
The Royal Botanic Garden is a highlight of Sydney. Located in the heart of the city, next to Sydney's harbor, it features a vast array of plants and flowers, with the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House nearby. In the garden, you can admire a wide variety of beautiful plants, from colorful flower beds to lush forests, experiencing the wonder and diversity of nature. Personally, strolling through the Botanic Garden or Hyde Park, alone or with companions, taking in the surroundings at a leisurely pace, is a far more meaningful way to experience the city’s charm than rushing from one tourist spot to another.
On the other hand, the unique cultural appeal of Sydney and Australia is another aspect that earned my respect. Australians are often affectionately teased as "Aussies." I experienced this firsthand on the first day of class. When my credit card failed to work at the subway, I asked passersby for help, and several kind people assisted me in purchasing an Opal card. The store owner even kindly shared tips on how to use it and ended the interaction with a warm “Have a nice day,” which gave me both comfort and renewed energy to move forward. Never underestimate the power of a simple greeting.
The study experience at the University of Sydney was a truly valuable one. Tristan and Isabella’s teaching significantly improved my English writing and communication skills, and I also learned cultural knowledge I hadn’t encountered before. I was honored to receive the highest scores in both the final presentation and writing assignments. The University of Sydney, a world-renowned institution, stands as a perfect blend of modernity and culture in Sydney. The classical Harry Potter-like buildings and Baroque-style college halls sit across from modern museums and libraries, creating a harmonious mix of classical and contemporary architecture.
What I admire most is the Australians' emphasis on cultural history and objective reflection. When discussing Australia Day, the professor mentioned both “Invasion Day” and “Nation Day,” which was enlightening for someone like me, used to a more single-threaded educational approach. Similarly, the professor's sincerity when discussing the relationship between Indigenous peoples and immigrant settlers on the Australian continent left a deep impression on me. During a visit to the Chau Chak Wing Museum, named after a Chinese philanthropist, the ambassador's impartial and dignified narration of the origins, history, and significance of the more controversial exhibits demonstrated the traits of an outstanding global citizen and storyteller. During three visits to Australian museums, I was deeply impressed by the scientific rigor of the exhibits, particularly the Ramses exhibit, the orderly behavior of visitors, and the well-curated temporary exhibitions—an experience far superior to that of many museums in China. Undoubtedly, science and reason are key factors in human progress.
Without a doubt, this nearly month-long study tour gave me a certain level of understanding of Australian society and culture. The natural environment and the cultural awareness here have left a lasting impression on me. While I may not apply to Australian schools for my master's degree, there is no doubt that one day in the future, I will return to this land, a place that belongs both to nature and to the hardworking people who inhabit it.
- Student Lin
Once again, I’ve added a new “first” to my life experiences: my first time traveling abroad alone, which was truly a novel experience for me.
It seems that traveling at different stages of life gives you different feelings, especially the first time. This time, I didn’t feel the same excitement as I did before; instead, it was more curiosity. For various reasons, I missed out on several chances to travel abroad before adulthood, which meant I also missed the opportunity to “explore the world” during that phase of life. When I first saw the link for this program, I hesitantly sent it to my parents, expecting them to reject it, as they had done before. To my surprise, they wholeheartedly supported me, and I’m so thankful to them for allowing me to seize this opportunity to visit Australia.
Before coming here, I had the impression that Australia was xenophobic and full of racism. However, when I actually arrived in Sydney, my perception shifted. The city felt much more inclusive and multicultural than I expected. What stood out most to me—perhaps a bit exaggerated—is that you could barely walk a few steps without encountering Chinese people (most of whom spoke Mandarin). "They are everywhere!" The Chinese signage at airports and tourist attractions didn’t feel particularly welcoming, but it certainly felt familiar.
Maybe it’s because I didn’t explore Australian cuisine much, but I found some of the local food hard to accept. The most memorable (and not in a good way) was the un-bled meat, which was just marinated and then fried, leaving a strong gamey taste. It felt like I was eating chunks of freshly slaughtered pig, lamb, or beef—pretty gross. So, during my stay, I mostly stuck to Chinese food (because, after all, I have a Chinese stomach).
Sydney’s transportation system was also quite interesting. Anything that runs underground is called a “train,” not a subway/metro. You always have to remember to tap on and off. There are private ferry companies that charge exorbitant prices, a mysterious Google Maps system, and long-distance trains that run at a snail’s pace. It probably reflects the city’s overall pace of life. Local people seem to be in no hurry, whether catching a train or crossing the street. But I really like this relaxed lifestyle—“live in the moment” and enjoy the present.
The scenery was absolutely impressive, my second favorite part of the trip. Thanks to Allen, we explored Sydney on foot. Kiama was stunning—I'm so glad I didn’t skip it because of the distance. Standing right in the middle of the "Cathedral Rock" and gazing at the horizon truly felt like being at the edge of the world. The Bondi Beach coastal walk was equally refreshing—walking along the beautiful coastline helped me let go of all my stress and bad moods, lifting my spirits. Taronga Zoo offered a unique experience with its immersive tours and presentation-style animal shows, which gave a sense of participation. The zoo, and Sydney as a whole, really emphasizes animal protection. There's a widespread awareness of conservation, with dedicated organizations and funds to protect animals and educate future generations.
One of my favorite aspects of the trip was interacting with the locals. Talking with tutors in class, brainstorming, presenting, and discussing cultural differences and global topics like sustainable development and global citizenship were incredibly engaging. I also chatted with an IKEA staff member who, like me, is a huge CR7 fan, discussed movies with Tristan, and had a conversation about Lego with a fellow traveler while waiting to board. These interactions made me realize that language and culture aren’t barriers; certain common interests can connect people from different countries or races.
The most delightful surprise of this trip was meeting such wonderful people and forming pure friendships. These three weeks were truly joyful. Even though we came from all over the country, it felt like we had known each other for much longer. I will always remember everyone!
Before coming, I thought these three weeks would drag on, but they flew by before I even had time to fully appreciate them (I regret not signing up for the four-week program!). That’s why, whenever I go somewhere, I remind myself to live like the song says: “Just live in the moment and love the memory.” It’s funny—I’ve never felt so attached to a place outside of home before (probably because of the connection between the people and the city). I hope I can return to Sydney someday.
I also want to thank DCN and the university for their seamless collaboration, which made this program a success. The course schedule and itinerary were well organized, and I gained both language skills and life skills during this time.
This trip to Australia taught me so much—not only did it broaden my horizons and improve my spoken English, but it also helped me resolve some internal conflicts and adjust my mindset. I hope things will go more smoothly from here on out.
This will undoubtedly be an unforgettable summer.
It seems that the students have gained a lot this time. Indeed, this is a journey to broaden their horizons, learn and grow. In this journey, students face the unknown with courage and wisdom, and enrich the color of life with the experience of visiting schools. So this time the students were fruitful and returned home fully enriched!
*This is the English translation. In case of any discrepancies, the Chinese version shall prevail.
