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Study abroad spotlight: Sydney and Cape Town

  • Concentration: Civil Engineering  
  • Emphasis: Business Minor 
  • Locations: Sydney, Australia, and Cape Town, South Africa 

About 

The Sydney Opera House at twilight

I studied abroad in spring 2025, a goal I set for myself as a first-year student. As an engineering student, I worried about finding a program that wouldn’t delay graduation. With a lot of planning with my advisor and the CU Abroad office, we created a path that lets me go abroad and stay on track. I saved my upper-division humanities and free electives for the semester away, which opened more program options. 

Locations 

I chose the CIEE Block Program, which lets me live in more than one place during the term. 

Sydney, Australia (January–March, 12 weeks). 
I picked Sydney for the ocean, sunshine and outdoor adventure. I flew in not knowing anyone, moved into a house with 16 other students, and was terrified that first night—but everyone was welcoming, and it pushed me outside my comfort zone. We explored the city, snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef, and even took a long-weekend trip to Bali (so many motorbikes!). Those roommates became some of my closest friends; we still talk daily and have traveled together since. 

Cape Town, South Africa (April–May, 6 weeks). 
I chose Cape Town partly on curiosity—it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime chance. The mix of mountains and ocean is stunning, and learning about post-apartheid history was eye-opening. Locals were kind and curious about the U.S. A highlight was a road trip to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet—one of those “I’m really far from home” moments. 

Lessons Learned 

  • Keep an open mind. Listening to people from different cultures challenged me and expanded my own perspective. 
  • Be curious. Asking questions and saying yes to new experiences led to the best memories. 
  • Own your independence. Going alone meant taking responsibility for my plans and not waiting for others. 

Advice  

  • Plan early with your advisor. Map degree requirements and save electives (or identify approved engineering courses abroad) to keep graduation on track. 
  • Research CU Abroad programs. I had friends who took engineering classes abroad that transferred cleanly. 
  • Expect nerves—and go anyway. It’s daunting at first, but worth it. You control your experience; lean into it and make the most of the opportunity.