Arcadia Scotland

When I decided to go abroad, I wanted to push myself and experience a new culture. I didn’t know anyone in Australia, had never been to Sydney, and had no clue what my internship would actually look like. I just knew I wanted to try something new and get out of my comfort zone. Working with Urban Rec ended up being the highlight of my time here.

Urban Rec is a social sports organization that runs recreational leagues all around Sydney and other parts of Australia. I got to work both behind the scenes and on the ground, which made every week feel different and engaging. In the office, I helped update training materials, worked on content and design projects, and learned what it takes to run a fast-paced, community-focused organization. Out at league nights, I shadowed staff, helped with setup and check-ins, filmed social media content, and gradually started learning how to host events.

One of my favorite moments happened during a netball league I was shadowing. A team showed up one player short, and without thinking too hard about it, I offered to fill in. I had never played netball before, but everyone was so welcoming and supportive. I threw on a bib, jumped in, and had an absolute blast. That night stuck with me. It reminded me how stepping into something unfamiliar can lead to real connection and joy. Sometimes with short study abroad programs there are not many opportunities to truly connect with the local community, so this experience was even more special. It also gave me a whole new appreciation for what Urban Rec does every single night across the city.

The people I worked with made it even better. The Urban Rec team is fun, energetic, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They brought me into the fold right away. I never felt like “just the intern.” I felt like part of the team. I even got to visit a brand new pickleball venue and help film content there, which honestly did not feel like work at all. Another big part of feeling included came from what happened outside of work too. My coworkers took me along for after-work drinks at the pub, which I quickly learned is a classic Aussie tradition. Being a part of a team and working on both internal projects and public-facing events, gave me a well-rounded experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Urban Rec isn’t just about sports. It’s about creating space for people to connect, let loose, and be part of something. Whether I was sitting in the office designing a new training guide or standing on the sidelines with a camera, I could feel that purpose driving everything they did.

I came to Sydney hoping to learn new skills and explore a new place, and I did. But I also found community, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how to build something meaningful. I got to be part of a team that values people, play, and purpose. That is something I will carry with me long after I leave Australia.