Systematic Differences: Educational Experiences in the US vs. Australia
Date
March 27, 2026
How is education abroad different than at home? What has studying abroad taught you about yourself and others?
In the United States, I attend Colgate University, a liberal arts college with about 3,200 undergraduate students, located in a very rural area. Studying at the University of Sydney has introduced me to a completely different lifestyle and academic environment. While there are clear contrasts between Colgate and USyd, including the size of the student body, the urban setting, the structure of lectures and classes, and the overall workload, I have felt surprisingly comfortable during my transition. My exposure to new people, new courses, and a new city has sparked my curiosity and excitement to explore, rather than feeling overwhelmed or nervous.
I have learned a lot about Australian culture and the Australian education system through conversations with my Australian classmates. For example, I recently learned that most Australian students commute to university from home, rather than living on campus. I also discovered that the class structure differs from what I am used to at Colgate. In Australia, a single subject typically includes both a large lecture and a smaller tutorial each week, whereas in the US, I have usually taken either a lecture or a smaller discussion-based class, but not both for the same subject.
Studying abroad has shown me how diverse people’s approaches to learning can be. Students at the University of Sydney are friendly and genuinely enthusiastic about participating in class. Many are eager to meet new people, build new friendships, and engage in conversation, which has helped me feel more included and immersed in Australian culture. The professors are also very supportive and clearly want their students to succeed. One thing that has surprised me the most is the influence that American culture has in Australia. I have enjoyed seeing people’s excitement when I tell them that I am from the United States. It has often served as a natural conversation starter and a great opportunity to share my experiences growing up in America while also learning about Australians’ perspectives on my country.
These pieces were created by student contributors. The views and opinions expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Arcadia Abroad.