Author: Sydney Hammond | Major: Biomedical Engineering | Semester: Fall 2024
Animal Handling Class, Snake Safety, Shoalhaven Zoo
My name is Sydney Hammond, and I’m a biomedical engineering major at the University of Arkansas in the College of Engineering. This past semester, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Sydney, Australia, through the U of A Exchange program. Spending the Fall 2024 semester down under allowed me to immerse myself in a completely different culture, explore Australia’s diverse landscapes, and learn about the incredible wildlife on this continent all while continuing my academic journey in biomedical engineering. Australia has always fascinated me, especially with its unique ecosystems and the renowned Great Barrier Reef—a dream destination for anyone passionate about marine life and environmental sciences. UTS was the perfect fit, as it offered both advanced biomedical courses and the chance to explore my interests in animal sciences. Spending nearly five months there, I grew both academically and personally, soaking in the vibrant energy of Sydney, a city with around 5.2 million people, almost twice the population of Arkansas! My academic journey at UTS was as rigorous as it was diverse. I continued with my biomedical engineering courses, including biomedical instrumentation, biofluids, bio kitchen, and introduction to epidemiology, all of which broadened my understanding of the field from a global perspective. I also took a unique animal handling course, where I learned the proper techniques to handle and care for Australian wildlife, from marsupials to reptiles, a fascinating addition that combined my love for animals with practical skills. Additionally, I worked closely with a UTS professor to master soldering, an essential skill for building biomedical devices. Thishands-on experience in a new skill area helped me grow quickly in proficiency and gave me a boost of confidence in my engineering abilities.
One of my personal highlights was joining the UTS Ultimate Frisbee team. Competing in University Nationals and winning the award for most goals scored was exciting, and being part of a team brought a sense of community. I also joined the Mahjong and Puzzle Society clubs, connecting with students from various cultural backgrounds and making friends from all over the world. Furthermore, living so close to the beach allowed me to continue pursuing my passions in snorkeling and scuba diving while also trying new activities like surfing and sailing. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef and diving among its colorful marine life was an unforgettable experience, a dream fulfilled. UTS also offered a variety of social events through its Activate program: pub crawls, campus parties, and city tours. Each event offered a chance to connect with locals and fellow international students, making my time there even more enriching.
Studying at UTS was quite different from my experience at U of A. Sydney’s urban setting was a vibrant contrast to Fayetteville, and navigating a city this size had its challenges. Fortunately, I stayed with a host family, which allowed me to experience local culture firsthand and get involved in events like the City to Surf run, one of Sydney’s biggest charity runs. Immersing myself in these activities made me feel more connected to the community and helped me feel at home despite the initial culture shock. Studying abroad taught me that stepping outside my comfort zone leads to the most rewarding experiences. Whether it was scuba diving, competing in a national frisbee tournament, or simply learning the Australian way of life, I found that embracing the unfamiliar made me more adaptable and confident. For anyone considering studying abroad, I recommend engaging fully with the local culture: join clubs, volunteer, and if possible, stay with a host family. Theseexperiences provide a deeper connection to the place and people and make your time abroad even more unforgettable.
Fun fact: Did you know Australia has kangaroos and emus on its coat of arms because they only move forward? It’s a fitting symbol for a country that inspires you to keep pushing forward, which is something I’ll carry with me long after my time in Sydney.