Monday

Group of students gathered on a sunny brick courtyard during the TAFE NSW Ultimo campus tour

Kimberlyn Marquez - Criminal Justice

June 1st marked a major turning point in our study abroad journey. Not only was it the end of our first week in Australia, but it was also our last morning with our host families. Saying goodbye was bittersweet. They were incredibly welcoming, and having home‑cooked meals all week made their house feel like a second home.

It was also our first official day in Sydney, which made the morning feel even more exciting. Once we arrived, we dropped all our bags in one of our instructors’ rooms since we couldn’t check in yet. There wasn’t much time to settle in because we needed to head straight to TAFE NSW Ultimo for a campus tour with Fumi.

At TAFE, we explored many departments such as Automotive, Fashion Design, Culinary, and even the student‑run training restaurant. Seeing the different classrooms and workspaces gave us a better understanding of their programs. Before lunch, Fumi surprised us with completion certificates to commemorate our time at TAFE, which was such a thoughtful and unexpected moment.

Historic red-brick facade of the TAFE NSW Ultimo campus building against a blue sky

Student receiving a completion certificate from Fumi in front of a Gateway Technical College study tour screen

Overhead view of the TAFE automotive workshop with tool stations and students working

Since TAFE doesn’t have a criminal justice program, Fumi arranged a meeting for our group with the NSW Police Force. After lunch, we headed to the Day Street Police Station for a conversation with a senior sergeant. I had the chance to ask him whether they have de‑escalation or sensitivity training, something I’ve been curious to see if it was mandatory for them too. He told us they do, and he had completed his training just last week. Unfortunately because it was a police station I could not get any pictures.

After our time at the station, we finally returned to the hotel to check in. My original plan was simple just to settle in, shower, and have an early night. But as study abroad tends to go, plans changed quickly. I ended up joining the group for a trip to Bondi Beach, and I’m so glad I did.

New South Wales Police Force crest displayed on a wall plaque at the Day Street Police Station

Sydney Opera House lit with colorful projected patterns at night during Vivid Sydney, viewed across the harbor

Illuminated neon sign reading "Welcome to Sydney, where your story begins"

Orange sun setting over the ocean horizon at Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach coastline with buildings on the headland glowing under a soft sunset sky

Sydney Opera House sails illuminated with blue, white and gold projected patterns at night during Vivid Sydney

Bondi Beach was stunning. The sun was setting when we arrived, and watching surfers ride waves under the orange sky felt unreal. The moon that night was even more breathtaking, it was so full, bright, and glowing a deep orange. It looked like something straight out of a movie.

After taking in the beach views, we caught a bus to Circular Quay to see the Vivid Sydney light show. Getting there turned into its own adventure. Somehow, I managed to get onto the bus while the rest of the group got cut off by the driver. I didn’t realize it until the bus started moving and I saw everyone still standing outside as I pulled away, I was extremely confused. Thankfully, they caught the next bus, and we reunited at Circular Quay.

The night got better from there. We walked along the harbor, saw the Sydney Harbour Bridge lit up, and grabbed food from the food trucks. I got a wood‑fired pizza, and it was delicious. To end the night, we made our way to the Opera House. Seeing it illuminated with vibrant colors and patterns during Vivid was the perfect ending to the day.

Page updated

Report abuse