WHAT'S ONE STORY OR IMPORTANT ASPECT YOU ALWAYS SHARE ABOUT YOUR TIME ABROAD?
I always highlight Sydney's "work to live" approach to life. I found it to be a large reason I felt so happy and free abroad, and the full-time residents seemed to feel that too. Before 9 a.m., you'll find the beaches packed with surfers, coffee shops crowded with friends, and the streets busy with morning walkers. At 5 p.m., work lets out and the pubs, beaches, and restaurants are flooded again. You work to live, rather than living to work like we often do in the U.S.

HOW DID YOU ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WHILE ABROAD?
I joined a gym! This introduced me to people of different ages, backgrounds, and interests in Australia. I'm still in touch with many of my gym friends from abroad.