Aug 18, 2017

Blog by Erica Takoch, Pittsburgh, USA 

I remember filling in the entry form. Win a trip to study abroad it said. When they called to tell me I'd won New Horizon's 35th Birthday Sweeps competition I thought it was a hoax. I had to call my account rep to double check!  

I got to choose where from six cities around the world – and Sydney was the obvious choice. The next choice was what to study. I picked Project Management. I'm a Business Analyst in the finance team and process management is one thing our company needs right now – as well as my CV! 

The Sydney crew were amazing! They set up a pre departure Skype briefing. I got loads of advice on how to get around Sydney, what to expect and great things to see and do!  

Bags packed it was time to go!  

I arrived in Sydney on the day of the famous City to Surf fun run – kinda like a marathon that the entire city gets involved it! It was a stunning day – their winter being the same temp as our summer! The train from the airport to the city was so easy and as we looped around the city an entire postcard of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge appeared out of no where! So unexpected to have that delivered up so easily on Day 1.  

I freshened up, dropped my bags at the hotel and set out for a day at the beach in Manly. Amazing! 

The next day was school. Five days that have been incredible. Magda, what a star teacher! Not only did she have such in depth training but she also has real experience in project management. I can't wait to get back to work and put it all in place.  

So what's left? Taronga Zoo for sure. I want a selfie with a Koala and to feed the Kangaroos! They said to be careful 'they can kick', but I expect they'll know not to mess with me!   

I'm really appreciative of this experience and want to thank the entire team for showing me around Bondi Beach, Sydney City, taking me to a Aussie footy game and making me feel so welcome! 

A shout out to those thinking of studying in Australia… Do it. Sydney is the friendliest, most exciting place to be! I never thought I'd make it here, but already I can't wait to come back. 

Erica completed the Project Management Bootcamp program in August 2017.   

Watch the video to hear first hand from Erica about her experience.

If you're interested in studying in Australia, check out our International Student Study program.