Shana-Kay Hart, the Penn State School of Visual Arts Down Under student blogger, writes:
Photo by Kevin Dunn, 2016-2017 SoVA Down Under in Sydney program
As another fall semester came to an end, I looked forward to escaping the wintry dreariness that would soon plague State College. With the promise of good weather and an unforgettable experience ahead, I set out to the other side of the globe to Sydney, Australia. Through the Penn State School of Visual Arts, twenty-two other students and I had the opportunity to participate in a two-week study abroad program in the land down under. Prior to leaving, I had many hopes and expectations for my time in Australia, as did my peers. I told myself I would do it all: hold a koala at the zoo, swim in the crystal like waters of Bondi, and watch the fireworks by the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I quickly came to learn however, this was more than just a chance to pet kangaroos and take selfies at the beach. By the end of the trip we would leave with a new perspective and understanding of the land down under.
Fresh off the plane from more than 15 hours of travelling, we were immediately on the go and began our Australian adventure. Our activities ranged from lectures and spontaneous street interactions to lectures where we formally and informally learned of Aboriginal peoples history, culture, and present day struggles for basic human rights. We took a hike through Australia’s famous Blue Mountains, had interactive museum visits, and took walking tours of the city — all of which helped expose us to Australia in a way many can only dream of. We met world famous artists and saw some of the most beautiful pieces of street art that had developed through activism. We met interesting people from all over the world and enjoyed the unique food culture of Sydney. By the end of the twelve-day immersive experience, it was evident that we were all individually affected by everything we had seen and done.
Photo by Kevin Dunn, 2016-2017 SoVA Down Under in Sydney program
“When asked about my time in Sydney, Australia, two words come to mind: pleasant and profound,” said William Okrafo-Smart. “I had unique experiences visiting the beautiful beach of Bondi and making our own boomerangs, to watching my first opera at the Sydney Opera House. I had the chance to learn so much about the Aboriginal people and their struggle through art and interactions. I bore witness to how the systems of racism that affect the Aboriginal people there are similar to those that affect people of color right here in the United States…in a way it was almost as if I had never left.”
Our experience in Sydney exceeded all prior expectations to say the least and after having time to reflect on the trip in its entirety, I came to the conclusion that the best experiences in life tend to work out that way. We were shown there was more to Australia than beaches and exotic animals. This course allowed us to witness another side of a culture and hear from its people that are generally left silenced.
