Dalila Gafar
Wharton ’26
Legal Studies & Business Ethics, Decision Processes Track
PGS: Seeing/Hearing Globally
GRIP: Business in Sydney
WIP: Business in Brazil
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I intentionally chose the same destination—Australia—for both of my consecutive Penn Abroad programs. This decision gave me the unique opportunity to spend an extended period in a new country and explore its culture from multiple perspectives.
Through the Penn Global Seminar (PGS), I was introduced to Aboriginal communities and visited remote, lesser-known parts of the country. In contrast, my experience with the Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) immersed me in life in a major metropolitan city. I gained insight into Sydney’s workplace culture and experienced the vibrant urban lifestyle it has to offer. This juxtaposition between rural and urban settings gave me a well-rounded understanding of Australia, helping me connect its colonial history with its current global presence.
Over the course of 10 weeks—from mid-May to early August—I visited five cities and countless picturesque sites. Students can ask me for recommendations on the best hiking trails, sunset spots, and experiences within Sydney’s dynamic arts scene. Immersing myself in the local sound was an experience that deeply resonated with my passion for music and reinforced my appreciation for how different cultures express creativity through performance.
My Experience Abroad
I chose my GRIP placement based on both the location and the broad range of professional opportunities it offered. As a business student still exploring my interests, I was open to different types of roles but was especially eager to gain deeper exposure to entrepreneurship and startup environments.
My placement allowed me to do exactly that. I worked in a non-traditional, non-office setting, which gave me a unique perspective on the flexible and fast-paced nature of startup culture. This experience pushed me to develop key professional skills such as self-discipline, effective communication, and the ability to prioritize tasks independently. It not only aligned with my academic focus but also helped me clarify the kind of work environments and challenges I’m most drawn to as I continue shaping my career goals.
Other Highlights
Over the course of my 10-week experience in Australia, I had countless memorable moments, but a few highlights stand out:
- Northern Australia: Exploring the Northern Territory was unforgettable. I spent time in Darwin, visiting local waterfalls and national parks, and had meaningful conversations with Aboriginal families that deepened my understanding of Indigenous culture. In Cairns, I snorkeled at the Great Barrier Reef, hiked on Fitzroy Island, and took a scenic railway to the rainforest village of Kuranda.
- Sydney: Living in Sydney offered a completely different yet equally exciting experience. I loved spending time on the University of Sydney’s campus, taking ferry rides to nearby islands, and walking along iconic beaches like Bondi and Coogee. The city blended nature and urban life in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
- Arts & Culture: As someone passionate about music and performance, I made the most of Sydney’s vibrant arts scene. I attended a neo-soul concert (Kaiit) and the musical In the Heights at the Opera House, enjoyed a jazz festival at the Sydney Conservatorium, and saw The Last Dinner Party perform at the Hordern Pavilion.
- Exploration: I also took day trips to the Blue Mountains, Kiama, and Canberra—each offering a unique glimpse into Australia’s natural beauty and cultural landscape.
These experiences, both personal and professional, shaped my understanding of Australia and left me with a lasting appreciation for its diversity and depth.
