Learning algorithm design was definitely helpful for my career goals as a software/AI engineer. Signal processing was also helpful because it exposed to me a different side of computer science more focused on the electrical engineering side. My music classes also served me well because I’ve always wanted to properly learn how to play guitar from a real teacher instead of by myself, and producing songs have always been on my bucket list too. My music classes also counts as part of my HASS concentration in music, so USyd/Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s wide breadth of options exposed me to more classes than I would’ve had available at MIT.
Sophia's Story
Computer science and engineering major Sophia Shi '26 studied abroad at the University of Sydney in the spring of 2025. She took courses in algorithm design, digital signal processing, digital music techniques, and a guitar class!
"From nearly touching a giraffe on a safari bus to paragliding with insane views of lakes, mountains, and waterfalls, scuba diving with sea turtles, going to run club at Bondi Beach for sunrise, and having wholesome conversations with kind locals while sipping on a flat white, I would not trade Sydney for anywhere else in the world to study abroad."Sophia Shi '26
Major and Class Year
Computer Science and Engineering (6-3), Class of 2026
MISTI program
Study Abroad
Location
Sydney, Australia
Host
University of Sydney