My choice of destination was made relatively smoothly with the guidance of my supervisor, Professor Matsuda, and advisor, Professor Ko. Through their guidance, I was introduced to Professor Morley, a renowned scholar in the empirical analysis of business cycles. Professor Morley had previously visited our department, and after discussing my research interests, he kindly agreed to supervise me at the University of Sydney. This opportunity was particularly exciting given his prominent standing in the field.

The most challenging part of my preparation was the visa application for Australia, which was time-consuming. The process took nearly three months to complete. I am truly grateful for the kind assistance from the staff at the Global Learning Center and the GP-DS program at Tohoku University, whose support proved invaluable throughout the process.

My research life during my stay at the University of Sydney has been both fulfilling and productive. I had regular meetings with Professor Morley in person, usually three to four times a month. Under his guidance, I was able to carry out our joint research smoothly and make steady progress. The library at the University of Sydney was also very beneficial, providing excellent study resources and facilities, including convenient access to monitors for students. In addition, I also had several online meetings with Professor Matsuda to report on my research progress and receive valuable feedback.

Beyond research, I also strived to maintain a healthy work–life balance. I joined a hiking group and participated in their weekly activities. Most of the members were researchers or master’s students, so our hikes often combined both leisure and stimulating discussions. While enjoying the fresh air and exercise, we exchanged ideas about ongoing projects and shared insights on pursuing academic opportunities and research positions after graduation. The natural scenery in Sydney was truly spectacular, with its many beaches, forests, and mountains providing an ideal backdrop for reflection and relaxation.

I was greatly motivated by the vibrant sporting culture in Sydney. In many public parks, I often saw running groups, boxing classes, and dance sessions taking place. There are plenty of affordable ways to enjoy sports, with many groups charging only a modest monthly fee and some even being completely free. As someone who enjoys exercising, I found this environment very inspiring.

Moreover, living in an English-speaking country significantly improved my language proficiency, particularly my spoken English, as I practiced daily in both academic and social settings. This combination of academic progress, personal growth, and cultural immersion made my stay in Sydney especially rewarding.

We have almost completed our joint research on the topic of business cycles. Professor Morley has provided invaluable guidance in shaping the research ideas, while I have been responsible for the empirical analysis and the writing. Even after my return to Japan, we have continued to hold regular online meetings, and we plan to submit the paper within this year.