'Respectful even when we disagreed': A young American conservative encounters Australian political culture
pittsburgh native and mrc intern Preston Vissotski reflects on his experience studying abroad in Australia.
My name is Preston Vissotski, and I am a 20-year-old college student from the United States who had the privilege of spending the past three months studying abroad in Australia. As part of my time here, I was fortunate enough to intern with the Menzies Research Centre (MRC)—an opportunity that not only enriched my academic experience but also reshaped the way I understand politics, culture, and international engagement.
Coming to Australia as a young American conservative, I expected differences. What I did not expect was just how eye-opening those differences would be. Before I arrived in Sydney, I only knew the fundamentals of Australian politics: the parliamentary model, compulsory voting, and the reality that multiple parties can realistically win seats, which stands in sharp contrast to the two-party dominance of American politics. What I did not yet appreciate was the political environment: the tone of public debate, the accessibility of politicians, and the way people talk about politics in everyday life.
One of the most memorable moments from my early weeks in Australia happened not in the office or classroom, but at a bar. I had struck up a conversation with a couple of locals, and as soon as they learned I was American, the conversation almost immediately shifted to politics. They began asking about Donald Trump, the current political landscape in the US, and my own views. It was friendly, curious, and energetic. But what stood out most was something one of them said: “You’ll find in Australia that people don’t necessarily care where you stand on the political spectrum. Most people care more about whether or not you have an opinion.”
That comment has stayed with me, and over the course of my time here, I have found it to be remarkably accurate. In the United States, some people assume political identity comes first—especially in recent years, when public discourse has become increasingly polarised. Labels like “Democrat,” “Republican,” “liberal,” and “conservative” frequently define social interactions before any real conversation has even begun. In Australia, I found people are much more open to discussing issues without immediately jumping to conclusions about someone’s character or motives.
Throughout my study abroad experience, I have had genuinely thoughtful political discussions with individuals from all across the political spectrum. Every one of these conversations has been respectful, curious, and constructive, even when we disagreed. That kind of civility exists in the US too—contrary to the worst stereotypes—but it can be harder to find, and it is often overshadowed by the loudest and most extreme voices. In Australia, that thoughtful political culture seems more embedded in everyday life.
Another major difference I didn’t expect is the level of accessibility and openness among Australian politicians. In the US, especially at the federal level, elected officials are typically surrounded by layers of staff, security, and protocol. Opportunities for face-to-face interaction—particularly for a college student—are rare. Yet during my internship with the MRC, I had opportunities to meet former Prime Ministers John Howard and Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley, and Tasmanian Senator Jonathon Duniam. Each encounter felt surreal, not because I expected politicians to be intimidating, but because of how remarkably approachable they all were.
Every one of these leaders offered thoughtful insights about politics, public service, and leadership. For someone whose long-term goal is to enter US politics or serve as an American diplomat, those conversations were invaluable. They helped me see political leadership not just as an institution, but as a set of responsibilities carried by real people—people who have to make difficult decisions, balance competing demands, and maintain a grounded connection with the people.
The advice that resonated most deeply came from Tony Abbott, who spoke about the importance of mastering history. He encouraged me to study not only the major events of the past but also the decision-making processes behind them. His message was that good political judgement comes from understanding the world as it is, but great political judgment comes from understanding the world as it has been. He suggested putting myself in the shoes of historical and current leaders and asking: What would you do if you were dealing with the challenges they faced?
This advice struck a chord with me. As someone interested in diplomacy and public service, I believe perspective is everything. Studying abroad in Australia has already helped broaden my perspective. I have seen firsthand how a different political system functions, how a different culture handles disagreement, and how a different country navigates global challenges while maintaining its own identity. These lessons are not theoretical—they are lived experiences, and they will stay with me forever.
Working at the MRC gave me a much closer view of how ideas become policies, how research informs decision-making, and how political communication operates in a world where media cycles move at lightning speed. I gained practical skills, professional experience, and a greater sense of confidence about my future career.
Looking back, my experience here has been far more than a chance to study overseas or a cultural exchange. It has been a transformative period of growth—personal, intellectual, and professional. Coming to Australia as a young American conservative exposed me to new ideas, challenged my assumptions, and strengthened my ability to communicate across differences. It taught me to listen more carefully, think more broadly, and appreciate the unique strengths of different political systems.
As I prepare to return home, I carry with me not just memories of an incredible country, but a deeper sense of purpose and clarity about the path ahead. My time in Australia has reinforced my ambition to serve the United States—whether through diplomacy or politics—and equipped me with tools and perspectives I could not have gained anywhere else. For that, I am profoundly grateful.