Hume credits his time with Northern Ireland as having him prepared for the demands of England's top-flight.
"It probably has helped me in a way to get used to the top players, that top level and how concentrated you have to be in the game for the whole 90 minutes," said the 23-year-old.
"I've always said I wanted to test myself at the highest level so getting the chance to do that this season is a dream come true.
"Hopefully I'll just keep playing games and keep being able to do that."
The former Linfield prospect added: "Ever since I signed for the club in League One I've loved every second of it.
"It does feel that wee bit better that you've helped Sunderland from where they were in League One, the whole way up to where we belong.
"Obviously you can sign for a Premier League club and it's still the same thing, you're still getting to play in the Premier League, but it does bring that extra bit of emotion into it that you've done it the whole way through.
"Our plan this season is to stay there and keep pushing on."