Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Get some soul Past Review

By (Biology And Psychology, University of Hartford) - abroad from 07/11/2013 to 11/23/2013 with

AIFS: Perth, Fiji - Murdoch University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The answer to this question would be an understatement to my experience abroad. It was one of the best decisions I have made thus far, and I plan and hope to continue to travel.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed the academic system there at Murdoch University. The intensity level of the classes were quite high, but the blackboard and lectures systems were very efficient.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My host family was one of the best experiences I had while I was abroad. Caroline, her son Juwan, sister Emily and dog Marley in Suva, Fiji were so hospitable and kind and were able to make me feel right at home. I wish I could have stayed with them longer. It was a home away from home

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My flat on campus at Murdoch University was an apartment shared between 5 girls, and it was awesome to be able to have a kitchen. IT was different and refreshing in comparison to here that first year students were able to have a full apartment. It worked out well, and I was sad to leave!

* Food:

The food in Fiji and Australia was amazing!! I certainly put on a few pounds indulging in all the fresh and local foods, as well as the unique and amazing nearby restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had become immersed within Australian culture as well as other foreigners from the Middle East, Europe and Asia. It was a diverse and lovely mix of all different people

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I had to watch my spending, because certain things were a lot more expensive in Australia than in the U.S. I generally spent funds on food and travelling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy so much booze! And only buy what you need! Donate clothes!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Grade transfers
  • The country itself
* What could be improved?
  • Less Americans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is only what I knew at the time, and I have learned throughout the whole experience and I am happy with that.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'