Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Australia was an amazing experience Past Review

By (Marketing., Providence College) - abroad from 02/11/2013 to 06/30/2013 with

Arcadia: Sydney - Macquarie University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself while I was abroad. I learned how to be independent, to make monetary decisions for myself, make new friends and to experience a new culture. If I could do it again, I would in a second. However, I would choose a different university. As much as I enjoyed my time here at Macquarie University, it was very far from the city, and I would have much rather been closer.

Review Photos

Arcadia: Sydney - Macquarie University Photo Arcadia: Sydney - Macquarie University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although it depends on the courses you take, the teaching style in Australia is quite different than that of Providence College. The teachers are much more laid back and ask you to do work and learn much of the curriculum on your own.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The original house I was placed in was horrendous, absolutely disgusting. However, I was switched immediately to a much cleaner house and I appreciate how quickly the staff at Macquarie University helped me with my discomfort.

* Food:

We do not have a meal plan while living in The Village at Macquarie. We had a full kitchen in our houses, therefore, we went to the local grocery store, Woolworths. The food is extremely expensive here!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in The Village, we were housed with Americans, however, there were only a few Australians that lived around us. We made a few friends that were Australian, however, we were not as integrated as those that chose to live in Dungmore Lang College.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There was an incident that occurred in the beginning of the semester to a student, however, the university quickly dealt with the situation and made the area much safer. Since then, I have felt extremely safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

This place is EXTREMELY expensive. No matter how hard you try, there is no way you will spend less than at least $5,000 here.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? at least $100 if not more
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? - have a group of people buy food together and cook together, this will cut food prices in half each week - plan trips WAY prior to when you want to take them... the flying costs skyrocket as you get closer - take advantage of the sales on Jetstar, for example, they have them weekly and they can save you a lot of money if you are looking to fly somewhere

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Kendal and Katrina- amazing leaders!
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation location for the program
  • trips included with the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How far away the city was from this university and how much money I would have to spend while I was here

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.