Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Experience Of My Life June 27, 2026

By (Chapman University) - abroad from 07/14/2025 to 12/31/2025 with

Arcadia: Sydney - Macquarie University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Sydney was one of the most worthwhile experiences I've ever had. Living in Australia taught me how to be independent in a way I had never experienced before—from figuring out public transportation and traveling solo to building a life halfway across the world. Through my marketing courses at Macquarie University, I gained a more global perspective on business, while weekends were spent exploring places like the Blue Mountains, the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, and running the City2Surf race. Some of my favorite memories were the simple ones, like learning to grocery shop in a new country, finding my favorite coastal walks, and making friends from all over the world. The experience pushed me outside my comfort zone every day, gave me confidence that I can adapt anywhere, and ultimately inspired my goal of returning to Australia after graduation to live and work there.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

The people, the place, the experience -- I never wanted it to end.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • packing lists
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Stress the fact that it was gonna be cold and rainy

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.