Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Australia a learning and exploring experience. Past Review

By (Biology, General., Trinity University) - abroad from 02/26/2012 to 07/01/2012 with

Arcadia: Sydney -Sydney Internship Program Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I felt like I gained a great sense of independence, and I learned a lot about workplace environments from my internships. My experiences traveling around Australia and New Zealand were also some of the best things I did.

Review Photos

Arcadia: Sydney -Sydney Internship Program Summer Photo Arcadia: Sydney -Sydney Internship Program Summer Photo Arcadia: Sydney -Sydney Internship Program Summer Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Arcadia University University of Sydney
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Arcadia classes were all relatively easy while the University of Sydney class was much more challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My on-site administration was both good and bad. They were great for orientation and for one of the field trips. Also, the specific coordinator for the Sydney Semester program was good. However, the main Arcadia person for Sydney rarely got in touch with us and did not do all the activities they said were planned for us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were nice and close to the University. They were also conveniently located for many different things. They were mostly for international and study abroad students, though, so I did really see many Australian students.

* Food:

Food in Australia was very expensive, but there were many good restaurants, grocery stores, and markets nearby.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My housing was all with international students and other abroad students so I felt it was challenging to meet Australian students. However, I got to meet a lot of locals through my internships and experience the local culture through traveling and activities around Sydney. The Arcadia trip to Broome and Kimberly region was amazing and I found that to be one of the most culturally enriching experiences.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to get a Meningitis shot while abroad and it was a very simple easy process with University of Sydney. I arranged it myself without assistance from my program. I did not need any specific vaccines for my program and it did not have any prevalent health issues.

* Safety:

I felt that Sydney and Australia as a whole were very safe places to be in.

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)

Everything is extremely expensive in Australia. Between food, transportation, and activities it was very hard to stay on budget.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Including everything, I spent a lot each week. While I'm not sure the exact amount I would say between 50-100 dollars.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The easiest way to spend money is on alcohol because it is very expensive. I would suggest skipping some drinking days in order to save up for trips around Australia instead.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • I loved all the excursions and trips around Australia.
  • I also loved my internships which really helped to integrate me into Australian life.
* What could be improved?
  • The attention from the main Arcadia study abroad contact in Sydney. The person in charge of the Sydney Internship program, however, was very good.
  • I would like it if there was somehow a way to meet more local Australian students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much money I would be spending for personal expenses each week.

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.'