Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was an amazing experience, filled with kangaroos, the beach, and good times. Past Review

By (International Business., Trinity University) - abroad from 06/21/2013 to 11/20/2013 with

Arcadia: Sydney - University of New South Wales

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was definitely worth while. I learned to relax and live life at a slower pace. However, if I could do it over again I would live with local students and use more money for traveling.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I loved the location of my housing, however I was told I would be living with international students and Australian students. However, I lived with 30 people, and all 30 were Americans.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By the end of my stay, I felt very integrated. However this wasn't due to my university or host program. UNSW is mostly international students who aren't very involved with on-campus life.

* 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? 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)

Australia was extremely expensive. I had to use very tight budgeting to get by, which was very difficult at times.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150-175 / week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food at the local grocery store and make sure you are living somewhere where you can cook for yourself. Going out to eat is really expensive.

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?
  • Housing location
  • Local advisors
* What could be improved?
  • More optional activities while you're there
  • Suggestions for traveling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I was going to need a lot more money than I had.

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.