Expensive but a well worth experience. Past Review
By Emily G (Undeclared, Trinity University) - abroad from 05/27/2015 to 07/11/2015 with
Arcadia: Sydney - University of Sydney
I wish I could have had more opportunities to meet locals, outside of the bar/club scenes.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| 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 classes were only held on Mondays and usually for 4-6 hours! Though long and exhausting, the class was usually split into two sections: an in class learning portion and a field trip to somewhere around Sydney. The instructor was AMAZING; I have never met any teacher so dedicated to his students and their lives/interests. While some class days were long and drawn out, it is hard not to feel interested with whatever is being talked about when the teacher is so enthusiastic and awesome. The assignments were laid back and easy, less about grading you and more focused on the experienced you had received out of the pertinent topic. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
While all the administrators were really nice, they were SO disorganized and very last minute. Nobody was ever really clear on whether this was because of the individuals in charge, or the way of the Australians. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great roommates, fantastic location and wonderful rooms. Everything needed for short term Sydney citizens. |
| * Food: |
Sydney had fantastic food options. Unfortunately groceries and going out are more expensive than the U.S., so prepare for that. Also, most places do not split checks for some reason, so you end up having to pay for everyone and have them pay you back. Super unfortunate! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Besides some different dialect, fitting in with the culture was quite simple. It is just important to remain aware of your surroundings and try to fit in without pissing off the locals! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I found it super safe and I was very comfortable in the city. |
| 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) |
Super difficult to live on a student budget because everything is SO expensive. Especially if you are going to bars and clubs- simple mixed drinks can be up to $20 a glass! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how secluded our American group would be from meeting local Australians. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA 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. |
