Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great time in Australia but my program was not the right one for me. July 13, 2025

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/14/2025 to 06/22/2025 with

Arcadia: Sydney - University of Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and also a lot about Australian culture.

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

I had a religious and dietary accommodation that the staff did not communicate with me that they could not assist me with. In the end I was forced to go on a weekend getaway with nothing more than a chocolate bar and 3 granola bars that I could eat, only being told that they could not accommodate me when I met with the rest of the group.

* 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? No

As I said before, they (Arcadia) were horrible at communication, not telling the students what the schedule was. They also told me that I would have to fend for myself in terms of food accommodation only after meeting up with the rest of the orientation group.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • My housing accomodation
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!