Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wollongong, Australia: Academically Challenging and Fun Past Review

By (Anthropology, Roger Williams University) for

Arcadia: Wollongong - University of Wollongong

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was already independent but now I think that I'm ready for more than that.

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.

I loved the educational experience although I feel I wasn't fully prepared for the level of independent study expected of students in Australia. Overall, it was awesome.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Strengths: Large program, challenging, very informative Weakness: Not as much traveling within the country as I would have liked.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

International House: No the prettiest neighborhood but it was safe. You're fifteen minutes walking distance from the university and the beach. The dorm is next to a train and bus station.

* Food:

Food was fair but next to no variety. You'll get tired of this stuff fast.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Periodic field trips! Hike Mt. Keira, see Jervis Bay, go to Canberra. It's fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Just be careful and you'll be fine.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you're a student who's not afraid to be far from home and needs an academic challenge then you'll do well here.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Intro to Indigenous Australia
Course Department: INDS150
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Amazing course. One of the best I ever took. I learned a lot not just about Aboriginal Australians and history but also about society and myself.
Credit Transfer Issues: No credit transfer issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Punishment: Purpose, Practice, Policy
Course Department: Soc244
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Worst class I have taken! The professor readily insulted Americans, the country in general, and genuinely did not seem to want to help the students. Do not take this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: Didn't bother transferring this credit. It wasn't worth it.