Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Way to Experience the Sydney Film/Theater Scene Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/27/2019 to 07/22/2019 with

Boston University: Sydney Film Festival & Internship Program, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about where I best fit into the entertainment industry, how an entertainment company works and operates, how to talk to professionals and expanded my knowledge on Australian culture, politics, society and film.

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.

The course offered exactly what was listed. The professor was extremely qualified to take students through the Sydney Film Festival and teach about Australian Cinema being a working actor himself. Some days were slow, but that was expected as there was a lot of the film festival to squeeze in!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There was an ant problem in the kitchen area that was not addressed even though we went through the proper channels. They would get into our food and tea kettle. The "microwave oven" was not working as an oven, which was disappointing, but not detrimental.

* Food:

You have to buy and make your own food. There is a kitchenette provided, but the microwave oven did not work as an oven.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The internship is the best way to integrate.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Key cards are required to get into the building and there is security posted through the night to the early morning.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This was a fantastic program. From the film festival to my internship, I loved each second of it. I have made connections and friends as well as opportunities I would never have gotten otherwise such as seeing 23 movies, going to movie premieres, the opening and closing night galas of the SFF and top notch connections with great companies and working professionals. The professor was great and was able to provide a transparent look into the industry.

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)

Right now, USD is worth more than AUD, so it was relatively easy to pay for things, but you do need to buy cleaning supplies, some people needed to buy their own towels and pillows because the ones supplied were not satisfactory,

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Fridge your bread, pack your lunches, reuse take away tupperware

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • the film festival
  • the internship
  • the professor
* What could be improved?
  • the kitchen
  • opportunity for travel outside of Sydney
  • the internship class assignement
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had the class syllabus before going. I also wish they made it very apparent that I would not be able to travel outside of Sydney due to time restrictions before going so that I could have better planned my time and perhaps booked a later flight to explore Australia or New Zealand.

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!