Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing experience in such a laid-back and fun city! Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Boston University) - abroad from 05/23/2012 to 07/18/2012 with

Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living abroad taught me how narrow my scope of the world was before I came to Sydney, and I loved all the experiences I had and the people I met. The lifestyle and environment is completely different, and I hope I can go back again one day!

Review Photos

Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program Photo Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program Photo Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program Photo

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.

Classes were really easy, I didn't study much at all and still managed a good grade. My professor was funny and knowledgeable but a bit dull at times.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was great! They had great orientation events as well as a few other events throughout the time I was there, and they were always available to help. I loved my internship advisor!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing, given what we paid was pretty awesome. I know friends who have studied abroad in other countries through BU, and the accommodations in Sydney are the best.

* Food:

Food in Sydney itself was great, but the program did not provide any food. There were a couple dinners but that was it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved my boss and all the people I met at bars and clubs. I did wish I met more locals, taking classes with Americans and living with Americans limited my exposure

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't actually get sick while I was there, but there was a pharmacy and healthcare facility a few minute walk from our building. And the administration was really understanding if you weren't feeling well.

* Safety:

We lived in a fairly safe area, and I was never worried or scared.

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)

Sydney is incredibly expensive, because minimum wage is about double what it is in the US. Save beforehand, groceries/alcohol/drinks at clubs were all more expensive that an in the US.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? They send out a weekly newsletter with free/discounted events around the city, and Time Out Sydney is really helpful. Also, sign up for Groupon and Living Social deals for Sydney, they have some great ones for meals.

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?
  • My internship - I got to work near the Opera House!
  • The administration
  • The Australian "no worries" lifestyle
* What could be improved?
  • Stipend for food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try not to go only to the backpacker bars near the building - you have the whole city to explore!

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 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.