Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best experience of my life. Past Review

By (Communications, Providence College) - abroad from 01/16/2013 to 05/02/2013 with

Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Most worthwhile experience. I made amazing friends and had the opportunity to explore the world. I learned so much about myself and realized I can do so much on my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The BU Sydney administration was amazing. They were so helpful and always available to talk. I've never felt so comfortable with an administration before in my life.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The BU Sydney apartments are beautiful. Each person has their own room and I was placed with great roommates.

* Food:

No meal plan available

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With my internship, I felt immersed in the Australian culture. Within in the program, there were only American students, which was unfortunate.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There are doctors offices close by. Getting insurance was a pain. The administrators were available to help set up appointments and with any other issues.

* Safety:

Security guard at the building at night. Never felt unsafe.

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)

Very difficult. Australia is very expensive. You really need to plan out your spending wisely.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Spent about $150 a week, if I didn't need to buy groceries.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan your trips early, then budget your weeks.

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 location
  • The people/administration
  • The internship
* What could be improved?
  • Meal plan
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew or better understood how expensive Australia is as a country.

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.