Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Country, Decent Program Past Review

By (American Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 04/30/2015 with

Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Through traveling I learned a lot about being independent while exploring the world. I also learned a lot from the internship component of the program. I would say it was worthwhile and that I would do it again, if only for those components

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.

Especially compared to Brandeis, classes are a joke. If you go to class and pay attention there is no need to study for tests.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Lots of resources available, friendly and approchable admisitrators

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice apartment-style dorms, incredible location (right near central bus and train stations and Sydney Uni)

* Food:

Cooking for yourself -- lots of close supermarkets nearby

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since the program itself is entirely made up of Americans, you have to look for cultural integration. I definitely got in from my internship and traveling the country.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe. That being said, you're still in a big city so always be smart and aware of the situations you are in.

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)

Australia is expensive so budgeting is important, but as long as you follow it you should be fine.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to save money for travel!

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
* 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?
  • Location
  • Travel
  • Internship
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
  • Cultural Integration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing--everything was a learning experience.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.