Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Going Down Under was the BEST decision of my LIFE Past Review

By (Journalism., SUNY - College at Oswego) - abroad from 01/16/2012 to 04/18/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've gained so many life long friendships. I've adapted a laid back attitude from the Australians and learned not to stress over the small things. I've also made so many connections that will help me on in the future. It was definitely worthwhile and I wish I could do it all again!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

During my study abroad time I was both sick and hurt. Both times it was extremely easy to get checked out. When i was sick I just walked right into the doctors office, I was checked out, and given medicine all within 2 hours. When I hurt my foot my co-workers actually set me up with an appointment and I was seen that same day.

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It depended on the week but on average $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much money as you can now! If you know you are going to study abroad make sacrifices before you go. That means don't go to the bars every weekend or don't go crazy online shopping. The more money you have, the more opportunities you'll have while being abroad.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Australian Culture
  • My Job
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Prior information about each class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The Australian slang and terminology.

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.