Most Incredible Experience of My Life Past Review
By Mollie W (Elementary Education with Early Childhood Add-on, Anderson University) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 11/30/2012 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia
I learned to become independent. I have always lived close to home, so being so far away was a big stretch for me. Learning the transportation and my way around this huge city was such an accomplishment for me, and allowed me to realize that I am independent and capable of being on my own. It was completely worthwhile and I would go back in a heartbeat if I could.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes that I took were not necessarily hard, but I did learn a lot about Sydney and the culture! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The CAPA staff was incredibly friendly and helpful during my time in Sydney. They answered any questions and encouraged us to come to come to their office anytime. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartments that we stayed in were very nice, and we had room service which was a major plus. I got very spoiled in our living arrangements in Sydney. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Most of the integration I got was through my internship. There was not a lot provided to meet Australians, but we did it on our own. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was never scared during my time in Sydney. Even in the train stations or at the bus stops late at night, I felt completely safe. Everything was clean and people were friendly. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I spend much more than I should have while I was abroad, but I do not have any regrets. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Between $150 and $300 each week on a normal basis |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't be too hard on yourself, and don't be unrealistic. You're in another country- go out and enjoy! But also, spend money on activities and memories more than food. You won't remember what you ate, but you will always remember the experiences you had. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known to pack a little lighter so I could have more room for souvenirs! I also wish I had realized that we would be taking classes with all Americans. That is something we were told, but for some reason I did not fully grasp until we were over there. The last thing I wish I had known before leaving was how hard it was to come back. I thought I would be ready to leave and go home, but I was not and I still wish I was back there! |
