BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE!!! Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Carson-Newman College) - abroad from 08/30/2012 to 11/30/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned how to be more independent. Doing and internship and making a lot of connections was the best part.

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.

Studying Abroad in Sydney was the best decision I have ever made.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Loved the staff. Everyone was extremely nice, and helpful with everything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Good location, and everything is provided.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Australia is very diverse as a country. I met people from many different countries that now call Australia their home. Everyone I met was always interested in my background information, mainly because I didn't "look" American.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was the very first person from the group to get hurt, and I had to go to the hospital on the 3rd day of the program. The paperwork for the insurance refund was simple and easy to complete.

* Safety:

I felt more safe In Australia then I do back home. I wasn't afraid to go anywhere by myself.

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)

Everything is expensive!!! but if you set a budget and actually follow it you will be fine.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $100 more dollars not including all the traveling i did.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Internship
  • classes and staff with CAPA
  • all the travel
* What could be improved?
  • more interaction with other Australian students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Travel as much as possible because this really is a once in a life time opportunity.