Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Can I Go Back Now? Past Review

By (Elementary And Special Education, Anderson University) - abroad from 08/29/2012 to 11/30/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Sydney through CAPA International was so worthwhile! It opened my eyes to another culture and further developed me into an independent person. I was able to maneuver through the various modes of transportation all over the city, which gave me confidence. I was so proud when I could give other people directions to places. Sydney became my home.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

The housing was incredible! They were serviced apartments that provided house keeping once a week. I want to go back to live there!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick a couple times while I was in Australia, and I had no difficulty receiving the medicine and treatment that I needed. There was a doctor's office a block from where I was living that charged $50 per visit. It was covered by CAPA International's insurance. The CAPA workers were so sweet and would call to check up with me to see how I was feeling. I felt taken care of!

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe while walking around the city. Of course, you have to be smart and not walk around by yourself at night. Australia is known for its safety, but that does not mean that you should disregard your common sense.

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 very expensive in Australia, so it is very important to be able set up a personal budget system. It's good to keep in mind that the prices are much higher.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set up a budget system that only allows you to spend a certain amount of money each week. Little things, like coffee, will add up. It's important to make a list of all of the big things that you want to do to make sure that you have enough money.

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 opportunities in Sydney
  • The apartments and location of it
  • Overall setting of Australia
* What could be improved?
  • Distribution of meal cards all at one time instead of weekly
  • More help during research projects for classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would've been more prepared for the weather. For the fall semester, the seasons are changing from spring into summer. I was under the impression that it was going to be summer and hot the entire time that I was there, but that is not true. It was much colder than expected at the beginning of the trip, which I was not prepared for.

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.