Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Australia is something that has to be experienced, not told. Past Review

By (Marketing., University of Mississippi) - abroad from 05/22/2013 to 07/07/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an appreciation for the culture, which I thought would be no different from that of the American culture. I gained respect and admiration for the way things are done and how Australians handle themselves in certain situations.

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.

The CAPA Program in Sydney is partnered with Australian Catholic University. Our classes were through this university, and so while we were living in Sydney we had access to the Library and other academic materials.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CAPA Sydney staff are incredible. Every time I went into the office they greeted me with a smile, even if I looked rough from a long day. They were incredibly helpful and kind during my time in Sydney.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed at the Meriton Apts. in Waterloo. They are more like penthouses than apartments. We had a full kitchen supplied with kitchen utensils, and a washing machine and dryer. There was a balcony and plenty of space for our clothes.

* Food:

Being in any country, you know that the food will not be the same as back home. With the price of the program came a weekly stipend. These meal cards allowed us to go next door to Coles where we bought food for the week.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated! The staff made an effort to merge us with the culture and one the first day we were given a plethora of information about what Australians do and don't do, so we could avoid the mistakes of being a tourist.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues.

* Safety:

Sydney is very safe. I never once felt like I was in danger, or in harms way.

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)

It's easy to live on a student's budget if you go with another student. My roommate and I combined our stipends and had no trouble having enough food for the week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30. Some days I would go out with my co-workers for lunch, or my roommate and I would go to dinner.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving now! Sydney has a very high cost of living, making everything very expensive in the city.

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 staff
  • The location (Sydney)
  • my Internship
* What could be improved?
  • The classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take advantage of every opportunity! Don't lay around all day, go and explore!

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.