Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Truly a great experience Past Review

By (Marketing., University of Massachusetts Amherst) - abroad from 01/16/2013 to 04/22/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While abroad, I was more freely able to step out of my comfort zone, as high as 12,000 ft in the air, and as low as 60 ft in the waters below. I gained invaluable cultural awareness, experience, the knowledge to successfully live on my own, and the lasting sensation that I can do anything in the world I put my mind to. I highly recommend the program.

Review Photos

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CAPA Staff were immensely helpful during the length of the trip.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In the Meriton Serviced Apartments, you live like a king. The apartments are complete with 24 hour room service, full kitchen, multiple balconies, two bathrooms, a spacious living area- with large flat screen TV, and gym and sauna access.

* Food:

If you enjoy tasting food from multiple cultures, you will have no problem getting your fill in Sydney.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty immersed in the culture and lifestyle. The way of life, from the way you walk on the street, passing on the left instead of the right, to the subtle interactions and phrases you pick up.. it became a new normal.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The CAPA Staff took care of many outstanding issues students had during the trip- not that there was a lot, but still they made sure we were taken care of.

* Safety:

I feel very safe walking around Sydney. I spent plenty of nights walking the streets with no reason to be fearful of my surroundings.

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)

Obviously price is relative in a different culture, especially one with the economy of Australia, so it takes some time to adjust- however it was manageable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Each week? I'm not completely sure, but overall I spent at least $6000 not including program expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend your nights out at the bar all the time. Yes, its an experience, but the true worthwhile experiences that you will remember when you look back on your journey are the variety of places that you traveled to- not that one night at a bar. Many, many students spent too much money on alcohol- resulting in them not having money for other activities that I was able to take advantage of.

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 location
  • The price
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • The University associated with the program
  • The Internship placements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew all the great locations you can travel to on the ferry system so I could plan trips ahead of time.

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.