Australia: a country of endless opportunities Past Review
By Jackie K (Accounting, University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 04/26/2014 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia
I learned how independent I am. I was able to move to another country for 3 months and immerse myself into the culture and way of life. I have gained the most rewarding experience of seeing things I would have never imagined in a life time. You truly grow as an individual and it's amazing to see what you can do on your own.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes in this program were not hard, but you learn a lot. I was able to connect more with the Australian culture and get a better understanding of the place where I am living. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The timing of the CAPA program does not match up with the Australian school semester so your classes will not be taken with Australian students. You are taught at an on campus facility called Australian Catholic University and are welcome to use all of their resources which is extremely helpful. Also your professors are Australian and are also experts on anything you would like to know. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Meriton Waterloo was gorgeous. You are living in a serviced apartment complex, and have a maid service every week. It is in walking distance from grocery and convenient stores. Also there are bus and train stations close to the apartment in order to get to other places. |
| * Food: |
You are living in a serviced apartment and are provided with kitchen supplies with a nearby grocery store, so try and cook your own meals (it saves money). If you are keen on eating out there are a bunch of nearby restaurants where you can get any type of food you desire. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Having an internship while in Australia was very important to my experience of integrating with the culture. I was able to work Australians, and also experienced the local culture by working for a non-profit organization. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There is a clinic close to the apartment. CAPA staff is always on site and willing to help. You will have health insurance with the program. |
| * Safety: |
You live in a safe neighborhood (but that does not mean to not be aware of your surroundings). Travel with friends at night. |
| 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) |
Although the exchange rate is similar to the USD, the cost of living in Australia is high. Try to budget your spending. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat in, use your apartment to its advantage. Take advantage of CAPA MyEducation events because you are able to go on different excursions through that as well. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Make sure you budget your money. I was unaware of how much I was spending and went through a lot of money. You'll want to save it for traveling so choose what you want to do wisely. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
