Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Mates for LIfe Past Review

By (SUNY - College at Oswego) - abroad from 08/24/2016 to 11/25/2016 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about being patient and exiting my comfort zone. I went snorkeling and site seeing in a jungle, something that a girl from Brooklyn, NY never thought she would do. I made friends with people who were different with me and reconnected with those who were similar. It was definitely a worthwhile trip despite the long journey.

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 teachers were great. I took creative classes such as writing and film. I also took Communications which gave me the opportunity to learn more about Sydney. Sometimes the syllabus was confusing and the GNL Collabs became difficult with students in another time zone.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CAPA was always there to help and answer questions especially Tamara. She helped resolve my roommate issues and always followed up with me on my life in general.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I feel as thought the housing could have been better. I was in a apartment with 7 other girls so privacy was never a thing. Also, we had to buy WIFI which was costly and not that fair. The rooms were cozy but got extremely cold and the front desk could not help with it.

* Food:

There was mostly Asian cuisine in the neighbourhood and the Dominos is definitely different! I was hoping to get traditional Aussie food but did not really. I had to cook for myself in the apartments and sometimes I was too tired to really go exploring.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel as though I integrated well with the local culture. I stumbled on some social norms like line skipping and the Opal card tap on and off but overall there was no issues. They are very friendly and just curious and want to know more about you.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had not problems with health and when I did I got insured!

* Safety:

I had no problems with safety even late at night with friends. I never felt unsafe at all.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I liked the CAPA program especially the internship part because it makes me stand out from other study abroad students. I had lots of free time and made friends with people from the US that I will never forget.

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)

Sydney is a very expensive place and it is easy to get caught up in food and shopping like I did. Groceries add up a lot and as someone who had to cook everyday with minimal fridge space sometimes I had to eat out. You also wanna travel and go places which also adds up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I suggest you budget and create a grocery list of things you are actually going to eat. I wasted a lot of food buying items of what I wanted and not needed. I would also say to unfortunately learn to say no sometimes so if it does not fall into your budget do not do it.

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 class choices
  • The internship component
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Classes with locals
  • Better housing
  • More clarity on the internship
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew that the classes were not with locals.

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 Urbanite
A 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.