Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

You can't put a price tag on the most amazing college experience. Past Review

By (Public Relations, Business Management, SUNY - College at Oswego) - abroad from 01/18/2017 to 04/22/2017 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how important intercultural communication is both personally and professionally. The more you are exposed to the rest of the world's culture, the more open and adaptable you become to other's beliefs and ideas. I believe going abroad was one of the most valuable experiences I have been apart of thus far.

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.

CAPA provides each student with an abundance of resources. Every professor I came into contact with was always willing to help with any question I had. As for academic rigor, I was never overwhelmed by my assignments. Overall I was satisfied with the coursework throughout the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CAPA is a very hands-on program. Everyone employed through CAPA is open to answer any question you may have. They are helpful with academic work but they are also willing to provide you with any advice about your host country. I know my friends and I were always asking our professors where to eat or shop. One of our event coordinators of our program even helped me when I fractured my heel abroad. She attended a few of my hospital visits with me and was right by my side helping me answer questions about my international insurance. Without CAPA's host country administration I would have been completely lost when it came to my injury.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were housed in an Urbanest Apartment. There were eight students in each apartment. My closest friends throughout the semester were my roommates and my neighbors in Urbanest.

* Food:

We were responsible for our own groceries.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Unfortunately, living and taking class with all American students doesn't offer much of an opportunity to mingle with locals during your schedule. However, I interned through CAPA in the central business district and I was able to befriend my coworkers who were locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I fractured my heel while abroad and I was in and out of the hospital throughout my trip. With the GeoBlue insurance that CAPA sets you up with, you must pay all of your medical bills upfront. Then after you return to The States you can send in all of your medical receipts in order to receive a complete refund.

* Safety:

I felt completely safe in Sydney, no matter what time of day.

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)

Sydney is an expensive city. In the beginning of the semester I made a lot of my own meals to save money. However, toward the end I had enough extra money saved I was able to eat out a decent amount and go on a few extra side trips.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply to as many scholarships as you can!!

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
  • Internship
  • Opportunity for involvement as an alum
* What could be improved?
  • Price
  • More integration with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have gone abroad sooner in my college career so that I could go once more before I graduate!

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.