Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great experience I highly suggest Past Review

By (Communications, University of Dayton) - abroad from 05/17/2018 to 06/28/2018 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how different America is from other countries. In Sydney, everyone is so fashionable and professional. Also, they have a much healthier lifestyle than we do in the US. I still make some of the food I was introduced to there, and would have never tried the different types of food here in America if it weren't for my trip

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 building was so convenient to our dorm. It was nice being with University professors and students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Urbanest was such a beautiful dorm. Such urban decor and very central to where we were in Sydney.

* Food:

The food in Sydney is amazing. It is much cleaner and healthier food than offered in the US and I really appreciated that.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people in Australia are so fashionable and well put together. I was so inspired by how fit and healthy the people there are.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

A bit more expensive than I was expecting, and prescribed a bit more medication than necessary

* Safety:

I always felt safe in Sydney. Known to be a safer city because of the ban on guns, I never even witnessed anyone stealing or showing violent behavior.

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

Not many people are able to travel to Australia, and my journey was definitely more unique than the typical Italy trip. People constantly ask me about my time and are so interested in that side of the world.

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, and many of of knew this going in. However, I would definitely not recommend traveling to Sydney to anyone watching their money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent $1,400 during the 6 week trip
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own food when possible, don't take taxi's, take Ubers.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Australia also speaks English

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? N/A

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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 beaches
  • The food
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • The workload
  • The internship course
  • Sick day policies
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How Australia actually gets cold in the winter

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.