Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Totally Koalafied Past Review

By (University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 05/22/2019 to 07/06/2019 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The greatest takeaway from my study abroad experience was the confidence that I feel when traveling. I've gone on trips with my parents before but never alone; traveling and navigating through Sydney on my own terms, however, has made me feel that I'm ready to take on any country now. I now know how to conduct myself in new cultures, quickly pick up the transportation systems, and understand my host-country on intimate terms, skills that weren't honed in on before this trip.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

So many pieces fell into place when it came to this program: the timing, the length of my visit, the academic opportunities provided, my internship placement, and availability of unique experiences throughout the city. I genuinely had the time of my life, both academically and socially, in which I bonded with a group of people having the same experience as me. I felt myself grow personally and professionally on this trip, and I've held the memories of this adventure close ever since.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Freedom when exploring the city
  • CAPA coordinated adventures
  • Availability in terms of support from administration team
* What could be improved?
  • More housing options
  • More group activities
  • More flexibility for choosing internship placement
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Honestly, adjusting to the time-zone shift during the first couple of weeks might've been the toughest part of this journey. Getting on the local schedule as soon as possible will make your life so much easier! Once that solved itself for me, I was able to get into a daily rhythm that held for my 6-week journey and made the adjustment much easier.

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.