The non-academic parts of this study abroad were amazing Past Review
By Julie B (Environmental Sciences and Architectural Studies, Tufts University) for
CIEE: Perth - Arts and Sciences
Oh my goodness yes. I definitely gained some more self-awareness that was much needed. No matter what, though, the people that I met were the most important factor in my experience. They were amazing and made everything so much better than it ever could have been without them
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics of Murdoch University were definitely not the highlight of my abroad experience |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our program directors, Paul Hollick and Isabella Jennings (environmental), were amazing and supportive people. We were all really lucky to be able to count on them during our time in Australia. CIEE helped us do some great things that other study abroad students did not get to do |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We lived in the Murdoch University Student Village. It wasn't exactly ideal but wasn't the worst either. I'd say it was a slightly crap college dorm with apartment style living. The location was great though <br /><br /> I would have liked to live in a nicer place, but I don't think it really could have happened that way |
| * Food: |
Australia is not exactly known for its culinary arts, but I ate well. The kitchens in the student village were pretty pitiful in terms of appliances, however |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone was amazing and so were the activities we did. I loved every minute of the non-academic aspect of my program and my life at Murdoch |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Paul and Isabella were really great support systems for us. I know they were extremely involved and willing to do anything for the students, especially in regards to our personal safety and health |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It's pretty expensive there! I would say I spent around $35 a week on groceries. Alcohol is especially expensive, beer usually costing upwards of $1 a bottle when bought in bulk. A dinner out would be minimum $15 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would just say you should realize that it's a lot more expensive there and the falling dollar did not help matters at all at the end of my stay. Try to get a job! |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't bring so much of anything except money! Don't expect to party like you would on the East side of Aus. Be prepared to come away with some wicked WA pride. |
