Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I Come From A Land Down Under Past Review

By (English, Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 02/15/2014 to 06/21/2014 with

CIEE: Perth - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I learned about Australia's colonial and aboriginal history and found a topic for my senior thesis.

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.

Same level of rigor if not easier than that at my home university. The professors were awesome, though I felt like there was too much emphasis placed on exams.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food was EXPENSIVE

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was difficult to get to know Australians, especially since I was living with mostly international students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had an ear infection which I went to two doctors about. My program didn't really assist me, which was fine. I could handle it myself. The first doctor did not prove helpful, however, and I feel like it was slightly difficult as an international student to navigate the healthcare system for the first time. Part of what made it difficult is that I had my health problem during a holiday long weekend and so the school health clinic was closed and I had to take the bus to an after hours doctor further away.

* Safety:

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)

Australia is Expensive. There is no avoiding that fact.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? At least 100, if not more considering I was paying about $40 a month for internet, around $60 a week for groceries, $25 a month for bus/train travel, around $20 a month for my cell phone, and then money for other outings
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the Freo Market for fruits and veggies

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The wildlife
  • Quokkas!
* What could be improved?
  • More activities to connect international students to the community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing that I can think of.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!