My semester in WA was the most amazing outdoor experience of my life. Past Review

By Chloe H (Conservation Biology., Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/31/2013 to 11/01/2013 with

CIEE: Perth - Biology + Ecology Field Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I am much more comfortable in my major now and realize that environmental studies is exactly what I want to do with my life. It was absolutely worthwhile. I made meaningful connections, both personal and professional, that I hope to utilize in the future as I navigate through the rest of school and into my future career.

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

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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Prioritize the trips that are important to you. Shop smart, not what you know/are used to.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Other
* 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?	Having the opportunity to resesarch my favorite environment (coral reefs) as an academic challenge, rather than just as a personal one learning about animal ethics and how to conduct research on live animals in an appropriate way The feeling that I was being watched over by the program so that I even though I had enormous independence, I knew there was a slight crutch if I ever needed it.
* What could be improved?	class scheduling housing helping to integrate us into the local culture by introducing us to other Australians our age
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	How expensive Perth is

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 Avid Adventurer The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Conservationn Biology
Course Department:	Biology
Instructor:	Kate Rodger
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course was really interesting. We took field trips to the aquarium and Natural History Museum to learn about the new ecosystem we would encounter. We had a 2-week field research trip to southern Western Australia where we were introduced to the intricacies of studying live animals in their natural habitat. Kate was a great professor and knew her material well. She could answer almost any question, and if not, could direct us to someone who could. I participated much more in class than I do at Middlebury and found I enjoyed participating more in this environment. It was much more nurturing and supportive than my home institution and I feel I really learned much more from a more relaxed classroom setting. Assessments included a research paper, a field report, a final exam, and maintaining an academic blog.
Credit Transfer Issues:	The credit was pre-approved before I went abroad. I have not yet begun the process of having the course applied to my major.

Course Name/Rating:	Marine Biology
Course Department:	Biology
Instructor:	Jennifer Verduin
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course was really interesting. We took field trips to the aquarium and Natural History Museum to learn about the new ecosystem we would encounter. We had a 2-week field research trip to Ningaloo Reef in northern Western Australia. Jenn was a great professor and knew her material well. She could answer almost any question, and if not, could direct us to someone who could. I participated much more in class than I do at Middlebury and found I enjoyed participating more in this environment. It was much more nurturing and supportive than my home institution and I feel I really learned much more from a more relaxed classroom setting. This course was difficult to begin, but as time went on the students and professor began to understand each others' needs and the classroom vibe became much better. Assessments included a research paper, a field report, a final exam, and maintaining an academic blog.
Credit Transfer Issues:	The credit was preapproved before I left for abroad. I have not begun the process yet for having the class applied to my major.

Course Name/Rating:	Global and Regional Sustainability
Course Department:	Environmental Studies
Instructor:	Anne Matan and Talia Raphaely
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course was really interesting. We took numerous field trips to different institutions relating to local sustainability, such as the water company and waste management facilities. We also participated in a 3 day leadership seminar with masters students, which was challenging and quite honestly, not especially relevant to my interests in the environment. Anne and Talia were great professors and knew their material well. They could answer almost any question, and if not, could direct us to someone who could. I participated much more in class than I do at Middlebury and found I enjoyed participating more in this environment. It was much more nurturing and supportive than my home institution and I feel I really learned much more from a more relaxed classroom setting. Assessments included three papers, a presentation, a creativity project with presentation for the leadership seminar, and maintaining an academic blog.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No, the credit was preapproved.

Course Name/Rating:	Living and Learning Seminar
Course Department:	N/A
Instructor:	Paul Hollick
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was not especially challenging, but was interesting in that it made us question how we view our culture and cultures around the world. Field trips included a weekend trip to southern Western Australia to see an Aboriginal Cultural Center and the natural environment, a surfing lesson, and a historical tour of a prison. Paul was very knowledgeable and well-prepared. He readily listened to our opinions and even though he was teaching us a lot about his Australian culture, I really think we were able to teach him some things about our American one as well. I participated much more in this course than I do at Middlebury and found I enjoyed participating more in this environment. It was much more nurturing and supportive than my home institution and I feel I really learned much more from a more relaxed classroom setting. Assessments were heavily based on class participation and personal reflections to our experiences.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No, the credit was preapproved.