Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Decision Ever Past Review

By (TVF, California State University - Los Angeles) - abroad from 07/15/2014 to 11/30/2014 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Newcastle - Semester in Newcastle

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the Australian culture and what it was like to live in different countries. I also learned how easy it is to make friends of different cultures and that Australia is actually quite diverse, especially in the cities. I gained the independence and sense of leadership skills by planning different weekend trips around Australia. It was totally worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

I lived on campus in the self-catered Edward's Hall (Go Ted's!)

* Food:

I did't get to experience how food on campus tasted, but Australian food is really good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had health care, but I never needed to use it.

* Safety:

I felt safe, but I always had a travel buddy when I went somewhere.

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)

The cost of living is higher there, but if you do sufficient planning, you should have enough money to live and travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can after paying the program fee and check frequently for student saving websites/ deals. Also, get the fruit and veggie basket from NUSA if you go to UON, it's a great deal for a lot of different fruits and veggies.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Living on Campus with Aussies
  • Orientation on the Gold Coast
  • Meeting new people
* What could be improved?
  • Have an acceptance earlier, so we can book our flights and save money
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the cost of living in Australia was higher, that way i could have saved more money and traveled to more places.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'