A Summer of a Life Time in Sydney Past Review
By Julie Baumgart (Butler University) - abroad from 05/24/2018 to 07/08/2018 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Sydney
I gained a whole lot of independence. I learned to travel on my own, survive in a foreign place on my own, and start my life from scratch. It was the most worthwhile college experience I've had yet.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had the chance to study in the beautiful Sydney Australia this past summer (2018), and had the time of my life. I was able to live right in the heart of the city, walking distance to Central Station. The transportation systems were so easy to use, that I spent almost every day on a bus or train exploring the city. From the Opera House, to Bondi, to the Rocks, there was never a day that went by that I didn't know what to do. CISabroad provided me with other students that shared the same interests I did, a University (USYD) to take classes, and incredible excursions set up to help immerse me into my new home. Our adviser in Sydney was so warm and helpful throughout our time; we're still in contact today! While I was only there for 6 weeks, my classes were all within the first three weeks of the trip. I had the last three weeks to travel and enjoy my time there. I took a train to Newcastle where I kayaked in the Hunter Wetlands National Park and took a plane to Cairns where I had the chance to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, swim in waterfalls, and ride motor scooters around the sugar cane fields and rain forests. Studying abroad was one of the best choices I've ever made, and I'm confident that my time in Sydney is not over. The 20 hour long plane ride was definitely worth it, and I'd be lucky if I could do it again! |
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? | 3,000 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make your own food, look up cheap flights, keep a budget |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do EVERYTHING. Go EVERYWHERE. Talk to EVERYONE. Leave the trip with no regrets. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
