Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experiences in Australia! Past Review

By (Asian Studies, n/a) - abroad from 07/07/2014 to 08/15/2014 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Sydney - Intern in Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I greater appreciation for the prices in America. However, I learned a lot about Australia especially in regards to language. Even though it is a English speaking country it was interesting learning the differences between American and Australian differences.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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? No

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 a expensive place to live in, so it was a bit difficult budgeting for food and whatnot.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $100 or so.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just be prepared for the cost differences. I didn't expect things to cost as much as they did.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • The sites and scenery. Australia is a beautiful country.
  • The shops and cafes.
* What could be improved?
  • The location of the hotel. It was a little far from downtown Melbourne.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The costs or prices of food. :)

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.'